Over a third of UK motorists still not checking tyres as half term approaches
• Bridgestone issuing tyre safety rallying call as half term approaches following results in their recent motorist survey
• 50% of motorists still unaware of the legal tyre tread limit, according to latest research
• 35% of motorists never think about checking their tyres at all
Bridgestone is issuing a road safety plea ahead of the May half term, after its latest survey revealed that over a third of drivers in the UK won’t think to check their tyres - and half don’t know the legal tread limit.
With many schools being out from Monday (27th May) and more families expected to embark on longer road trips, Bridgestone’s questionnaire amongst 2,000 drivers1 highlighted a concerning disconnect between the acknowledged importance of tyre safety and the actual practices of vehicle owners.
The Bridgestone results tie in with a recording of and estimated 152 fatalities or serious accidents due to defective tyres in the last 12 months2 and there being an estimated 6.1 million illegal tyres on Britain’s roads each year2.
In total, 50% of motorists were unaware of the legal tyre tread limit of 1.6mm, while 35% confessed to never thinking about checking their tyres at all. Of those motorists who did admit to checking their tyres, 61% said they do so less than once a month.
Encouragingly, the survey suggested that there is an awareness amongst motorists around the importance of tyre safety, even if best practices and good tyre husbandry isn’t being adhered to by the majority. Sixty-eight per cent of participants considered safety extremely important when purchasing new tyres, but 59% also said that price and value for money were extremely important factors in their decision making.
Bridgestone’s North Region Vice President Andrea Manenti said: "These survey results remind us of the need for increased education and awareness about tyre maintenance among British motorists,"
“While it's heartening to see that a significant number of drivers acknowledge the importance of safety when buying new tyres, it's equally important to ensure they are maintaining their tyres properly to keep themselves and others safe on the road.
“They are the only contact points between the car and the road surface, so a bit of time checking the treads and pressures can be all the difference between stopping safely and encountering a potentially dangerous incident.”
Bridgestone is committed to promoting tyre safety through a number of campaigns, including educational activities and free tyre check events. The company is urging motorists to follow these simple steps to improve tyre safety:
- Regular Inspections: Check tyre pressure and tread depth at least once a month and before long journeys.
- Understand Legal Limits: Become familiar with the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm and ensure that each tyre meets this requirement.
- Seek Professional Advice: Have tyres inspected by a professional if motorists are unsure about their condition or if any damage is noticed.
Bridgestone is encouraging drivers to spread the word to their friends and loved ones, about the importance of your tyres to stay safe on the road with their campaign “Become a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero”, where they provide a digital postcard, reminding drivers that contact to the road is the equivalent to the size of four postcards and it is important to check your tyres regularly. Click here
Bridgestone’s road safety research represents part of its mission to continue to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. It also embodies Bridgestone’s E8 Commitment – a set of eight areas (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, Empowerment) which provide a compass to guide their strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business and operations.
Bridgestone’s road safety research provides 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 tyre safety and ways to stay safe on roads, visit https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/
1. Research carried out online by Research Without Barriers (January 2024) comprising 2,000 UK car owners. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2019). RWB is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and complies with the DPA (2018).
2. Tyresafe.org 2023 Stats Tyre Safety the Case for Action
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. Alternatively, please contact Helen Roe at helen.roe@bridgestone.eu
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.
For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit our newsroom and www.bridgestone.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.