Bridgestone Urges Summer Tyre Safety as Millions Set Off on Holiday

As millions of UK families prepare for summer travel, Bridgestone is calling on motorists to prioritise tyre safety, warning that worn or underinflated tyres remain a major cause of MOT failures and road accidents.

The company’s latest UK survey of 2,000 motorists reveals that over 60% delay replacing tyres until their vehicle fails its MOT, while nearly a quarter do not consider the risks of driving on unsafe tyres. Alarmingly, 11% admitted to waiting until tyres are completely bald before taking action.

Rising Concern Amid Summer Travel Surge

Bridgestone’s renewed safety message comes as vehicle use is expected to rise during school holidays, putting added pressure on tyres and increasing the risk of blowouts or loss of control.

Helen Roe, UK Senior Marketing Manager at Bridgestone, said:

“As millions of people prepare to travel for summer holidays, we’re urging everyone to carry out some simple tyre checks before setting off. Tyres are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, and worn or underinflated tyres can significantly increase the risk of accidents.”

Government figures support the warning. Over 2.15 million annual MOT failures are attributed to tyre defects, and tyre-related incidents have cost the UK economy an estimated £416 million in the past five years.

Cost of Living Adds to the Risk

The survey also found that 35% of drivers delay replacing tyres due to cost concerns, indicating that financial pressures are influencing safety-critical decisions. Bridgestone’s data suggests that this trend could result in more unsafe vehicles on the road this summer.

'Be a Road Safety Hero' Campaign

To address the issue, Bridgestone has launched its ‘Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero’ initiative, which has already delivered over 4,500 free tyre checks at public events across the UK. The campaign promotes simple, preventative tyre care and encourages drivers to make routine inspections part of their travel preparation. Roe added: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to stay safe, particularly during the summer months when families are driving further and more frequently.”

Three Steps to Safer Driving

Bridgestone advises motorists to follow three key steps before any journey:

• Inspect regularly: Check pressures and tread depth monthly and before long trips.
• Know the law: Minimum tread depth is 1.6mm—Bridgestone recommends replacing tyres before reaching this limit.
• Ask the experts: Get advice or a free check from a qualified technician if unsure.

The campaign supports Bridgestone’s wider E8 Commitment, particularly its focus on ‘Ease’ and ‘Extension’, which aim to make travel safer and more sustainable for all road users.

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Tagged with: Bridgestone, tyre safety, summer driving, MOT failure, UK motorists, E8 Commitment, Road Safety Hero, tyre checks

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