A recent survey carried out by the UK’s leading online tyre retailer, Blackcircles.com, found that 62% of UK motorists are putting their lives at risk by not carrying out tyre checks at the recommended level of once per month.
The shock results also revealed that 12% of motorists have never checked their tyres while young drivers, in particular, 16-24 year olds, were the group who were most likely not to check their tyres.
Worryingly, the statistics come as police forces and motoring organisations note the devastation caused by neglected and defective tyres can cause. According to Brake, the UK’s road safety charity, everyday nine people are killed and nearly ten times as many are seriously injured in road accidents.
Renowned for being one of the most dangerous months of the year for drivers, the survey by Blackcircles.com highlights the huge difference that UK motorists can make to improving the safety of our roads by regularly checking the one thing which physically keeps their vehicle on the road – their tyres.
Managing Director, Michael Welch of Blackcircles.com said: “The most frustrating thing about this is that motorists are aware of what they should be checking in order to make sure their vehicle is safe. 93% of people identified one of the top three things that should be checked which are tyre pressure, inner and outer walls of the tyre and tyre tread depth.
“The saddening fact is that it is not just the motorist at risk. If a driver loses control it is innocent pedestrians and other motorists’ safety that is being jeopardised too.”
Accidents and fatalities can easily be avoided. It doesn’t take long to visually inspect your tyres before you travel and nearly all garages have air facilities to ensure your tyres are at the correct pressure.
“The penalties handed out to motorists because of failure to spot that they have a defective tyre are quite astonishing. People are literally throwing their money away. If tyres are underinflated, not only is it damaging your tyres and shortening its lifespan, it’s also less fuel efficient.”
The top five things motorists should be checking on their tyres are: tread depth, tyre pressure, the overall condition of the tyre and for any visual signs of damage, wheel alignment and that your spare wheel is fit for its purpose.
Launched in 2001, Blackcircles.com delivers low cost tyres to around 200,000 motorists a year and is able to deliver up to 40% off a person’s normal purchase of tyres. Under the Blackcircles.com model customers buy online and have their tyres fitted at their local independent garage at no extra cost.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Alan Garland
The BIG Partnership
Tel: 0773 9299360/ 01592 643200
E-mail: alan.garland@
Victoria Paterson
The BIG Partnership
Tel: 07515 665420/ 01592 643200
E-mail: victoria.paterson@
Notes to editors
• The survey was conducted by Blackcircles.com amongst a nationally representative sample of UK adults aged 16+.
• Blackcircles.com is a nationwide tyre retailer that can save customers an average of 40% on their normal purchase of tyres.
• Blackcircles.com was launched in 2001 as a revolutionary new way of buying tyres. Through either the company website or call centre service, customers can choose the type of tyres they want and have them fitted at their local independent garage at a time which is convenient to them. The group now offers extensive mobile tyre fitting services making the process even more convenient for the customer.
