TyreSafe, the UK’s tyre safety charity, has announced its support for the NPCC’s Fatal Four Young Drivers’ campaign with the launch of a new initiative aimed at raising awareness of tyre safety among new and young drivers. The campaign, running from September 23rd to October 6th, aligns with the NPCC’s focus on the ‘Fatal Four’ driving behaviours, which include speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, and not wearing a seatbelt.

The TyreSafe New Drivers Campaign, which has been compiled with the support of the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain, Fresh Drivers UK, the Driving Instructors’ Association and FirstCar, aims to educate new and young drivers on the legal requirements for tyre safety and the risks associated with illegal or unsafe tyres.

Research conducted by TyreSafe reveals that three in five young drivers never check their tyres, putting them at significant risk of incidents and legal penalties. With young drivers facing a heightened risk of road incidents, particularly in the early years after passing their tests, this campaign is crucial in educating them on the importance of tyre maintenance.

By promoting responsible driving habits, the campaign seeks to encourage young drivers to adopt regular tyre maintenance practices. It also emphasises the legal and financial consequences of driving with unsafe or illegal tyres, which can include fines, penalty points, and even the potential loss of a driving licence. Furthermore, the campaign is designed to align with and support the NPCC’s Fatal Four focus, delivering targeted messaging that resonates with the young driver demographic.

The consequences of neglecting tyre safety are particularly severe for new drivers, who face a probationary period of two years, during which accumulating six or more penalty points will result in the loss of their licence. Penalty points for unsafe tyres carry over from provisional to full licences and can significantly impact insurance premiums. Practical advice for maintaining tyre safety includes regularly checking tyre tread depth, condition, air pressure, and age. When buying a first car, it’s essential to ensure that the tyres are in good condition and meet legal standards.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, commented on the campaign: “We are excited to support the NPCC’s Fatal Four Young Drivers’ campaign by highlighting the critical importance of tyre safety. Young drivers often underestimate the dangers of neglecting their tyres, and through this campaign, we aim to educate them on how proper tyre maintenance can prevent incidents, save lives, and avoid severe legal consequences. Tyre safety is not just a responsibility, it’s a necessity.”

Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, NPCC Lead for Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence added: “Young drivers are disproportionately involved in road traffic incidents, and tyre safety is a key factor that is often overlooked. By collaborating with TyreSafe on this campaign, we hope to instil good tyre maintenance habits from the very start of a young driver’s journey, helping to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads.”

To ensure the campaign’s success, TyreSafe has developed a comprehensive toolkit, including posters, leaflets, social media assets, and call-to-action videos featuring tyre safety tips and legal information. These materials are designed to engage young drivers and their influencers, such as parents and driving instructors, by providing clear and practical advice on maintaining tyre safety.

TyreSafe encourages all stakeholders, including educational institutions, driving schools, and community organisations, to participate in the campaign and help spread the message about the importance of tyre safety.