Check your tyres before your next T.R.I.P. - One in four vehicles may be unsafe
As colder temperatures and darker evenings set in, National Highways is urging drivers to check their tyres as part of its seasonal T.R.I.P. campaign, encouraging everyone to Top-up, Rest, Inspect and Prepare before setting off.
This autumn, tyre safety takes centre stage, with ‘Inspect’ in the spotlight to support National Tyre Safety Month.
New figures reveal that around six million illegal tyres are on UK roads, meaning one in four vehicles could be driving with unsafe tyres.
In 2023, 190 people were killed or seriously injured due to defective tyres, which is a 29% increase from 147 in 2022. On motorways and major A roads, 25 people were killed or seriously injured, up from 22 the previous year.
These figures are comparable to mobile phone-related collisions, according to data from the Department for Transport.
In 2024, more than 53,000 tyre-related breakdowns were recorded on motorways and major A roads. This was the most common diagnosed cause and accounted for nearly one in five of all breakdowns.
More than a fifth of drivers who broke down on a long motorway journey believe it could have been avoided with proper tyre checks before setting off.
Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead for National Highways, said: “Tyres are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road, and if they’re excessively worn, underinflated or damaged, the consequences can be devastating.
“Most drivers understand the dangers of using a mobile phone behind the wheel, but the risks posed by defective tyres are just as serious and often overlooked. Tyre safety isn’t optional, it’s critical.”
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Safer roads are a top priority for this government, which is why I’m backing this campaign which could help save lives.
"Not only is driving with defective tyres illegal but it is also dangerous, especially as we move into the colder, wetter months. All motorists should take just a few minutes out of their day to make sure their tyres are safe - it could get you from A to B safely, and avoid a costly breakdown or serious collision.”
In a collision earlier this year, a vehicle left the carriageway of the M54 in the West Midlands during wet weather and crashed into a barrier and fence. The driver escaped serious injury, but images captured by a National Highways Traffic Officer show the severely worn rear tyres.
The campaign will run throughout October and into November, with National Highways sharing social media content to help bring the issue to life while supporting TyreSafe’s month of action.
Tyresafe’s theme is around the importance of tyre checks which are often overlooked among the stresses of modern-day life.
Colin Stevenson added: “We know forgetfulness is the top reason drivers don’t check their tyres, but it’s a habit that could save your life or someone else’s.
“A quick check of tread, pressure and damage takes just minutes. Failing to do so can lead to consequences that last a lifetime.”
To find out more about National Highways’ seasonal T.R.I.P. campaign, and learn more on how to check your tyres, visit: Have a safe T.R.I.P..
Notes to Editors
- Consumer behaviour statistics (tyre tread, pressure checks, and driver confidence) are sourced from Walnut Omnibus Research, conducted in September 2024 with a nationally representative sample of 1,397 UK drivers.
- The figure of 6 million illegal tyres is based on TyreSafe’s 2023 Tread Depth Survey, conducted in partnership with Imperial College London and National Highways, analysing over 549,000 tyres at the point of replacement.
- Breakdown data is taken from National Highways ControlWorks, which recorded 53,000 tyre-related breakdowns on the Strategic Road Network (SRN) in 2024, accounting for 19% of all breakdowns.
- Casualty data is from the Department for Transport’s Reported Road Casualties GB Report (September 2024), which shows 190 people were killed or seriously injured in 2023 in collisions where defective tyres were a contributory factor- a figure comparable to mobile phone-related incidents.
- GB-wide KSI figures: In 2023, 190 people were killed or seriously injured due to defective tyres, up from 147 in 2022 — a 29% increase.
- SRN-specific KSI figures: 25 KSIs in 2023, up from 22 in 2022, where defective tyres were a contributory factor.
About National Highways
- National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
- View our press releases online at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/press/
- Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via its website (https://trafficengland.com), local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/about-us/social-media-use/.
- For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option below:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) & out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (between 9am & 5.30pm)
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Option 4: West Midlands (between 9am & 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (between 9am & 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (between 9am & 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (between 9am & 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (between 9am & 5.30pm)
