As South Africa’s roads bustle with the start of the new school year, Dunlop Tyres SA is calling on all road users to prioritise tyre safety. Whether you’re a parent navigating the school run, a carpool organiser, or a scholar transport provider, ensuring your vehicle’s tyres are roadworthy is vital to safeguarding the lives of passengers and pedestrians alike.
The surge in traffic during the back-to-school period often leads to an increase in accidents, particularly those involving children. Vehicle and tyre safety checks, though sometimes overlooked, play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of these unfortunate incidents.
Scholar Transport Safety: A Growing Concern
Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Dunlop Tyres SA, expressed concern over the state of scholar transport services in South Africa. “The safety of scholar transport services is a pressing concern,” said Ozoux. “Recent years have seen numerous accidents involving these services, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Many of these incidents have been attributed to vehicles being in poor condition, unmaintained, and overloaded.”
Ozoux emphasised the critical role tyres play in ensuring road safety, stating: “Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that directly meets the road surface. In emergency situations, tyres need sufficient friction to come to a stop. Worn or damaged tyres can reduce grip, leading to delayed stopping times or aquaplaning in wet weather conditions.”
Essential Tyre Safety Tips
Dunlop Tyres SA has outlined key tyre safety measures to help drivers navigate the roads more safely:
- Check Tyre Pressure Regularly: Ensure tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, checking them when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget to inspect the spare tyre, as it could prove invaluable in emergencies.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading vehicles is a common but dangerous practice. Each tyre has a maximum load-carrying capability moulded onto its sidewall—exceeding this can compromise safety.
- Inspect Tyres for Damage: Regularly inspect tyres for visible damage such as scrapes, cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. If any issues are detected, consult a tyre dealer promptly to assess and address the damage.
- Drive Responsibly: Adhering to speed limits and maintaining a safe driving style reduces the strain on tyres and improves overall road safety.
A Collective Responsibility
With increased traffic volumes during school terms, all road users must take collective responsibility for creating safer roads. For parents and transport operators alike, a few moments spent on tyre maintenance can prevent life-altering accidents.
As Ozoux aptly summarised, “Tyre safety is not just about protecting your passengers; it’s about safeguarding every road user. Let’s make this school year a safe one for everyone.”
Dunlop Tyres SA continues to lead by example, promoting road safety education and offering reliable, high-quality tyres to support South Africans on their journeys. By embracing these tyre safety tips, we can work together to ensure that every school run is as smooth and safe as possible.
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