TyreSafe launches flagship Young Driver Campaign in support of THINK!
TyreSafe is warning that just two illegal tyres could cost new drivers their licence in its new flagship Young Driver Campaign. The campaign coincides with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Operation Spotlight – a nationwide road safety operation targeting young drivers – running from 22 September to 5 October. The simple core message is that driving with unsafe or illegal tyres carries fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre. For new drivers in their first two years on the road the six penalty points accrued for two unsafe tyres is enough for an automatic licence revocation.
The campaign also addresses a worrying knowledge gap revealed in new TyreSafe research, which found that over half of UK drivers aged 17–24 (52 per cent) don’t realise they can be held legally responsible for the condition of the tyres on any vehicle they drive – even if they don’t own it.
By focusing on TyreSafe’s simple, but effective, ACT message – Air pressure, Condition, Tread – the campaign equips young drivers with practical knowledge to stay safe and legal, helping them avoid breakdowns, collisions, fines, and penalty points.
For the first time, the Young Driver Campaign will run in support of the Department for Transport’s THINK! campaign, giving it an even greater platform to reach young drivers. The campaign is also supported by other key organisations looking to support safer driving for young and new drivers. These include the DVSA, RED Driver Training, The Motor Schools’ Association of Great Britain, The Driving Instructors’ Association, Ready to Pass?, Fresh Drivers UK, First Car, Intelligent Instructor and the ADI National Joint Council.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “Young and new drivers are a vulnerable road user group, not only due to inexperience, but also because of the tighter restrictions on their licence. By empowering young drivers with the correct knowledge, and encouraging them to undertake regular tyre inspections and maintenance, we can help to mitigate the risk of a tyre related incident or conviction. By launching this campaign alongside the NPCC’s Operation Spotlight, and in support of THINK!, the government’s road safety campaign, we can reach more young people than ever with practical advice. If that advice is implemented, it could ensure that not only they are safer on the roads, but they reduce their risk of receiving penalty points and fines that could cost them their licence.”
The campaign will run across TyreSafe’s social media channels and website, supported by videos, infographics, and step-by-step guides. Police forces, driving instructors, schools, colleges, and road safety partnerships are encouraged to get involved by sharing resources and delivering tyre checks and advice to young drivers in their communities.
