RSA Launch Irish Road Safety Week

Eight out of ten drivers know how to check their tyre pressure, however just one out of ten does this less than once a year, according to a survey by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The RSA released the figures to mark the start of Irish Road Safety Week.

The figures shows that 1 in 8 drivers (14%) have bought part-worn tyres in the past. 8 out of 10 (79%) drivers stated that they know how to check the air pressure of their tyres, yet 1 in 10 check this less than once a year or not at all. Similarly, 1 in 8 drivers check the condition and tread depth of their tyres less than once a year or not at all, despite 72% of drivers knowing how to perform this important check.

Tyre safety, child safety and cycling safety are the focus of this year's 'Irish Road Safety Week', which was launched today (Thursday) and will see a week of road safety activities taking place nationwide from Monday 5 October to Sunday 11 October.

In support of Irish Road Safety Week, the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) will be providing free tyre checks to motorists at participating garages on National Tyre Safety Day on Wednesday 7 October.

Speaking at the launch of 'Irish Road Safety Week', Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD said: "'Irish Road Safety Week' is an important event in the road safety calendar as it gives us an opportunity to review our behaviour on the roads. If we all looked at how we use the roads every day, I have no doubt that we would find room for improvement. So this week, consider what small change you could make to make the roads safer for yourself and others.

"In particular, as the weather starts to get that bit colder, I would urge road-users to ensure they check their tyres regularly. Tyres are the only thing between you and the road, so it is critical that they are in good condition and that the tread depth and air pressure are checked regularly."

The RSA is reminding road-users that roadworthy tyres must be the right type and size for the vehicle, be properly inflated, free from defects and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm.

(MH/LM)