TyreSafe’s ‘Keep Your Tyres in Good ‘Elf’ Campaign Returns to Highlight Winter Road Safety

This December, TyreSafe is back with its festive campaign, ‘Keep Your Tyres in Good ‘Elf’, combining holiday cheer with an essential message about tyre safety. The initiative features Santa’s elves performing tyre checks and offering engaging reminders for drivers to ACT on tyre safety.

A Critical Reminder for Winter Driving
Winter poses increased risks for road users, including slippery conditions and heavier vehicle loads. The campaign’s fun, light-hearted tone is underpinned by a serious message: tyre safety is critical to preventing accidents and saving lives.

Shockingly, statistics reveal that:

• 1 in 5 drivers never check their tyres, rising to 3 in 5 among younger drivers.
• Over 6 million tyres on UK roads have illegal tread annually, risking fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points.
• Tyre defects contribute to 190 annual fatalities or serious injuries on UK roads, according to the Department for Transport’s 2024 report.

ACT on Tyre Safety: Air Pressure, Condition, Tread
The campaign reminds drivers to ACT on tyre safety:

1. Air Pressure: Check pressures with an accurate gauge and adjust for vehicle load as per manufacturer guidelines.
2. Condition: Visually inspect for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. Seek professional advice if issues are spotted.
3. Tread: Use a tread depth gauge or the 20p coin test to ensure tread depth meets the UK legal minimum of 1.6mm.

Economic and Environmental Impacts
Tyre neglect doesn’t only endanger lives – it’s costly. Underinflated tyres waste £1 billion annually in fuel, cause premature wear, and lead to unnecessary replacements. Additionally, tyres are the leading cause of MOT failures, with over 2 million defects annually, 1.1 million of which are classified as dangerous.

Supporting the Campaign
TyreSafe’s Chair, Stuart Lovatt, commented:
"Ensuring safe tyres is one of the best gifts you can give this Christmas. The return of ‘Keep Your Tyres in Good ‘Elf’ is both a fun and meaningful way to remind road users about tyre safety, particularly during winter’s challenging conditions. We’re excited to see how this campaign will spark conversations and action on tyre safety across the country."

Supporters are encouraged to amplify the campaign by sharing messages with hashtags #GoodElfTyres and #ElfApprovedTyres. Businesses can also offer ‘Free Tyre ‘Elf Checks’ throughout December to spread safety awareness.

For more information and resources, visit tyresafe.org

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