FLEET managers these days bear far more legal responsibility than they used to – not least of which is duty of care where tyres are concerned.

Tyres play a key role when it comes to safety. The Tyre Industry Council reminds road users: ‘Your tyres, each with a contact patch on the road of about the size of a large footprint, have to provide all of the grip for steering, braking and acceleration. Neglecting them could be expensive in the long run and could even cost you your life.’

So getting drivers to check tyre pressures and tread depth regularly is essential as part of any on-going risk management strategy.

If these simple duties are not carried out routinely, not only will you and your organisation risk prosecution in the event of an accident caused by a tyre fault, the increased wear and fuel consumption can add up too.

According to Goodyear, tyres under-inflated by just 15% will increase fuel use by about 2.5% and 30% under-inflation will increase fuel consumption by 5%.

Fortunately, fleets are now getting much more help and support from the tyre supply industry when it comes to safety. The Tyre Industry Council (TIC) has formed an ‘Associates Programme’, allowing it to work closely with the police and retailers to help cut accidents.

A spokesman explained: ‘From major national chains through to small independents, retailers have pledged their support to the council by becoming TIC Associates. These companies between them represent the vast majority of the UK tyre trade.

‘We are highly appreciative of the practical support offered by associates in supporting clinics and roadside tyre checks, and those companies in their turn readily acknowledge the value of the council’s work.’

Current members of the TIC Associates programme are: ATS Euromaster, Central Tyres, Craighill Tyre Services, Hi-Q Tyre Services, Jetyres, Just Tyres, Kwik-Fit, Merityre Specialists, Micheldever Tyre Services, MotorWay Tyre and Autocentres, National Tyres & Autocare, North Eastern Tyres & Exhausts, Peugeot Express Fit, Selecta Tyre and Stapleton’s (Tyre Services) Tanvic Tyres.

The TIC takes its educational campaigns on the road and this year it visited the north east in May, followed by the north west and Northern Ireland in October, and ended off the year’s educational drive with Scotland in November.