Claim news
31/03/2011

Road traffic accidents can be reduced if tyres are proper maintained

In an effort to save money UK motorists are cutting back spending on their vehicle maintenance, which could lead to an increase in road traffic accidents and subsequent personal injury compensation claims.

A survey conducted by a consumer money-saving website found that more than 40% of drivers are driving with tyres which are not fit for the roads.

The minimum tread depth allowed for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm and the survey found that almost 41% of drivers were driving with tyres of a shallower depth than legally required.

The consequences of driving a car with tyres that are less than 1.6mm, other than the increased risk of an accident, is a £2,500 fine plus three penalty points on your licence for each individual bald tyre.

A representative of the company which conducted the survey stated, "It was surprising to see that as many as two-fifths of people are knowingly driving with illegal tyres, particularly given how dangerous they can be."

More than 58% of the people questioned in the survey cited expense as the main reason their tyres were not maintained properly. However, if the condition of a vehicle was found to be a contributory factor in a road traffic accident, the driver could face a damages case from any personal injury victims.