Preparing for journeys, especially before long road trips, is an essential safety

National Highways has launched the next phase of a long-term TRIP road safety campaign.

This demonstrates to drivers how to prepare for long journeys.

Embrace the adventure

The TRIP campaign aims to encourage drivers to plan their journey.

It includes all necessary vehicle checks and factoring in rest stops before setting off.

With the autumn and winter seasons upon us, weather can have adverse conditions and shorter periods of daylight.

Therefore, levels of fatigue and stress are higher for both drivers and machines.

The TRIP checklist is based on four fundamental principles:

  • Top–up – fuel, oil and screen wash
  • Rest – take a rest break every two hours
  • Inspect – check tyre pressure and tread
  • Prepare – have a plan for all weather conditions

The Autumn focus is on the ‘inspect’ element of the T.R.I.P acronym, with a call to action for drivers to check their tyres before setting off.

Half a tank

Over half (55%) of UK drivers do not always check their tyre tread before a long journey.

New research from National Highways also reveals that more than a fifth (21%) of those who take long journeys and have broken down on the motorway think their breakdown could have been avoided if they had conducted proper tyre checks before setting off.

Last year, more than 51,500 tyre-related breakdowns occurred on England’s motorways and major A-roads.

This represents an increase of 14% since 2022.

In October last year, there were 4,053 tyre-related breakdowns, averaging around 131 daily incidents.

National Highways has joined forces with Kwik Fit to spread potentially lifesaving safety tips.

These include encouraging drivers to check both the tread and pressure of their tyres to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and reduce the risk of collisions.

Getting the message

A stakeholder toolkit is available, with a range of assets for use on social media channels, websites, blogs, or newsletters.

This includes links to download both static and animated assets, as well as key captions.

There are also one-minute video assets that show how to conduct essential vehicle checks.

National Highways says: “With weather conditions changing in autumn, we are focusing on the ‘inspect’ element of the T.R.I.P acronym, with a call to action for drivers to check their tyres before setting off.

“With more than half (55%) of UK drivers – equating to 18.9 million drivers in England – admitting they don’t check their tyre tread most or all of the time before a long journey (>2 hours), and 48% (the equivalent of 16.5 million) not checking their tyre pressure most or all of the time, National Highways is calling for all drivers to get tyre confident and check them before embarking on long journeys this autumn.”

Head of National Road User Safety at National Highways Matt Staton said:

“These statistics are a stark reminder of the importance of tyre safety, particularly ahead of long journeys. Breakdowns caused by tyre issues are not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous for both the driver and other road users.

“We’re urging drivers to take a few minutes to check their tyre tread and pressure before setting off. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference to your safety on the roads.”

Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood added her voice to support the campaign, stating that “road safety is absolutely vital.”

Greenwood added that the new Government “will make our roads even safer by delivering a new Road Safety Strategy – the first in over decade”.

Ignorance no excuse

Drivers’ leading reason for not checking tyre tread ahead of a long journey is forgetfulness, 29%.

Shockingly,  24% of drivers assume they do not need to check because it’s covered in their annual MOT or service.

Regarding checking tyre pressure, 16% of UK drivers do not feel confident checking their own wheels, and one in ten (9%) say they don’t have time to check.

Kwik Fit’s communications director Roger Griggs said: “While punctures are sometimes unavoidable, many tyre problems can be prevented with the correct maintenance. Drivers should regularly check tread depth and pressures, particularly ahead of long journeys. Having sufficient grip is even more important in wet weather, and this will be severely compromised by low tread or incorrect inflation. Technology can provide drivers with an increasing range of safety features in their car, but the most critical factor will always be the ability to steer and stop effectively.”

Tyre S”fety Tips:

  • Check your tyre tread: Ensure the tread depth meets the legal minimum of 1.6mm. If in doubt, use the ‘20p test’’ – place’ a 20p coin into the tread; if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyres may be unsafe. Failure to comply can result in a £2,500 fine and up to three points on your license for each tyre below the limit.
  • Check your tyre pressure: Refer to your vehicle handbook for the correct pressure, and check tyres when they are cold for accurate results.
  • Inspect for damage: Regularly look for cuts, bulges, or objects embedded in your tyres.
  • Tyre Check: Kwik – Fit offers free no obligation tyre checks for those concerned about the condition of their tyres.