TyreSafe has announced an innovative and important partnership with the Diabetes Safety Organisation (DSO) to address an often-overlooked safety risk posed by diabetes on the road. This collaboration will raise awareness about the increased driving risks associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and promote the importance of maintaining legal and safe tyres. This collaboration will seek to reduce the likelihood of incidents resulting from compromised braking and performance caused by both the risks associated with poorly maintained tyres and the associated conditions caused by diabetes.
The Diabetes Safety Organisation was established to help organisations recognise and mitigate the hidden risks of diabetes in the workplace, ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). While many companies have comprehensive policies addressing various health and safety risks, few address the unique challenges posed by diabetes, particularly for those who drive for work.
Road users with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of diabetes, may experience:
- Reduced Sensation – Loss of sensation in the feet and lower legs, making it difficult to feel the pedals and react appropriately.
- Impaired Muscle Function – Weakness in the ankle and foot muscles, which can hinder control over the vehicle.
- Altered Pedal Control – Studies show that drivers with DPN exhibit less precise control of the accelerator and brake pedals, increasing the likelihood of using high and low pedal positions incorrectly.
When combined with the added danger of driving on underinflated, damaged, or worn tyres, these factors significantly heighten the risk of incidents. Individuals also afflicted by DPN may not be able to react as quickly to hazards and changes in driving conditions and use the brakes as easily, meaning it is of the utmost importance to ensure their vehicle’s brakes and tyres are in optimum condition. The ‘Tread Safely’ campaign will work to mitigate this risk by equipping drivers and employers with essential knowledge about tyre safety, ensuring that vehicles are fit for purpose and safer for those living with diabetes.
ACTing Together
The ‘Tread Safely’ campaign will launch with a suite of educational materials, graphics, and expert resources aimed at equipping both road users and organisations with the knowledge to keep tyres in top condition. By reinforcing TyreSafe’s core message of ‘ACT’—air pressure, condition, and tread—this initiative highlights the critical role that tyre maintenance plays in preventing incidents and protecting lives. Complementing this, the Diabetes Safety Organisation provides guidance and education to employers on driving and diabetes. Together, these approaches drive home a shared commitment to safeguarding those living with diabetes and ensuring that every journey, whether for work or leisure, is a safer one.
“By joining forces with the Diabetes Safety Organisation, we’re addressing a critical and often ignored safety risk that affects many drivers, particularly those who drive for work,” said Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair. “Drivers with diabetes already face increased challenges on the road due to reduced sensation and impaired pedal control, which makes the condition of their tyres even more important. Through the ‘Tread Safely’ campaign, we’re empowering organisations and individuals with the knowledge to stay safe and reduce preventable incidents.”
Kate Walker, CEO of the Diabetes Safety Organisation, echoed this sentiment, “Diabetes presents a significant but invisible risk that many organisations fail to recognise. This partnership with TyreSafe enables us to support businesses and individuals in understanding how diabetes impacts driving and why ensuring tyres are properly maintained is critical for safety. The ‘Tread Safely’ campaign is a pivotal step toward preventing avoidable incidents and saving lives.”
The partnership between TyreSafe and the Diabetes Safety Organisation will extend beyond the launch of the ‘Tread Safely’ campaign. Both organisations will continue collaborating on awareness campaigns, creating tailored resources for employers, and driving home the importance of tyre safety for people living and working with diabetes.
As the campaign unfolds, TyreSafe and the DSO will engage with businesses, fleet managers, and the public to instil a culture of vigilance and proactive tyre maintenance, ensuring safer journeys for all road users.
