Goodyear survey shows EU drivers don't know about tyres

ERJ staff report (DS)

Brussels -- Drivers across Europe think that tyres are very important to road safety, but many of them don't know the importance of picking the right tyres for the right conditions, or of undertaking basic checks and maintenance, according to a survey from Goodyear Dunlop.

European motorists believe having correct tyres on their car is very important. 82 percent of respondents said that 'having tyres in good condition and properly inflated' was 'very important' to their safety when driving. This was second only to not drink driving in terms of its importance to road safety.

Unfortunately, mere awareness of tyres' importance doesn't necessarily mean that drivers know anything about tyres.

The survey results suggest that many drivers underestimate the link between tyre choice and road safety: one respondent in three admitted knowing 'little or nothing' of the way tyres will influence their stopping distance or impact their grip on the road.

One in three drivers confirmed they change every year to winter tyres when it's appropriate to do so, but even of those who drive in cold, snow and ice conditions and claim to be aware of the importance of winter tyres, one in five admit they never switch.

So much for tyre choice, how about tyre maintenance? 73 percent of EU respondents claim to know the appropriate tyre pressure for different driving conditions, but almost half of the people surveyed didn't know when exactly to check tyre pressure (when the tyres are cold). Moreover, more than one respondent in three admitted they continue to drive as normal on worn tyres, which tyre experts consider a major safety risk.

"This survey on tyres and road safety reveals some of the worrying driving practices we all need to address to make our roads safer places," said Tom Delforge, Director of Communications EMEA at Goodyear Dunlop. "It also shows a number of road safety risks that can be addressed by promoting the right tyre choice, building more awareness and encouraging better maintenance."

The study was carried out by APCO Insight on behalf of "Goodyear Dunlop Europe". 3,500 drivers were surveyed across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK from 31 August to 9 September 2010. Interviews were conducted online in the local language of each country.

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Press release from Goodyear