ACTing to improve safety
TyreSafe launches annual tyre safety month campaign
TyreSafe has kicked off its annual Tyre Safety Month campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the crucial role that regular tyre maintenance plays in road safety.
Running throughout October, the campaign seeks to educate drivers and encourage a shift in behaviour.
The charity’s goal is to achieve “zero harm to road users due to illegal or poorly maintained tyres”.
Inflating figures
Recent data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows a concerning rise in tyre-related incidents.
In 2023, 190 casualties were caused by tyre defects, a 29% increase from the total of 147 in 2022.
This marks the highest number of tyre-related injuries since 2018, highlighting the need for greater public awareness and preventative action.
Caught in the A.C.T.
This year’s campaign encourages drivers and motorcyclists to get ‘Caught in the A.C.T.’, using a superhero theme and comic strip visuals to make tyre safety both engaging and memorable.
Its goal is to inspire motorists to become “tyre safety heroes” by taking simple yet vital steps to maintain their tyres regularly.
At the core of the campaign is the ‘ACT’ acronym, which serves as a reminder for three essential tyre checks:
- Air Pressure – Ensuring tyres are properly inflated for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
- Condition – Inspecting tyres for damage such as cuts, bulges, or any wear that could compromise safety.
- Tread – Maintaining adequate tread depth to ensure effective grip and braking.
These three checks are fundamental to proactive tyre maintenance, empowering drivers to take responsibility for their safety on the road.
Campaign Resources and Support
TyreSafe has developed a comprehensive toolkit for supporters and partners to help spread the message.
This includes social media assets, animations, a content schedule, and customisable posters and flyers, all designed to help participants promote tyre safety.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, emphasized the importance of the campaign:
“Tyre safety is not just a responsibility — it’s a lifesaving habit.
By getting ‘Caught in the ACT’ this October, drivers can become their tyre safety heroes and contribute to safer roads across the UK.”
Get Involved
Supporters are encouraged to join the conversation online by using the campaign hashtag #CaughtInTheACT and sharing their tyre safety experiences.
Garages also play a key role, with many displaying campaign materials, offering free tyre checks, and engaging with motorists through social media.
As driver trainers with direct access to young drivers just beginning their life behind the wheel, your help advocating the importance of tyre care is crucial.
These small black and seemingly boring rubber circles are perhaps the most important part of any vehicle’s road safety system.
All those other vehicle safety systems are completely undermined without proper understanding, awareness and care.
The campaign will run throughout October.
Resources are available for download in the TyreSafe members’ area and on the charity’s website.
Find out more and get access to free resources here.