5 top tips for tyre safety

Road Safety Week is observed during the third week of November annually – between 19 and 25 November this year – with the aim of encouraging safer driving practices and raising awareness on the importance of road safety.

Falling in the run-up to the festive season, this commemorative week also serves as a reminder of what safe driving habits motorists should adopt and which unsafe habits they should discard to stay safe on the region’s, province’s and country’s roads, rather than become a ‘silly season’ statistic.

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Road safety is crucial to the reduction of road-related injuries and deaths, and in encouraging motorists to take steps that can decrease road trauma.

Driving practices to improve road safety
• Keep to the speed limit, and lower your speed at night and in areas with high pedestrian traffic
• Ensure your vehicle’s lights are switched on when driving in low visibility conditions and at night
• If you feel tired, find somewhere to rest until you feel refreshed and ready to go again if possible
• Do not zig-zag between cars, and avoid sudden movements that other motorists may not expect
• Keep up with your vehicle maintenance and ensure your car is roadworthy

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Tyre safety is a key factor in overall road safety.
“Your tyres are the only point of contact your vehicle has with the road, so their condition is crucial for your safety,” explains Dean Horn, MD of Super Tyres.
Worn tyres are the cause of around 200 road accidents every day in South Africa. Neglecting your tyres and driving with tyres that are over- or under-inflated, too old or in poor condition could result in them bursting. They also impact your ability to steer and brake safely.

Top tips for tyre safety
• Inspect tyres yourself regularly for signs of visible wear and damage, and get them professionally checked every six months
• Make sure your tyre pressure is correct based on your vehicle’s requirements
• Adhere to your tyre’s load index and do not overload your vehicle
• Check that your shock absorbers are not worn – a professional inspection, especially before long trips, is advised
• Get your wheel alignment checked and adjusted roughly every 10 000km

“Never underestimate the importance of maintaining a roadworthy vehicle,” said Horn.
By following these safety tips, drivers can contribute to safer roads and a more responsible driving culture during Road Safety Week – and beyond.

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