Save a life for twenty pence – check your tyres!

Cumbria Police will launch a month long campaign next week, urging drivers to check their tyres to ensure they are safe and legal before the winter weather sets in.

Sadly, each year, dozens of people are killed and hundreds are seriously injured across the UK as a result of collisions caused by illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.

By simply using a twenty pence piece, however, everyone can check the tread on their tyres and potentially prevent another tragedy.

To help promote this simple message, October has been designated as Tyre Safety Month, when police officers will be encouraging people to check their tyres, and will be on the look out for motorists driving on illegal or dangerous tyres during stop-checks across the county.

PC Shaun McKeown, a Forensic Vehicle Examiner with Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Road safety is a priority for police in Cumbria and we are determined to prevent another tragedy by getting people to take a few minutes to check their tyres, and get them changed if they don’t meet the 20p tread test.

“All too often in Cumbria we hear about people’s lives being ruined by serious road traffic collisions, and this is even more devastating when we investigate them and it becomes apparent that it was caused by something as avoidable as a defective tyre.

“In a bid to prevent another tragedy, we will be out and about conducting stop checks across Cumbria to educate drivers about the risks. Motorists found to be driving on illegal tyres face a maximum penalty of three points per tyre on their license and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.

“It’s such an easy thing to check, and we should all look at our tyres as a matter of routine, maybe when you’re washing the car on a Sunday morning.

“We are really keen for parents to instill the importance of vehicle maintenance on their teenage children when they begin driving as well, and would ask people to spread the tyre safety message to family and friends. You never know – you might save a life.

“To check the tread on your tyres, use the 20p test. Simply insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your vehicle’s tyres. If the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, this indicates sufficient tread depth to be safe and legal. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, or if you are not sure, have your tyres inspected by a qualified professional.”

Click here to view a video showing you how to take the 20p test: http://bit.ly/phbC9j

Cumbria Constabulary is recognised as a leading police force when it comes to tackling road safety, and this year won a national award for ‘Outstanding achievement towards tyre safety’, which was presented to the force by TyreSafe.

PC McKeown said: “We have to deal with the horrific aftermath of collisions on a daily basis and defective or unsafe tyres can often be a contributing factor. We hope that this campaign will get people to stop and think about their vehicles, provide them with the information they need to check their own tyres and hopefully, when they go home they’ll take the time to examine their tyres which may save lives in the future.

“As the nights get darker and the weather wetter, I can guarantee there will be many more drivers who will lose control as a result of driving around on worn or damaged tyres – don’t let you or your loved one be one of them – check your tyres now.”

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

·   Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.

· Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.

· Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).

· If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.

· Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.

· Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.

· While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.

· If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Click here for further road safety info: www.cumbria.police.uk/roadsafety