“Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that keep you in contact with the road so it is critical that they are in roadworthy condition at all times”
As Irish Road Safety Week begins, motorists are being reminded that tyre safety isn’t optional — it’s essential.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), and the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) have joined forces to launch Tyre Safety Day, urging motorists across Ireland to put tyre checks at the top of their to-do list.
The campaign aims to remind drivers that maintaining tyre safety is their responsibility and not something to rely on the National Car Test (NCT) to identify. As we head into the wetter, darker months of winter, checking your tyres could make the difference between a safe journey and a serious collision.
Figures from the past year show that 182,160 (10.5%) vehicles failed the NCT due to tyre condition issues, while 43,184 were found with dangerously low tread depths of less than 1.6mm. The NCTS also reported detecting over 200,000 tyres with defects this year alone, and An Garda Síochána has already issued 1,755 fixed charge notices for tyre offences.
Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA, emphasised:
“Tyres are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road. Worn or defective tyres can mean the difference between stopping in time or being involved in a serious collision. Tyre Safety Day is a reminder that checking your tyres should be a year-round habit, not something left until test time.”
Inspector Ross O’Doherty from the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau added that Gardaí regularly encounter vehicles with tyres below legal and safety standards:
“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. 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”
Sue O’Neill, CEO of the ITIA, encouraged motorists to avail of free tyre checks this week:
“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”
Why Tyre Safety Matters
RSA analysis of coronial data (2015–2020) revealed that 13% of driver fatalities where vehicle condition was a factor involved tyre defects. Properly maintained tyres improve grip, reduce braking distance, and enhance control — particularly in wet or slippery conditions.
Simple Tyre Safety Tips for Motorists
-
Carry out a visual check before every journey.
-
Look for bulges, cracks, cuts, or uneven wear.
-
Ensure tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
-
Replace tyres when tread depth falls below 3mm (new tyres usually start at 8mm).
-
Remember: the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm for cars and 1mm for motorcycles.
As of 5 October 2025, 126 lives have been lost on Irish roads this year — seven fewer than the same period last year. The RSA, Gardaí, and ITIA are appealing to all road users to play their part in reducing deaths and serious injuries by taking tyre safety seriously.
