More than 11,000 tyre-related incidents took place last winter on the motorways and major roads, according to new statistics. Punctures and blow outs were amongst the hazards that put motorists at risk in the months between October and December according to a new report from the Highways Agency who are working alongside not-for-profit safety organisation Tyre Safe to promote Tyre Safety Month through October.æ Drivers are urged to be aware of the dangers that arise from worn, unsafe and defective tyres. Stuart Jackson, the chair of Tyre Safe, presented Highways Agency Traffic Officers in the North West with special tyre safety gauges to hand out to drivers in order to provide practical information on the right levels. The focus of Tyre Safety Month is urging drivers to ensure tyres are ready for wet weather by checking that they have enough tread.æ This can easily be looked at by inserting a 20 pence piece; if you can see the outer rim of the coin when it's been inserted into the main grooves, then the tyre needs to be checked by a professional. Simon Sheldon-Wilson, the director of customer operations for the Highways Agency, said: 'It's important to ensure that your tyres are ready for winter and that includes the kind of wet weather we saw last year. 'By checking your tyres at least once a month, you can make sure you have enough tread to control your vehicle in wet conditions and avoid aquaplaning at high speeds which could lead to disastrous consequences. 'There were 11,057 tyre related incidents on motorways and major A roads in England last winter _ don't become a statistic and check your tyres are safe today.î 'Last year was the wettest winter on record. Ahead of any wet weather we may encounter this winter, we're reminding drivers to check that their tyres' tread depth is deep enough to manage driving in wet conditions. 'Having adequate tread depth means the tyres will be able to handle wet weather much better, remaining in control and reducing the real risk of aquaplaning.î
