21 Metres - All The Difference When You're Trying To Stop 10

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8th November 2010, 10:00am - Views: 4185





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21 METRES – ALL THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU’RE

TRYING TO STOP


Monday 8

November 2010: Real-time tyre testing by NRMA Motoring & Services has

found stopping distances in wet conditions when driving on worn tyres can increase

by an alarming 21 metres.


The testing was conducted as the NRMA launches Tyre Awareness Month throughout

November and Australians brace for a wet holiday season on the roads.


The testing was conducted at 80km/hr with a car using tyres with good tread and an identical

car travelling on worn tyres. The vehicle travelling on worn tyres required an additional four-to-

five car lengths to stop.


Throughout the month of November NRMA roadside patrols will conduct free visual checks on

call outs and NRMA’s MotorServe Car Service Centres will provide free tyre checks. 


The tyre testing coincides with a new survey of 1,100 motorists in NSW and the ACT, which

found more than two-thirds of drivers aged 18-34 were unable to check tyre wear. By

contrast, 85 per cent of drivers aged over 45 were far more confident at checking tyres.


NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said predictions for one of the wettest

holiday seasons in years meant families needed to check they were driving on safe tyres.


“The NRMA is concerned that there are many families driving on unsafe tyres and don’t know

it,” Ms Machin said.


“As our testing showed, the extra stopping distance required in the wet on worn tyres is far

greater than most people would have realised and it can mean the difference between safety

and another unwanted holiday road statistic.


“NRMA’s Tyre Safety Month is designed to increase motorist awareness of the importance of

checking their vehicle’s tyres as families begin preparations for their Christmas holiday trips.


“We are encouraging motorists to visit an NRMA Motorserve branch and have a free visual

check of their tyres. Our roadside patrols will also be conducting visual checks on call outs.”


The NRMA survey also found that 20 per cent of motorists check their tyres just once every

six months. It is recommended that tyre pressures

be checked at least once a month and

every couple of days when driving long distances. 


Industry studies have also found that 89 per cent of vehicles have one under –inflated tyre.

 

The tests were conducted to give a real time view of the difference in braking and car handling

with different levels of tyre tread wear. 

Worn tyres were tested in a roundabout situation in

wet conditions, the loss of control at 40km per hour was dramatic leading to fish tailing with

complete loss of control.


Note to editors and chiefs of staff: Footage from NRMA’s tyre testing can be down-



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Contact: Lisa Kable 0439 133 113






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