Most bikers know how vital good tyres are to safety on the road. However, new research by the Bridgestone tyre company suggests that those on four wheels are not as aware. And, worryingly, younger people are even less concerned with the state of their rubber.
According to the Japanese tyre maker, 63% of drivers wait for an MOT failure before considering new tyres for their cars. Nearly a quarter – 23% – never think about their tyres at all, and a tenth only change them when completely worn out. But the most concerning statistic is the figure for young drivers: 60% say they never check their tyres at all.
The figures, which come from a survey of 2000 drivers, are concerning for riders – who are much more vulnerable on the road and will come off worst in any incident caused by worn tyres on a car. But it’s also a warning that younger riders may not be as aware of tyre safety issues as more experienced bikers – making it important for dealers to remind them.
Bridgestone UK marketing manager Helen Roe said the results are worrying and highlighted the importance of tyre safety education. “Tyres are the only contact points between a vehicle and the road, yet they remain one of the most neglected safety components,” she said. “At Bridgestone, we want to continue to highlight that regular tyre checks and good maintenance habits are key to preventing accidents. That’s why we’re stepping up our efforts through our Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero campaign.”