Get a Grip, says IAM Drive & Survive

14 October 2010

IAM Drive & Survive is urging company drivers to ensure their tyres are in good condition during Tyre Safety Month, rather than wait until surface water, frost or snow turns the road under their wheels into a skid pan.

As tyres have only the area of the sole of a shoe in touch with the road at any one time, it’s a safety ‘no-brainer’ to keep them in top condition, and extra care is needed at this time of the year when sudden heavy showers can profoundly affect tyre performance. More roads will also be worn out due to cut-backs on resurfacing, and this combination with worn out tyres is potentially lethal.

Simon Elstow, IAM Drive & Survive Head of Training and Field Operations, said: “Fleet managers and company car drivers tend to deal with higher mileages – and this is where there is more advantage to be gained from making sure tyres are in good condition.  Under-inflation causes excessive tyre-wear, with every ten per cent under the optimum decreasing tyre life by ten percent.

“Vehicles of drivers found to be at fault in high-speed accidents were found to be six times more likely to have worn tyres than those of the other drivers involved*. As well as safety concerns an important point for high-mileage drivers is that under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.”

Mr Elstow gives some simple tips on checking the condition of your tyres:

• Check the general state of the tyre for cuts and bumps to the tyre wall and uneven wear
• Check that your tyres are correctly inflated (ideally when they’re cold) – you can find the recommended pressure listed in the car’s handbook, or on the manufacturers plate, fitted in many cars
• The legal minimum for tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, but for optimum safety you are advised to start looking for replacements if the depth is below 3mm. Tyres with less than 1mm of tread depth have one third the braking friction of one at the bare legal min of 1.6mm, and below 3mm the tyres skid resistance begins to decline rapidly

Just because tyres are legal, they still may not be at an optimum for braking safely in all conditions. When there is a 2mm film of water on the road, even 2mm of tread may give no better stopping friction than a bald tyre*. Company drivers are responsible for ensuring their tyres are fit for purpose and legal, so have a quick look over your car once a week to notice any changes, and get your tyres checked by an expert if you are unsure.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

*Get A Grip: The AA Motoring Trust

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ISDN broadcast lines available

iam.org.uk

ENDS ALL

1. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 100,000 full members in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course, which is available to car, motorcycle and commercial licence holders. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy.  The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.

2. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude.

3. In January 2007, the IAM established the Policy and Research Division to undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.