As families prepare to hit the road for the Easter getaway, TyreSafe is urging road users to make sure their vehicles are ready for the journey, especially when carrying extra passengers, luggage and chocolate treats.
With the promise of brighter days and spring adventures, Easter is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. According to the VisitEngland Domestic Trip Tracker 2025, 25% of adults in Britain ‘definitely’ planned to take an overnight trip over Easter, with a further 19% undecided — figures that have remained consistently high in recent years.
While data for this year is still being finalised, early indications suggest another busy Easter weekend on the UK’s roads, as more families choose UK breaks and rural staycations.
But more journeys, heavier vehicles and unpredictable spring weather can create a dangerous and disruptive mix particularly if tyres are not properly checked. Data from National Highways cites that one in five breakdowns on motorways and A roads are tyre-related, which means Easter plans for many road users could unravel from something that could be prevented with appropriate maintenance.
Packed Car? Check Your Air
From suitcases and pushchairs to bikes and camping gear, Easter breaks often mean overloaded vehicles. Extra weight places additional strain on tyres and makes correct inflation pressures even more critical.
Underinflated tyres when carrying heavy loads can:
- Increase stopping distances
- Reduce stability and steering control
- Raise the risk of tyre failure
- Increase fuel consumption
Vehicle manufacturers provide specific pressure recommendations for fully loaded cars yet many road users fail to adjust pressures before long journeys.
Rural Roads – The Hidden Danger of the Staycation
Easter also sees families heading to the countryside in search of fresh air and coastal escapes. However, rural roads remain the most dangerous roads in the UK.
A recent report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) highlights that rural roads accounted for 59% of all UK road deaths in 2022, with over 10,100 fatalities recorded on rural roads over the past decade.
While there has been a 2.5% reduction in road deaths across all road types over the last ten years, fatalities on rural roads have shown no significant decrease.
In 2022 alone, 1,711 road deaths were recorded in Great Britain, with Car drivers and passengers involved in 55% of fatalities and motorcyclists accounting for 24%
Rural roads present unique hazards including:
- National speed limits of 60mph
- Sharp and blind bends
- Narrow lanes with oncoming traffic
- Large agricultural vehicles
- Poor lighting
- Potholes and debris
- Slippery surfaces, particularly after spring showers
Tyres play a critical role in maintaining grip and stability in these unpredictable conditions.
According to TyreSafe’s own tread depth survey, an estimated 6 million tyres on UK roads are illegal, meaning a significant number of vehicles may already be compromised before they even set off.
ACT Before You Travel
TyreSafe is reminding road users to follow the simple ACT check before heading off this Easter:
A – Air pressure – Adjust tyre pressures to manufacturer recommendations, especially when carrying heavier loads.
C – Condition – Check for cuts, bulges or damage — particularly after winter driving.
T – Tread – Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm — and ideally at least 3mm for better wet grip.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Easter is a time for family, fresh air and making memories — but it’s also one of the busiest times on our roads. Heavily loaded vehicles, long journeys and rural routes can all increase risk if tyres aren’t properly maintained.”
“Something as simple as adjusting your tyre pressures for a full car can make a significant difference to safety and performance. Before you hop off on your Easter adventure, take a few minutes to ACT — check your Air pressure, Condition and Tread. It’s a small step that could make a life-saving difference.”
TyreSafe is encouraging all road users to make tyre checks part of their Easter routine alongside packing the eggs and planning the route.
Because the only thing that should crack this Easter… is the chocolate.
