Road users across Sussex are being urged to check their tyres this autumn

This year’s annual October-long Tyre Safety Month, championed by TyreSafe, is asking motorists ‘What’s Stopping You?’; as the only point of contact between the road and vehicle, tyres are crucial for safe and effective breaking and cornering, with regular maintenance checks vital for a safe and effective journey. The campaign raises awareness of the importance of tyre maintenance in a bid to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured as a result of tyre-related incidents on the UK’s roads.

Regular tyre safety checks reduce the risk of an incident while on the roads, yet research has shown an estimated 1 in 5 drivers have never checked the tread on their tyres, with the number rising to 1 in 3 among young drivers, despite the fact that every year 170 people are killed or seriously injured in tyre-related incidents. To educate motorists on the importance and benefits of tyre safety, Sussex Safer Roads Partnership are supporting TyreSafe’s campaign, with dedicated education and engagement with the public throughout October.

Sergeant Richard Hornsey, of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, said: Our priority is to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the roads of Sussex. This campaign is an opportunity to continue to educate road users on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance checks, looking for any wear, damage or under-inflation that could affect the handling and safety of your vehicle. If your tyres are not properly maintained they could contribute towards a collision, ultimately putting your life, and that of others, at risk. Poorly maintained tyres can also lead to increased fuel consumption. Whilst we are primarily here to educate the public, anyone found to be driving with illegal tyres could face three penalty points on their licence and a fine of up to £2500 per tyre.”

All tyres should have a tread depth above the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm to ensure the tyre remains in contact with the road in the wet. As part of your routine tyre checks, road users are advised of the following:

• The 20p test is a quick way to check tread depth – place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves at three points across the tyre then repeat around its circumference. If the outer band of the coin is visible, the tyres may be unsafe or illegal and should be checked by a tyre professional
• Most manufacturers display a vehicle’s correct tyre pressures inside the filler cap or driver’s door pillar as well as in the owner’s manual. Different figures are given for normal loads and when fully laden
• While you’re checking pressures, look at the tyre’s condition. If you see any lumps, bumps or objects stuck in your tyre, you need to get the tyre inspected. If objects like stones are wedged in the tread, remove them if you can

For more about TyreSafe and Tyre Safety Month visit www.tyresafe.org