The 20p pledge that could save your life

15th October 2012

As part of this October’s tyre safety month, TyreSafe has launched a potentially life-saving pledge on its Facebook page – www.facebook.com/tyresafeuk – to help keep drivers safe on the roads.

Visitors to the site will be asked to commit to taking the ‘20p pledge’, and agree to check their tyre tread depth using a 20p coin within the next seven days.  After taking the pledge, their commitment will then be shared with a message to their Facebook friends asking them to do likewise.

“The 20p pledge is a great way for drivers to check their tread depth and ensure they are safe and legal as we head towards the wettest months of the year,” Stuart Jackson, the chairman of TyreSafe, said.  “Adequate tread is essential in providing better grip and shorter stopping distances in the wet, as well as helping to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.”

The test is quick and easy to perform.  Simply insert a 20p piece into the main grooves of each tyre to check the tread depth.  If the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted, the tyre may not have sufficient depth and should be checked by a qualified specialist.

“Although the 20p test is incredibly quick and easy to carry out, we’ve also made a short animation to show how it’s done,” Stuart added.  “It’s available to watch on our Facebook page.”