The very welcome break from the routine of rushed breakfasts and missing PE socks has come to an end, and most of us – our kids included – are actually looking forward to the new school year.
We’ll also see the return of kids making their way to and from school. And they’re more distracted than ever, with headphones, smartphones, social media apps, chatting, fooling around. In short, not paying enough attention to their surroundings or safety. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s something you can’t fail to notice. And nor should you.
So, for all of us road users the new school term gives us a chance to ask ourselves this key question: could I stop the car safely if a distracted kid stepped out in front of me?
The threat is real – it happened to me
Driving down a residential street near a local school one afternoon, I spotted two girls up ahead walking together, both about 11 years old and wearing earmuffs. Something about them made me think they might step out. Perhaps it was the way they were slightly veering towards the edge of the road, or maybe it was sixth sense on my part, because that’s exactly what they did. Suddenly and right in front of me.
Luckily for them, I was able to stop, but – despite driving slowly – it was only just in time. Very shocked, I realised I could have killed or seriously injured them both. It wouldn’t have been my fault, but that’s not the point.
Sufficient tyre tread depth is vital
Created by engineers at Continental in the early 1900s, tyre treads expel road-surface water, so the tyre itself can grip the road. New tyres are very effective at this. Worn tyres are not.
Imagine two cars, both travelling at 50 mph. Car A has brand new tyres in which most tyres come with up to 8mm treads, while Car B’s treads are just about legal, at 1.6mm. If both drivers brake at the same time, Car A will stop nearly 14 metres shorter than Car B – or three car lengths. Now imagine if a child is in Car B’s path…
You can learn more about tyre tread depth here.
Correctly inflated tyre pressure is important
Too little air in your tyres destabilises your car’s handling which affects the tyres and their ability to grip. When tyres have too much air in them, the part of the tyre that touches the road is smaller, which means less gripping surface. Less grip means it takes longer to stop, whatever the weather. Read our previous article on tyre pressures here.
The significance of quality tyres
Premium tyres are made from high quality rubber compositions which are more effective at gripping the road, thereby reducing stopping distances, especially in wet conditions. They give you a better chance of avoiding accidents.
So it’s simply worth paying more upfront for better quality tyres, which – thanks to the fact that they last longer – are in fact less expensive over time. Discover more about premium vs budget tyres here.
Seek professional advice – Ask ASDA Tyres
With more kids out on our streets, it’s vital to be vigilant and alert, but that’s not enough. Your tyres also matter, so it’s important to ensure that they’re up to challenge. If you’re worried about the quality or condition of your tyres, speak to the tyre professionals at ASDA Tyres for impartial advice. Click here find your nearest fitting station