TyreSafe, the UK’s road safety charity dedicated to tyre safety, is proud to support RoadPeace during National Road Victim Month, a time dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or been seriously injured on the roads, and to calling for urgent action to prevent future tragedies.
National Road Victim Month, held every August, was founded by RoadPeace in 1998 to honour the memory of Princess Diana, who tragically died in a car crash on 31 August 1997, and Bridget Driscoll, the first recorded pedestrian death by a car in Britain on 17 August 1896. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for safer roads and compassionate support for victims and their families.
Tyre defects are a significant and preventable cause of road harm. Latest figures from the Department for Transport show that on average over the last five years, 152 people are killed or seriously injured each year in incidents related to illegal or poorly maintained tyres. The 2023 figures revealed a 29% rise in casualties, from 147 in 2022 to 190 – the highest number since 2018 – highlighting the urgent need for action. Shockingly, the risk posed by illegal or poorly maintained tyres is on par with incidents involving mobile phone use while driving.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “These figures are a stark reminder that tyre safety is not optional, it is a critical part of preventing road deaths and serious injuries. Every road user can take simple steps to reduce the risk, such as checking tread depth, tyre pressure, and general condition. Tyre related incidents are entirely preventable, and supporting campaigns like RoadPeace is vital in raising awareness and saving lives.”
The human cost of road crashes extends far beyond those directly involved. Every day, on average, five people lose their lives and 80 suffer serious injuries on UK roads. Behind these statistics are families and communities profoundly affected by tragedy. RoadPeace highlights the ripple effect of road deaths and injuries, noting that each crash impacts more than 500 people connected to the victims.
One such story is that of Caitlin Huddleston, an 18-year-old who tragically lost her life as a passenger on a rural road in Cumbria in 2017. Caitlin’s mother, Sharron Huddleston, campaigns to improve novice driver safety, particularly on rural roads, and to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
TyreSafe encourages all drivers to check their tyres regularly, replace worn or damaged tyres, and prioritise vehicle safety. By taking these simple steps, road users can significantly reduce the risk of avoidable crashes and serious injuries.
