THE TYRE BLOWOUTS
THIS IS HOW MANY ROAD ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED BY FAULTY TYRES
M ORE than 10 road accidents a week are caused by illegal, defective or under inflated tyres.
Data from the Department for Transport shows that some 550 accidents were caused by tyre problems in 2016 the most recent year available.
But that’s actually the lowest figure on record.
Data goes back as far as 2012, when some 765 road accidents were caused because of tyre defects. That fell to 656 in 2013 but climbed to 714 in 2014. By 2016, though, it had fallen to the 550 accidents. Car tyres are illegal if their tread depth is below 1.6mm. Defective tyres include those that don’t fit properly, have exposed cord, or have lumps and bulges. Under inflated tyres are those that aren’t inflated to the vehicle manufacturer and tyre manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
If pressure is low then too much of the tyre’s surface touches the road, increasing friction. This causes tyres to overheat, and can lead to premature wear and tyre bursts.
There were eight fatalities in 2016 because of tyre defects.
A further 120 serious accidents were caused by tyres, as were 422 slight accidents.
Tyre requirements differ depending on vehicle type but official guidelines recommend that they are checked every week.
TyreSafe is a charity campaigning for better regulation of tyres. A spokesperson said:
“Tyres are constantly in contact with the road, making them one of the most important parts of the vehicle. This includes coming into contact with potholes as these can severely damage the tyres.
“Three routine checks can make all the difference and if carried out by drivers before they take a vehicle on the road they would reduce their risks of an incident. If used, the acronym ACT - air pressures, condition, tread – will not only decrease risks to drivers and other road users but also save companies and organisations unnecessary bills. “Although some motorists may choose to run their tyres despite knowing they are defective and dangerous, we do not believe all motorists are putting their families at risk intentionally by driving with defective tyres, but sometimes it is a case of lack of awareness.”