A joint campaign to raise awareness of tyre safety in Ireland is being organised by the Irish Tyre Industry Association, Road Safety Authority (RSA ) and An Garda Síochána.
It will run during National Road safety Week from October 3 to October 9, building on the success of last year which reported increased numbers of customers availing of a free tyre safety check. In addition specific roadside checks for tyres will take place.
The upcoming campaign will highlight the benefits of tyre maintenance to the motoring public, focusing on the improved safety; improved car handling and braking; longer tyre life and a reduction in CO2 emissions which helps the environment.
Road Safety Authority personnel will distribute tyre safety leaflets to motorists and urge them to check regularly with their local ITIA member on the condition of their tyres.
The ITIA member directory has been updated this year to make it easy for consumers to locate their nearest expert, and all activities will drive traffic to the newly designed directory.
Speaking on the campaign launch, ITIA chief executive Sue O’Neill says all its social media activity and advertising will drive traffic to this directory.
"During Road Safety Week we receive lots of calls from consumers asking for their nearest ITIA expert and the updated website now provides quick and easy access which is a real plus for our members."
The campaign will launch next month across press, social media, and radio, inviting all motorists to call into their local ITIA dealer for a free tyre safety check.
“Road Safety Week is an excellent opportunity to help road users understand the importance of regular tyre maintenance and inspection, and this will be echoed by our members through campaign material on their premises and across their social media channels,” O’Neill says. “Members will receive campaign assets that they can use to help support the campaign and help increase traffic to their business.”
The ITIA and its members will be supported by the RSA and An Garda Síochána with roadside checks educating drivers on road safety as well as monitoring compliance.
A key focus for Road Safety Week this year will be driving for work. This involves a risk not only for the driver, but also for fellow workers and members of the public, such as pedestrians and other road users.
Driving for work includes any person who drives on public roads as part of their job, in a company vehicle, or in their own vehicle with an allowance from their employer for driving expenses. The message to all will be that driving for works starts with a safe vehicle.
The ITIA will also advise on the importance of tyre maintenance as part of a driver management system and will provide advice to both drivers and employers on how to best manage their tyres. The advantages of tyre management for safety and cost saving will be promoted.
“As well as saving lives, regular attention to the condition of tyres will deliver cost savings and fuel efficiencies,” O’Neill ssays. “For example, a tyre that is underinflated by 20 per cent can increase fuel consumption by up to three per cent, and with the rising cost of fuel these days it will surely be important for any fleet manager to ensure they have a regular maintenance plan in place to check potential issues with their tyres.”
