As parents across the Isle of Wight are once again embarking on the stresses of the school run for another year, a Isle of Wight specialist is appealing for them not to compromise on vehicle safety.
The advice from Tony Reid, manager of Protyre’s Island Tyres on Newport Road, comes following national research by Protyre, the UK’s largest independent chain of fast fit and mechanical centres, which revealed an apparent lax attitude to safety, particularly when it comes to tyres.
The research showed that almost half (41%) of parents knowingly exceed the speed limit, more than a quarter (28%) have crossed a junction despite an amber traffic light, nearly one in 10 (9%) have crossed a junction despite a red traffic light, and 8% have knowingly driven a car with at least one illegal (i.e bald or damaged) tyre.
Worryingly, the survey also showed that well over a third (38%) of parents didn’t know the minimum legal tread depth of tyres is 1.6mm, while a fifth (21%) last checked the condition of their car tyres 2-3 months ago, even though it’s recommended by experts that tyres are checked at least once a month, or before a long journey.
Tony said:
“It seems money is one of the reasons for the lax attitude to safety. Parents admit that in order to save money, they have avoided servicing the car in line with the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe (22%), replacing brake pads (14%), as well as changing tyres until the tread depth is at least the minimum legal requirement (12%).
“We understand that parents face high costs for things like new school uniforms or class trips, but it’s nothing compared to the cost of, for example, being caught with illegal tyres – a £2,500 fine for each offending tyre, but much more important is the potentially life-threating risk of being involved in a collision caused by ineffective tyres or brakes.
“Tyres are the most critical component of a vehicle contributing to safety. Worn or incorrectly maintained tyres significantly impede the performance of a car, reducing the effectiveness of braking, steering and acceleration.”
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His view is backed by figures from TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation. It recently released figures that showed nationally in the last five years there were 981 deaths or serious injuries in collisions caused by defective tyres.
Tony added:
“We’re happy to check tyres for free and without any obligation. We would rather check a tyre and send a customer away because there’s still life left in what they currently have, than have that driver take an unnecessary risk.”
