Badly Maintained Tyres

One cause of serious car accidents is the failure of car owners to correctly maintain the tyres on their vehicles. This can mean badly worn tyres or incorrectly inflated tyres. It is considered to be such a serious offence that the penalties for driving with badly maintained tyres can be severe.  You can be given 3 penalty points and fined £2,500 per tyre.

The law states that it is illegal to drive with a tread which is les than 1.6 mm deep.  Inflation pressure will be different for each vehicle and type of tyre but should be checked and maintained at the correct level.

The Road Traffic Act of 1988 states that the responsibility for ensuring a safe level of tread lies with the person driving the car.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 provide general regulations regarding the roadworthiness of vehicles, such as those relating to brakes, steering, wheels, fuel and emissions. Tyres, of course, are also an important aspect.

Motor Vehicles Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 detail responsibilities relating such things as supply of tyres, worn tyres and retread tyres.

Car accidents can be very serious and can cause devastating injuries.  If you have been involved in a car accident involving a badly maintained vehicle you could be entitled to make a compensation claim for personal injury.  You should seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer.