GARDAÍ WILL BE conducting a national tyre safety campaign from 7am on Thursday to 7am on Friday.

The initiative is part of the ongoing Road Safety Week.

A spokesman from the Garda Press Office said that many drivers “are increasing the risk of a collision for themselves and others by failing to replace excessively worn, defective or damaged tyres”.

Speaking on the importance of ensuring tyres are roadworthy, Assistant Garda Commissioner John Twomey, who is also head of the Traffic Corps, said:

Although the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm for cars and 1mm for motorcycles, the simple fact is the more tread depth you have, the more grip you have on the road.

Considering we are moving into wetter weather, this fact is all the more relevant.

“We appeal to all drivers and riders to specifically check the tread depth and condition of their tyres, and if necessary arrange for them to be changed.

“A simple visual check will identify an excessively worn or damaged tyre, so there is absolutely no excuse for driving with this obvious defect. Remember, Road Safety starts with you.”

In support of the campaign, the Irish Tyre Industry Association is inviting motorists to drop in to selected locations for a free tyre inspection.

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