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Year-on-Year KSI Figures Show Alarming Rise: Urgent Action Required To Enhance Tyre Safety
The Department for Transport has published the 2023 "Reported Road Casualties Great Britain" report. It reveals a worrying rise in Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties due to tyre-related incidents. The data shows a 29% increase in these casualties from 147 in 2022 to 190 in 2023, marking the highest number since 2018. This trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced tyre safety measures.
TyreSafe is advocating for better representation of causational factors in statistics related to road casualties. Underreporting remains a challenge, with inconsistencies in how police and road safety organisations report tyre conditions during incidents. TyreSafe stresses the importance of comprehensive measures to tackle this growing issue.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, emphasised the gravity of the situation: "These figures are a stark reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to tyre safety. The increase in KSI casualties is deeply troubling and demonstrates that current efforts in both supporting road users to check their tyres, but also that reporting measures are not sufficient to reflect the scale of the issue, which we know from our own research is vast. We must act now to prevent further tragedies on our roads."
The organisation's Case for Action calls for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of existing regulations. It also suggests adopting new safety standards to address this pressing concern effectively. The rise in tyre-related KSIs demands an elevated discussion about the dangers posed by unsafe tyres.
TyreSafe urges the government to focus more on addressing tyre-related vehicle defects and improving compliance levels. They advocate launching a THINK! campaign to raise public awareness about this dangerous trend. With financial pressures affecting many, TyreSafe continues its campaign to educate drivers on reducing risks associated with tyre issues.
Regular tyre checks are crucial for ensuring vehicle safety. TyreSafe advises all drivers to routinely inspect tread depth, pressure, and overall condition of their tyres. The charity also calls for enhanced government campaigns and potential new regulations aimed at improving tyre safety.
ACT: A Simple Guide
The charity promotes an easy-to-remember acronym, ACT, encouraging motorists to perform basic monthly checks:
- Air Pressure: Check each tyre's air pressure using an accurate gauge. Adjust according to load as per manufacturer recommendations found in vehicle handbooks or reliable online charts.
- Condition: Visually inspect each tyre for any penetrations or damage like nails or bulges. Seek professional advice if any issues are found.
- Tread: Ensure tread depth exceeds the UK legal minimum of 1.6mm using a tread depth gauge or a 20p coin as a guide.
TyreSafe continues its advocacy for road users to take tyre maintenance seriously, recognising its vital role in preventing accidents and saving lives.
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