TyreSafe and MSA GB: A Crucial Partnership for Tyre Safety Education

TyreSafe, the UK’s tyre safety charity, has partnered with the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain (MSA GB), the longest-established trade association for driver trainers in Great Britain, to promote tyre safety education nationwide. This collaboration marks a significant step toward ensuring that the next generation of drivers understands the critical importance of tyre maintenance. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both organisations, TyreSafe and MSA GB are committed to making UK roads safer for everyone.

Why Tyre Safety Matters

Tyre safety is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that directly impacts road safety. Alarmingly, statistics show that three out of five young drivers never check their tyres, increasing the risk of incidents. Tyres are the only contact point between a vehicle and the road, and their condition affects handling, braking, and overall vehicle performance. Neglecting tyre maintenance can lead to dangerous blowouts, skidding, and longer stopping distances, endangering the lives of drivers, passengers, and other road users.

Statistics compiled from TyreSafe’s research and investigations by its road safety partners reveal that:

– Over 6 million tyres in the UK have illegal tread each year, which could lead to a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and 3 penalty points.

– £1 billion worth of fuel is wasted annually in the UK due to underinflated tyres. This accounts for more than 50% of the tyres on the road and doesn’t even consider excessive wear and the premature requirement to replace them.

– Over 2 million MOT failures occur each year due to tyre defects, with one million classified as dangerous. Tyres are the primary cause of MOT failures in the first seven years of a vehicle’s life.

– 152 people are killed or seriously injured in accidents related to defective tyres every year. Shockingly, this figure is on par with mobile phone-related incidents.

– 1 in 5 vehicle breakdowns on motorways and A roads result from tyre defects. This equates to roughly 50,000 breakdowns each year on the motorway network alone.

Summer Tyre Safety: A Critical Concern

With the summer months bringing increased traffic on the roads and families travelling with fully loaded vehicles, tyre safety becomes even more critical. Higher temperatures can exacerbate tyre wear and increase the risk of blowouts, especially when vehicles are carrying heavier loads. Proper tyre maintenance during this period is essential to ensure safety on the road. By promoting tyre safety education, TyreSafe and MSA GB aim to help reduce the risk of incidents during this busy travel season and help drivers avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

What the Partnership Provides

The TyreSafe and MSA GB partnership offers a wealth of educational resources designed to raise awareness about tyre safety. These resources include:

– Instructional Videos:Step-by-step guides on how to inspect tyre pressure, tread depth, and overall tyre condition.

– Printed Materials: Informative brochures and posters distributed to schools, driving schools, and community centres.

-Online Resources: A dedicated section on TyreSafe’s website with articles, FAQs, and downloadable content for easy access to tyre safety information.

ACT for Tyre Safety

TyreSafe urges road users to ACT once a month, every month (suggested on the first weekend), and always before long journeys:

– Air pressure: Check each tyre’s air pressure using an accurate gauge. Car manufacturers typically recommend two different tyre pressures: one for light loads and another for when the vehicle is fully loaded. It’s essential to adjust the pressures to accommodate the load being carried. These settings can be found in the vehicle handbook, reputable internet tyre pressure charts such as the one at tyresafe.org, and often in the vehicle’s fuel filler cap or door sill.

– Condition: Perform a visual check to inspect the overall condition of each tyre. Look for objects such as nails or debris that might have penetrated the tread. If any cracks, bulges, or objects are present, seek professional advice immediately.

– Tread: Ensure the tyre tread is above the UK legal minimum depth of 1.6mm (note this may vary if travelling abroad). An accurate tread depth gauge is ideal, but if unavailable, use a 20p coin as a guide. Insert the coin into the main sections of the tyre and at various points around the circumference. If the outer rim is visible, have the tread depth checked as it may be illegal.

Peter Harvey MBE, National Vice Chair of MSA GB, emphasises the importance of this initiative: “Educating the next generation of drivers about tyre safety is essential. Our partnership with TyreSafe enables us to reach all new drivers with vital information that can save lives. By instilling good habits early, we aim to create a culture of safety that lasts a lifetime.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, adds: “Our mission is to reduce the number of tyre-related incidents on UK roads. Partnering with MSA GB allows us to extend our reach and impact, particularly among young drivers who are often unaware of the dangers posed by poorly maintained tyres. Together, we can make a real difference.”

TyreSafe’s objective is to raise awareness about the importance of tyre safety to reduce the number of tyre-related accidents. The organisation’s vision is a future where all drivers understand the critical role of tyres in vehicle safety and perform regular maintenance checks. TyreSafe’s mission is to educate, inform, and influence drivers to adopt safer tyre practices through comprehensive campaigns, partnerships, and educational programs.

Why MSA GB Supports TyreSafe

MSA GB is deeply invested in promoting road safety, and tyre maintenance is a key component of this mission. By supporting TyreSafe, MSA GB aims to foster a new generation of responsible drivers who prioritise safety. This collaboration aligns with MSA GB’s commitment to reducing road accidents and enhancing driver education.

Through joint efforts, TyreSafe and MSA GB are dedicated to making a lasting impact on road safety. By educating young drivers and providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, the partnership strives to create safer roads for everyone.