A lack of basic car safety knowledge could be putting millions of UK drivers at risk of being in an accident, according to a new survey. Shockingly, only 42 percent of motorists knew what the legal tread limit is, underlining the gap in tyre safety awareness.
Tyres typically lose air naturally, usually at a rate of up to two PSI (pound per square inch) every month, with drivers being encouraged to check them regularly.
With regular checks, the driver can ensure the life of the tread is prolonged and also improves fuel efficiency, potentially up to 20 percent.
Tyre tread on cars must be at a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around its entire circumference.
Motorists can use a tyre pressure gauge or even a 20p coin to measure the tread. If the outer band of the 20p coin is covered when inserted, the tread is above the legal limit.
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Only 14 percent of motorists described tyres as the most crucial safety feature on their cars.
Andrea Manenti, Bridgestone’s North Region Vice President, told Express.co.uk that lives continue to be put at risk because of the lack of basic tyre safety knowledge.
He added: “The survey indicated there seems to be a lack of understanding of the critical role that tyres play on a car and we at Bridgestone are determined to bring this to the forefront of minds.
“For example, the research also revealed that only 46 percent of motorists would call out a friend if they knew they were driving on illegal tyres, when the very act of doing this could be the difference between life and death.”
Motorists have been reminded that cars equipped with “budget tyres” can take an extra 14 metres to stop in wet conditions when driving at 70mph.
This is compared to cars with “premium brand tyres”. Other factors including the tread can also affect stopping distances.
Under-inflated tyres will also have an impact on stopping distances as will cars with poorly maintained brakes.
Mr Manenti continued, saying that he was not unduly shocked by the results from the road safety survey.
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He said: “We appreciate that not all motorists are aware of the significance of their tyres and the importance of maintaining them.
“That’s why Bridgestone is highlighting the importance of tyres to drivers and how crucial they are in terms of road safety.
“We’ll aim to change attitudes through education campaigns and initiatives, with a reminder that it only takes a matter of seconds to check tread depths and pressure levels.
“Tyre awareness remains a huge issue in regards to road safety, but not an insurmountable one and we’ll be doing all we can to keep the issue of tyre safety at the forefront of motorists’ minds.”
The research also found that more than half of all motorists don’t believe that driving on illegal tyres is an extremely dangerous act.
If a person is found to be driving with tyres below the legal tread depth limit, they could face serious consequences as well as a heightened risk of getting in an accident.
Motorists can receive a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre, for a total punishment of £10,000 and 12 points on their licence.
Only 31 percent of people admitted that they are “definitely” well informed on road safety matters, even though just 12 percent check their tyres once a fortnight.
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