As we enter the final days of Irish Road Safety Week, motorists are being urged to take greater responsibility for the condition of their tyres and not rely solely on the National Car Test (NCT) to flag problems.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) and the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) held a Tyre Safety Day on Monday to mark the start of Road Safety Week, but caution that motorists should regularly check the state of their tyres, and not just leave it to an annual check, or the biennial NCT.

This weeks initiative highlights the risks of neglecting tyre maintenance, especially as we approach the winter months when wet and slippery conditions make tyre grip and braking distances even more critical.

Figures from the last 12 months show that 182,160 (10.5%) motorists failed their NCT due to tyre condition, with 43,184 vehicles recorded as having dangerously low tread depths of less than 1.6mm.

Mark Synnott, Managing Director of NCTS added that the service has detected over 200,000 tyres with defects so far this year. In addition, An Garda Síochána has issued 1,755 fixed charge notices for tyre offences this year to date.

“Tyres are the only part of your vehicle in direct contact with the road, and they play a vital role in keeping you safe,” said Sam Waide, the CEO of the Road Safety Authority.

“Worn or defective tyres can mean the difference between stopping in time or being involved in a serious collision. Alarmingly, tyres remain the leading cause of NCT failures, which shows that too many motorists are not carrying out basic checks. Tyre Safety Day is a reminder that checking your tyres should be a year-round habit, not something left until test time,” he said.

Tyres must meet the correct standard and size for your vehicle, be free from defects, properly inflated, and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm (1mm for motorcycles).

RSA analysis of coronial data (2015–2020) found that 13% of driver fatalities where vehicle condition was recorded had a defect related to tyres.

“Too often, Gardaí encounter vehicles on the road fitted with tyres that fall below acceptable legal and safety standards, posing risks not only to the driver but to all road users,” said Inspector Ross O’Doherty of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau.

“We encourage drivers to make tyre checks a regular habit – looking out for signs of wear, damage, or low tread depth – and to replace tyres when necessary. This simple step can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring safer journeys,” he said.

As of Sunday last, October 5, a total of 126 lives had been lost on Irish roads this year, seven fewer than the same period last year. The RSA, An Garda Síochána and ITIA are appealing to every motorist to play their part in reducing road deaths and serious injuries by taking tyre safety seriously.

“This week, we are once again inviting all motorists to avail of a free tyre pressure check and tread depth inspection at participating ITIA registered dealers nationwide. It’s quick, it’s free, and it could save your life or someone else’s. You can also download Your Guide to Tyre Safety at www.itia.ie to learn more about choosing the right tyres,” said Sue O’Neill, CEO of the ITIA.

Pictured: Motorists are urged to check their tyre pressure.