Tyre under-inflation 'increases safety risks'

Date: 23/4/2010

Drivers could be risking their safety and that of others by not ensuring their tyres are inflated properly, according to a new study.

Conducted by TyreSafe, the survey found that more than one-third of motor owners are failing to keep up thorough maintenance on their vehicles because of the recession's effects on family budgets.

The firm said that under-inflated tyres are more likely to suffer a blowout, especially on motorways and when travelling at high speeds where excess heat is built up, which could cause dangerous accidents.

Stuart Jackson, chairman for TyreSafe, claimed that money could also be saved by pumping tyres up.

"By taking just a few minutes once a month to ensure that their tyres are inflated to the recommended levels, many drivers will notice a reduction in their fuel bills, helping to make their motoring safer and more affordable again," he said.

The Press and Journal recently reported that police have conducted a crackdown on drivers without seatbelts in the Scottish Highlands, issuing 56 fixed penalty fines to those caught not wearing the safety devices.