Road Safe Northern Ireland Charity (Road Safe NI) has partnered with UK road safety charity TyreSafe to support greater awareness of the role tyres play in preventing road collisions and protecting road users across Northern Ireland.
Road Safe NI, formerly the Road Safety Council of Northern Ireland, is the Northern Ireland road safety charity, helping to support the 1.2 million road licence holders in the country, and has been working to reduce road casualties since the early 1960s. Through its network of local committees and volunteers, the organisation engages directly with communities to promote safer attitudes and behaviours among drivers, riders and vulnerable road users.
The partnership with TyreSafe will enable Road Safe NI to incorporate nationally recognised tyre safety guidance and research into its education, community outreach and campaign activity, helping drivers better understand how tyre condition affects braking, steering and vehicle control — particularly in wet and challenging conditions.
Tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, yet they are frequently overlooked in routine vehicle checks. Worn or incorrectly inflated tyres can significantly increase stopping distances and reduce grip, increasing risk for drivers, passengers and other road users. Through this collaboration, Road Safe NI will be able to draw on TyreSafe’s evidence-led resources and promote the simple ACT message, encouraging drivers to regularly check Air pressure, Condition and Tread.
Road Safe NI has a long tradition of working with statutory bodies, including local councils, emergency services and government departments, alongside voluntary and private sector partners. Its local committees organise a wide range of campaigns, events and cross-border initiatives, many delivered by volunteers with personal experience of road loss, all focused on reducing harm on Northern Ireland’s roads.
“Many road users don’t realise just how much tyres influence their ability to stop safely and stay in control,” said David Jackson, Chair of Road Safe Northern Ireland. “By partnering with TyreSafe, we can give road users clear, practical information that helps them understand why tyre checks matter and how simple actions can reduce risk. This fits well with our community-based approach to road safety and our focus on supporting drivers at every stage of life.”
The partnership also supports Road Safe NI’s long-standing work in lobbying for improved road safety legislation and awareness, including drink-driving laws, seatbelt use, protections for newly qualified drivers and restrictions on mobile phone use behind the wheel.
“Road Safe NI’s strong community presence and history of influencing safer road behaviour make them an important addition to TyreSafe’s network,” said Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe. “By combining trusted local engagement with clear, evidence-based tyre safety advice, this partnership will help more drivers understand that maintaining legal, roadworthy tyres is a fundamental part of staying safe on the road.”
TyreSafe works with a wide range of organisations across the UK and Ireland to promote tyre safety through research, education and practical guidance.
