TyreSafe, the UK’s leading road safety charity dedicated to tyre awareness, has announced its support for the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Fatal Four Operation, scheduled from April 1st to 28th, 2025.

This initiative aims to address critical factors contributing to road casualties, with a renewed emphasis on vehicle condition, particularly the dangers posed by illegal or poorly maintained tyres.

The cost of living crisis is also seeing more motorists elect to run illegally worn tyres or invest in cheaper ‘part-worn’ or budget tyres, but do they really represent saving?

You can read our article testing budget and premium tyres here.

Deadly mistakes

The Fatal Four Operation traditionally targets the primary causes of serious road incidents: speeding, driving under the influence, not wearing seat belts, and distracted driving.

This year, the NPCC is highlighting vehicle defects as a significant contributor to road safety issues, underscoring the importance of maintaining roadworthy vehicles.

Recent statistics underscore the severity of the problem.

In 2023, 190 reported casualties resulted from tyre-related incidents, marking a 29% increase from the previous year and the highest figure since 2018.

Furthermore, data from the Department for Transport revealed that defective tyres contributed to numerous road traffic crashes, emphasising the critical need for regular tyre maintenance.​

Circular story

Compounding the issue is a concerning lack of tyre safety awareness among UK drivers.

A study conducted in September 2024 revealed that only 19% of drivers check their tyre tread depth monthly, as recommended.

More than a third rely solely on visual inspections, and just 29% use a proper gauge.

Alarmingly, only 36% were aware that driving with insufficient tread depth could result in three penalty points per illegal tyre.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “Illegal or poorly maintained tyres significantly increase the risk of incidents that can change lives forever. Our support for the NPCC’s Fatal Four Operation reflects TyreSafe’s ongoing commitment to reducing tyre-related casualties and raising awareness of the importance of regular tyre checks. With millions of illegal tyres potentially on our roads, it’s imperative that drivers and riders take action to ensure their tyres are safe and legal, helping to protect themselves and other road users.”​

Inflating interest

To address these challenges, TyreSafe is advocating for tyre inspections and education to be integrated into roadside vehicle checks and safety events. The charity urges all road users to remember the acronym ACT:​

  • Air Pressure: Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.​

  • Condition: Regularly inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, or other signs of damage.​

  • Tread Depth: Confirm that tread depth exceeds the legal minimum of 1.6mm.​

In support of the Fatal Four Operation, TyreSafe will collaborate with police forces and other stakeholders to disseminate educational materials and resources aimed at improving tyre safety awareness.

This collective effort seeks to reduce the number of tyre-related incidents and enhance overall road safety.

For more information and resources to support tyre safety education, visit www.tyresafe.org.​