That is the message being promoted during tyre safety month this October. Tyre safety is of vital importance each and every day, and this is specifically highlighted during the month of October for the Tyre Safety Month campaign run by tyresafe.org.
According to statistics from TyreSafe, nearly 1,000 drivers are seriously injured or killed in accidents annually due to tyre-related issues. This figure is likely to rise as the economic crisis leads drivers to economise and hesitate to fit new tyres or opt for re-treads (part worn) tyres, which research has shown to be 93% non-compliant .
Don’t get caught out – get yourself covered
These stats are indeed quite scary, and not only highlight the need for safety checks, but also the importance of ensuring that you have got adequate insurance cover. It’s certainly wise to check with our insurance partners at Business Choice Direct that you’re properly protected. You can get a quote here. They can do the necessary so that you can tread carefully!
Tyre safety
Our vehicle’s tyres are the only thing connecting your car or van to the road. Not only are there safety concerns involved, but checking your tyres are in good condition has implications around optimum fuel use. Keeping your tyres at the right pressure, especially not under inflated, will help ensure your vehicle uses less energy and, therefore, less fuel. Using the correct pressure also improves the longevity of your tyres, so checking your tyres are in good repair and are correctly inflated makes economic sense too.
Tyres have to cope with braking, cornering and accelerating, which puts a great deal of pressure on their performance, which becomes especially important when the roads are wet, slippery or covered in ice or snow. They can be slightly underinflated for icy roads.
Key things to check are:
· Check tyre pressure- settings will be in your handbook
· Check for wear and tear, stones and loose objects
· Bulges could be a sign of internal damage
· Check the tread dept (1.6mm minimum)
The tyre tread pattern is designed to expel water between the tyre and the road surface, so if it is worn out, it reduces grip and increases stopping distances, whilst increasing the chances of aquaplaning. For normal car or van tyres, according to manufacturer’s Michelin, an average tyre should last around 25,000 miles.
A 15 min check could save lives
Every driver should undertake vehicle checks, not just their tyres, whether or not you drive for a living. Walkaround checks should only take you around 15 min tops. They are important to ensure that your vehicle is safe to be traveling, and that you’ll be safe as the driver. Even if it’s been on the road with another driver all day, if you take over, it’s your responsibility while you’re driving it, so it’s recommended that you do your own checks again.
Everyday checks should include:
· Tyre pressure and condition
· Brakes
· Steering
· Headlights
· Hazard lights and indicators
· Remember safe tyres save lives
· Vehicle height and width
· The height of the trailer, its load and equipment (which can change)
Accidents happen
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, however it was caused, you’ll want to be reassured that you have got good insurance cover. That is where our insurance partners BCD come in. As mentioned earlier, it really is worth checking amongst everything else, that you have the optimum cover to meet your specific requirements.
We know that insurance may not be high on your checklist, which is why talking to the experts at BCD, who understand your business, helps to make it a fast, hassle-free process. Not only that, but their policies are comprehensive and competitive too. Remember Courier Exchange members can benefit from pre-agreed special rates.
They can also help you with any claims. You’re in good hands!
Talk to BCD now for peace of mind or call them on 0344 776 5305
Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales No. 10301653. Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA.
