UK bikers ignore tyre warnings
ERJ staff report (DS)
London -- UK motorcyclists are taking dangerous and unnecessary risks with their lives by failing to look after their tyres properly, according to TyreSafe, the UK's leading tyre safety organisation.
The latest road casualty figures available from the Department for Transport show that in 2008 there was an increase of 28 percent in the number of motorcycles involved in an accident where illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres were a contributory factor. This dramatic rise took the tally to a three-year high of 88 accidents.
UK official figures show that in 2008/9 tyre related defects contributed to more than 26,000 motorcycle MoT tests being failed, equivalent to nearly 75 failures every day. This total represents an increase of just under 1,500 failures over the previous year and more than 2,500 when compared with 2006/7.
Throughout April, tyre and motorcycle dealers across the UK will be hoping to help motorcyclists become safer by offering free tyre safety checks. The checks will include a visual inspection, looking in particular for any cracks, cuts or bulges in the tyre which can make it both dangerous and illegal. Examiners will also look for any irregular wear patterns which can be a sign of problems with other components, set-up or riding style. Pressures will be checked against the recommended levels with any necessary adjustments made for any pillion or pannier loads. Finally, the tread depth will be examined to make sure the tyre has sufficient tread to remove water from the road surface and meets the legal minimum tread requirements.
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Press release from TyreSafe UK
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