Bridgestone and Merityre Encourage Drivers to ‘Be a Road Safety Hero’ at Abingdon Waitrose
Bridgestone, in partnership with Merityre, are urging drivers to take a few simple safety measures ahead of the summer holidays, after a tyre checking event in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, revealed that more than 40% of cars inspected required further attention.
The call to action follows a successful safety day at Waitrose Abingdon with Ock Street based Merityre on Saturday July 12th, which marked the continuation of ‘Be a Road Safety Hero’ community events Bridgestone have hosted in different places across the UK over the past 2 years.
Of the 54 vehicles inspected during the day, eight were found to require urgent attention for at least one tyre. An additional 15 were flagged for follow-up consultations, where drivers were advised to keep a close eye on their tyres over the coming months. In total, 41% of vehicles checked showed signs of tyre wear or potential safety concerns that warranted immediate or near-future attention, and Waitrose Abingdon was praised for embracing the event and allowing the checks to be made.
With more traffic expected on the roads over the coming weeks as families prepare for their summer holidays and lengthy road trips, Bridgestone and Merityre are encouraging all drivers in to spend a few minutes checking their tyres before they embark on their getaways.
Dene Arnold, Director of Merityre, said: “It was eye-opening to see how many vehicles needed immediate or follow-up attention. That’s why raising awareness about tyre safety is so vital and why events like this are so important. We’re proud to work alongside Bridgestone to support our local communities.”
As well as safety checks, the team handed out special tyre tread trolley tokens and postcards to reinforce the simple message that motorists’ tyres are the only points of contact between their cars and the road - and each one is no bigger than a postcard.
Helen Roe, Senior Marketing Manager at Bridgestone UK, added: “We had nearly 200 meaningful conversations with motorists in Abingdon, many of whom hadn’t thought about the safety implications of worn or underinflated tyres. Our aim is to help everyone understand why tyre safety really matters and take small steps to stay safe on the road.
“Regularly checking pressure and tread depth could be the difference between a safe journey and a serious incident.”
For some simple tyre safety tips for drivers and ways to stay safe on roads this summer, visit https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/
Media information: For more information about this press release, or if you have any more questions, please call Ben Smallman at Ben Smallman PR on +44 (0) 7833 463195 or email ben@bensmallmanpr.com.
About Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Bridgestone EMEA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions.
Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMEA employs more than 14,000 people and conducts business in 35 countries across the region.
Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business.
Bridgestone’s ‘Become a Road Safety Hero’ provide Ease, by bringing comfort and peace of mind to mobility life and Extension, by committing to nonstop mobility and innovation that keeps people and the world moving ahead.
For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit our newsroom and www.bridgestone.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Merityre
Founded in 1961, Merityre Specialists Ltd is one of the UK’s leading independent tyre and auto service retailers. With 24 branches across the Home Counties and a head office in Andover, Hampshire, Merityre has built a trusted reputation over more than six decades. With a strong focus on excellence, customer care and community engagement, Merityre continues to set the standard in the tyre and automotive service industry.
Still a family-run business, Merityre combines traditional values with modern technology to deliver a full tyre service for cars, vans, and 4x4s. In addition to tyres, the company provides a wide range of auto services including batteries, exhausts, brakes, air conditioning, MOT testing, and vehicle servicing at selected branches.
For more information about Merityre, visit www.merityre.co.uk