TyreSafe is urging road users to make tyre safety a priority following the publication of the latest NFU Mutual Rural Road Safety Report, which highlights the continued dangers faced by those travelling on Britain’s rural road network.
According to the report, 9,884 people have lost their lives on rural roads over the past decade, with 956 fatalities recorded on rural roads in 2024 alone—72% more than on urban roads and more than ten times the number recorded on motorways. The report also found that progress in reducing rural road fatalities has largely stagnated since 2012, despite wider advances in vehicle safety and road safety interventions.
For TyreSafe, the findings serve as a timely reminder of the critical role tyres play in helping road users safely navigate the unique hazards commonly found on rural roads.
Unlike motorways and many urban routes, rural roads often feature sharp bends, blind summits, narrow carriageways, poor road surfaces, potholes, mud, standing water, loose debris and unexpected hazards such as agricultural vehicles, livestock, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians. NFU Mutual’s research found that blind corners and junctions, narrow winding roads and poor road quality rank among motorists’ biggest concerns when driving on rural roads.
These conditions place greater demands on a vehicle’s tyres, making adequate tread depth, correct inflation pressures and good overall tyre condition essential for maintaining grip, stability and control.
On challenging rural roads, where sudden braking, evasive manoeuvres and cornering forces are often more frequent, tyre performance can have a significant impact on a vehicle’s ability to stop safely and remain under control.
Research continues to demonstrate that tyre defects remain a significant road safety concern. On average, 153 people are killed or seriously injured each year in incidents where defective tyres are a contributory factor. The most recent figure of 172 tyre-related killed or seriously injured casualties is particularly concerning, sitting well above the five-year average. (Source: DfT Reported Road Casualties 2025)
Furthermore, analysis of fatal collision investigations found that 75% of tyre defects identified on cars involved in fatal incidents were linked to poor maintenance, while the equivalent figure across all vehicle types was 61%. These findings underline the importance of regular tyre inspections and preventative maintenance.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said: “The latest NFU Mutual Rural Road Safety Report paints a stark picture. Despite years of effort across the road safety sector, rural roads continue to account for a disproportionate number of fatalities.
Rural roads demand more from both drivers and vehicles. Sharp bends, changing road surfaces, standing water, agricultural traffic and reduced visibility all place increased importance on maintaining grip and vehicle control. In these conditions, tyres play a critical role in helping road users brake effectively, corner safely and respond to unexpected hazards.
The worrying reality is that many tyre-related incidents are entirely preventable. The evidence shows that a significant proportion of tyre defects found following serious and fatal collisions are linked to poor maintenance. That’s why we are encouraging all road users to take a few minutes each month to check their tyres and ensure they are safe and legal.”
TyreSafe is encouraging road users to remember the ACT checks:
A – Air Pressure
Road users should check their tyre pressures at least once a month and before long journeys using an accurate gauge. Correct tyre pressures help optimise braking performance, fuel efficiency and tyre life, while reducing the risk of tyre failure.
C – Condition
Tyres should be regularly inspected for cuts, cracks, bulges and embedded objects. Any visible damage should be assessed by a tyre professional immediately, as it may indicate underlying structural issues.
T – Tread
For passenger cars, the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. Sufficient tread depth is particularly important on rural roads, where standing water and uneven surfaces can significantly increase the risk of aquaplaning and loss of control.
As summer travel, agricultural activity and tourism continue to increase traffic volumes on rural roads, TyreSafe is urging all road users to make tyre checks part of their routine vehicle maintenance.
A few minutes spent checking tyres before a journey could make a life-saving difference.
