As the UK accelerates towards self-driving vehicle deployment, TyreSafe has issued a firm reminder that road safety begins with tyre maintenance — even in the most technologically advanced vehicles. In response to recent statements from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) positioning the UK as a leader in autonomous driving, TyreSafe is highlighting the crucial role tyres play in enabling vehicle control, especially with ADAS systems.
While welcoming the advancement of autonomous mobility and its potential to reduce collisions, TyreSafe has warned that the effectiveness of technologies like ADAS is compromised without well-maintained tyres. ADAS and fully autonomous systems rely on consistent contact with the road, something only functioning tyres can provide.
“Tyres are still the only part of a vehicle touching the road,” said Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe. “Without correct pressure, adequate tread, and sound condition, the most sophisticated driving systems cannot perform as intended.”
TyreSafe has pointed to data from 2024 MOT records showing an increase in tyre-related failures. Over 768,000 vehicles failed their MOT due to previously ignored tyre advisories, with tyres continuing to be a leading cause of failure in vehicles up to seven years old.
The data underlines a widespread neglect of tyre health, which could undermine the promised safety gains of autonomous technologies.
TyreSafe is urging manufacturers, regulators, and drivers to recognise tyre safety as a non-negotiable foundation of future mobility. Without it, the benefits of autonomous driving may fall short of their life-saving potential.
Lovatt stressed the need for collective responsibility: “We can’t afford to forget the basics. As we pursue cutting-edge innovation, tyre condition must be prioritised by all involved.”
As self-driving vehicles move from concept to reality, the spotlight is rightly on AI and sensor systems, but TyreSafe’s message reinforces a broader trend in the tyre industry: innovation must coexist with fundamental safety. Whether through sensor-embedded smart tyres or improved consumer education, tyre condition remains central to the success of future mobility ecosystems.
Tagged with: self-driving vehicles, tyre safety, ADAS, MOT failures, autonomous mobility, UK tyre data, smart tyres, road safety, TyreSafe, connected vehicles
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