Think, before you drive!

[News_Stig]

[ QUOTE ]

Your tyres are the only contact with the road

More than two million motorists in the UK are putting their lives at risk by never checking their tyre pressure or tread according to the RAC Foundation launching a new survey today (11). This warning comes at the start of "National Think Before You Drive Month" which is launched by the RAC Foundation in association with the FIA Foundation, Bridgestone and supported by seven times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher.

The NOP Automotive* survey also showed:

7% of motorists only check their tyre pressure and tread once a year

15% of women never check their tyres

13% only make checks when going on a long journey

4% make checks every journey

21% every week

49% once a month.

Six per cent of all fatal motorway accidents are caused by the sudden failure of under inflated tyres and worn tyres contribute to 10% of accidents in the wet. This problem is exacerbated as in spot checks it was found that one in three air pressure gauges in petrol stations were not working or had been vandalised. Petrol retailers should provide free, accurate and well-maintained tyre pressure gauges, according to the RAC Foundation after receiving complaints that gauges often are not working.

The NOP survey also found that:

Half of all women drivers do not know their recommended tyre pressure

85% of male drivers claim to know their tyre pressure

Young drivers (17 –24) were least likely to know their recommended tyre pressures.

A quarter of high mileage drivers do not know their pressure.

A recent safety campaign carried out by the Tyre Industry Council revealed that ninety per cent of the cars they tested had under or over inflated tyres despite correct pressures being vital to safe handling, optimum steering, braking and grip.

Speaking at the British Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher praised the Think Before You Drive! Campaign:

"Before every Formula One race I run through basic safety checks with my pit crew. And there are some simple tasks I always do to help me stay safe on the road. So I am pleased to support the road safety messages of the Think Before You Drive campaign.

"On the race track, the performance of my tyres can make the difference between winning and losing. On the road, the performance of your tyres could make the difference between living and dying. Check your tyre pressure and condition regularly and stay safe on the road.

"Three thousand people are killed on the world’s roads every day. We can all do more to prevent these unnecessary and tragic deaths and injuries."

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation said:

"Tyre safety is not an optional extra. Tyres are the only contact that the car has with the road and therefore it is essential that they are not worn or under or over inflated. All garages should provide reliable air equipment free of charge."

The RAC Foundation Tyre Pressure Fact File:

20 per cent under-inflation can increase tyre wear by 25 per cent

20 per cent under-inflation can reduce tyre life by 30 per cent

20 per cent under inflation can reduce fuel economy by three per cent

10% of cars are running on illegal tyres (under 1.6mm tread)

90% of tyres are incorrectly inflated

Tyre manufacturers estimate that three quarters of accidents caused by "blowouts" are down to incorrect pressures

Under-inflated tyres cause a reduction in the overall control of the vehicle and increased braking distances

Over–inflated tyres cause poor vehicle handling, reduced stability in braking, cornering and reduced grip

Drivers should check their tyres at least once a month.

John McNaught, managing director of Bridgestone UK said:

"As the world’s biggest manufacturer of tyres and rubber products, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to do everything possible to maximise safety. That includes working to acquaint customers with the basics of tyre safety and to inform them about the basics of routine tyre inspections."

The FIA Foundation is also urging European Governments to consider following the example of the United States by requiring that tyre pressure monitoring systems are fitted as standard on all new vehicles. The system can detect when a vehicle’s tyres are 25 per cent or more below the recommended inflation pressure. The US Government estimates that, when all new vehicles are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring devices, around 120 lives a year in the US will be saved, and up to 10,000 injuries prevented. Other positive effects should include improved fuel economy and increased tyre life.

David Ward, director general of the FIA Foundation, said:

"If more drivers in the UK followed the simple advice in our campaign such as checking their tyres and head restraints then many unnecessary injuries and deaths could be prevented." Ends

*NOP Automotive survey of 517 motorists 17 –19 June 2005

Free road safety advice booklets sponsored by Bridgestone will be available at Moto motorway service areas, from Lex Vehicle Leasing, local authority road safety officers, the RAC Foundation and available on-line at www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.com.

Think Before You Drive Month is a campaign promoted by the RAC Foundation in the UK in conjunction with the FIA Foundation and Bridgestone to help motorists understand the four easy steps they can take to improve safety on the roads. Think Before You Drive! is a global road safety campaign .

The FIA Foundation 'Think Global' road safety petition can be viewed and signed online at www.fiafoundation.com Charity wrist bands supporting the campaign can also be purchased on-line.

The RAC Foundation for Motoring is an independent body established to protect and promote the interests of UK motorists. Motoring organisation RAC supports its seven million customers with breakdown cover and a wide range of other motoring solutions. The views of each organisation should not be attributed to the other.

[/ QUOTE ]

Source: <a href="www.newspress.co.uk" target="_blank">Newspress.co.uk</a>

Discussion HERE