As students across the UK gear up for the academic year, TyreSafe has issued an urgent reminder to check tyre safety before hitting the road. With over 316,850 18-year-olds applying for higher education in 2024, a slight rise from last year, the roads are expected to be busy with university-bound drivers. TyreSafe’s call comes at a critical time, as vehicle safety is paramount with an increase in road traffic anticipated.
A staggering three out of five young drivers admit to never checking their tyres. This is particularly concerning given that, according to TyreSafe’s 2023 Tread Depth Survey, around 6 million tyres on UK roads have illegal tread depth. Neglected tyres not only pose serious risks but are also responsible for over 20% of all breakdowns on the UK’s strategic road network.
Tyre maintenance has never been more important. According to TyreSafe Chair, Stuart Lovatt, "With more students hitting the road to head to university, many for the first time, it’s crucial that they take a few minutes to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. In addition, families will likely be in vehicles that are much more heavily laden than normal, so making sure tyre pressures are adjusted accordingly is crucial.”
Adding to the challenge, many modern vehicles no longer come equipped with a spare tyre. According to the RAC, only 3% of new cars are sold with spare wheels, meaning students and parents must check their vehicles for alternatives, such as run-flat tyres or a puncture repair kit. TyreSafe is advising motorists to check whether they have a spare and, if not, to ensure their repair kits are within their expiry dates. Failing to do so could leave drivers stranded with no option but to wait for roadside assistance.
Rod Dennis, a road safety spokesperson for the RAC, emphasised the importance of tyre checks before setting off: “It’s unlikely that checking your tyres is high on the to-do list, but we urge everyone getting behind the wheel in the next few weeks to remember these vital checks. It’s essential that every tyre has plenty of tread, is free of damage and is properly inflated. The routes to most universities are also likely to include faster roads like motorways and major A-roads, where the dangers associated with a car that has poor tyres increases enormously.”
To assist students and parents in preparing for the road, TyreSafe has released a helpful checklist:
With a slight 0.7% increase in university applications this year, the second-highest on record, roads are expected to be busy with young drivers. TyreSafe also encourages parents assisting their children with university drop-offs to perform thorough vehicle checks, especially since the journeys are likely to be longer and more heavily loaded than usual.
As the academic year begins, ensuring your tyres are in top condition can prevent unnecessary breakdowns and accidents, helping to ensure a safe journey for all.
