Tyre association launches Tyre Safety Awareness Week

14 October 2001: Almost half of all drivers wait too long before changing their tyres. This is the message of the Irish Tyre Industry Association in launching its Tyre Safety Awareness Week, which runs from 22nd to 27th October. A recent ITIA survey at depots revealed that 46% of tyres brought in for change were below the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm. As part of the campaign, all 180 ITIA dealers across the country will provide free tyre checks to drivers at their depots.

"This latest research shows the safety message is still not getting through to drivers," says Jack Farrell, Chief Executive, Irish Tyre Industry Association. "A survey conducted last year produced very similar findings. Despite National Car Testing and the ongoing carnage on our roads, motorists continue to exhibit extraordinary neglect – even irresponsibility - when it comes to tyres."

On a wet road the stopping distance of a car with tyres with tread depth of 1.6mm – the legal limit - can be twice that of car on new tyres. "Clearly, allowing tyres to go below this legal limit is really dicing with death – yet this survey indicates thousands of motorists are doing it," says Mr Farrell.

As part of the campaign, the ITIA is highlighting increased vigilance on the part of the Gardai this winter in clamping down on motorists on illegal tyres. Offenders can be subjected to on-the-spot fines in respect of each illegal tyre.

"Of course the risk these motorists are exposing themselves to goes well beyond financial penalty - lives are at stake here," Jack Farrell says. "Slippery surfaces combined with poor visibility make winter a time when demands on tyres are at their highest. We are appealing to motorists to ensure their tyres are in a fit condition for winter by dropping into their local tyre dealer for a free tyre check." EK/BB