New Study Reveals Alarming Lack of Tyre Safety Knowledge Among UK Drivers

Jonathan Stotts

Senior PR & Communications Manager

Oct 28, 2024

 

  • Fewer than 1/5th of those surveyed check their tyre tread depth every month, which is the recommended frequency
  • Over a third of drivers visually inspect their tyres rather than doing it properly with a gauge
  • More than half would check their tyres more frequently if they had a mobile app which could measure tread depth
  • Research commissioned by Anyline and TyreSafe as part of October’s tyre safety month

A shocking new study has revealed an alarming lack of tyre safety knowledge, indicating that a significant number of motorists are putting lives at risk.

Among the study’s* key findings, released as part of Tyre Safety Month, was that fewer than 1/5th (19 per cent) of those surveyed check their tyre tread depth every month, which is the recommended frequency.

Just as worrying in the research commissioned by Anyline, a global leader in AI-powered mobile data capture and insights, and TyreSafe, is that over a third of drivers rely on a simple and subjective visual inspection of their tyres, rather than using a proper gauge, which only 29 per cent of drivers said they did.

Additionally, only 36 per cent knew the correct potential licence penalty for insufficient tread depth (3 points on their licence for each illegal tyre).

However, on a positive note, more than half (54 per cent) would check their tyres more frequently if they had a mobile app which could measure tread depth, an area which Anyline is spearheading with its AI-powered scanning technology.

Lukas Kinigadner, CEO and co-founder at Anyline, said: “Defective and worn tyres contribute to too many unnecessary injuries and deaths.

“We believe that many of those casualties could be avoided if drivers knew more about their tyres and had the right tools and technology to make informed decisions themselves.

“That’s why it was important for Anyline to partner with TyreSafe on this project to better understand what drivers really know about tyre maintenance and where education and technology can be applied in the future to make our roads safer.”

The issue of tyre safety was recently underlined in the Department for Transport’s latest ‘Reported Road Casualties Great Britain’ annual report for 2023, which showed a 29 per cent year-on-year increase in killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties linked to tyre related incidents.

Meanwhile, another key finding from the research was that misconceptions about fines also persist, with many believing the penalty is lower than the actual potential £2,500.

Stuart Lovatt, chair at TyreSafe, said: “This new research provides crucial insights into UK drivers’ understanding and practices around tyre safety.

“It is a critical resource for those looking to enhance road safety by addressing gaps in tyre maintenance practices among UK drivers, which it would appear needs even greater attention.”

With computer vision and AI-enabled technology, Anyline’s mobile scanning solutions allows tyre service centres, manufacturers, distributors and retailers to quickly capture tyre, automotive and customer information from any mobile device, helping customers make informed vehicle maintenance decisions.

For more information, visit www.anyline.com. To learn more about Tyre Safety Month, visit https://www.tyresafe.org/campaigns/tyre-safety-month/, while to download the survey’s full findings, visit here.

*About survey

Opinium, a third-party research company, surveyed a representative sample of 2,000 UK drivers aged 17 and above.

About TyreSafe 

TyreSafe is a leading UK road safety organisation and the national reference point for all aspects of tyre safety. With a strong foundation in up-to-date research, data, and the support of over 130 governmental, non-profit, road safety, and commercial partners, TyreSafe is dedicated to promoting tyre safety across all road user groups, including private motorists, motorcyclists, young drivers, and commercial operators. 

The organisation’s mission is to empower road users with the knowledge to reduce incidents caused by poorly maintained or illegal tyres. TyreSafe’s efforts are underpinned by a commitment to accuracy and collaboration, ensuring its initiatives are grounded in the latest evidence. By educating key audiences such as policymakers, businesses, and the general public, TyreSafe plays a crucial role in promoting legislation and corporate responsibility in tyre safety.  

With a vision of achieving zero harm to road users from tyre-related incidents, TyreSafe focuses on driving real behavioural change. Through a robust programme of communication activities, the organisation advocates for regular tyre maintenance and safety checks, aiming to keep tyre safety at the forefront of national road safety conversations. For more information, go to https://www.tyresafe.org/ 

About Anyline

Founded in Vienna in 2013, Anyline has established itself as a global leader in mobile data capture and data insights. Using the latest, most innovative artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches, Anyline gives businesses the power to read, measure and interpret visual information with any mobile device.

Anyline is used by leading automotive and tire manufacturers and retailers to quickly and accurately scan tire sidewall, tread depth and vehicle data, including tire DOT codes, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), license plates and barcodes, using any standard mobile device or camera-enabled automotive diagnostic devices.

Anyline helps businesses to move away from costly, tedious manual processes and instead, make them easy, fast and convenient for everyone, from the end user to the front-line worker. Anyline is trusted by household brands such as NAPA, Discount Tire, Continental, Michelin and Shopmonkey.