TyreSafe has launched a two-week campaign focused on young driver safety, aligned with THINK! and NPCC Operation Spotlight. New partnerships with police, councils, industry, and family cycling media aim to push the ACT message, Air pressure, Condition, Tread, into daily habits.
TyreSafe has begun a targeted Young Driver Campaign to highlight the critical role of safe tyres for new drivers. The initiative supports the Department for Transport’s THINK! programme and aligns with the National Police Chiefs’ Council Operation Spotlight. Partners include DVSA, RED Driver Training, MSA GB, the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving, and Intelligent Instructor.
The young driver tyre safety campaign runs from 22 September to 5 October. Police forces, councils, schools, and training providers can share assets across their channels.
Campaign assets include a hard-hitting video, printable resources, and social media content designed to reach learners and newly qualified drivers.
Cars account for 59% of UK trips and 73% of distance travelled. With more than 439,000 students heading to or returning to university this autumn, many will be driving daily due to high living costs.
Tyre neglect remains a major safety issue. In 2023, 190 people were killed or seriously injured in tyre-related incidents, a 29% rise on 2022 and the highest level since 2018. Research indicates that 75% of tyre defects in fatal crashes result from basic lack of maintenance. MOT outcomes show more than 2 million tyre-related failures each year, including 1 million dangerous tyres. Notably, 36% of vehicles failing for tyre defects in 2024 had previously received advisories that were not acted on.
TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt urged drivers, especially students, to ACT. Check Air pressure, Condition, and Tread. “Driving to university can be a rite of passage, but it should never be a risk to life. Simple tyre checks take minutes and can save lives.”
TyreSafe has welcomed Devon and Cornwall Police as its latest official supporter. The partnership will focus on the risks associated with rural roads and heavy seasonal traffic in the region.
Stuart Lovatt said the collaboration will help reduce incidents caused by illegal or poorly maintained tyres, particularly during peak holiday seasons. Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, noted that tyre condition is vital for grip and braking on rural roads and encouraged simple, regular checks.
This adds to TyreSafe’s network of more than 220 organisations, including several UK police forces and the NPCC, all working to reduce tyre-related incidents.
TyreSafe has partnered with Cycle Sprog, the UK’s leading family cycling advice website, to embed the ACT message in guidance for parents and children. The collaboration will feature practical tools, guides, and social content that help families build tyre-check habits from the first ride.
Stuart Lovatt said the partnership will create life-long safety behaviours. Cycle Sprog’s Emily Wormald added that tyre care improves safety and makes family cycling more enjoyable, especially at the start of the school year.
TyreSafe is working with Bath and North East Somerset Council to integrate tyre safety within the area’s road safety strategy. Local drivers, schools, businesses, and community groups will have access to campaign resources, training materials, and seasonal toolkits.
The aim is to raise awareness of illegal or poorly maintained tyres, encourage regular checks, and reduce avoidable collisions and breakdowns. Senior Road Safety Engineer David Boardman underlined the Council’s commitment to safer roads for all users.
Tyron has joined TyreSafe to help raise awareness about managing sudden tyre deflation. Tyron’s MultiBand system helps a tyre remain attached to the wheel during deflation, improving steering and stability. The technology was developed for police and emergency vehicles and is now used across cars and commercial fleets.
Stuart Lovatt said the partnership will help reach more drivers with life-saving guidance on preventing and responding to tyre failure. Tyron Director Peter Simson said the goal is to give drivers the best chance to stay safe in critical moments.
Tagged with: young driver tyre safety campaign, ACT tyre safety, young driver tyre checks, Operation Spotlight, THINK! programme, DVSA, learner drivers, MOT tyre failures, tyre condition, tread depth
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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