The latest government figures on road casualties paint a worrying picture for UK road safety and tyres are once again under the spotlight.
TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has responded to the government’s 2024 road casualty statistics, highlighting continued stagnation in the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Britain’s roads.
Alarmingly, tyre-related incidents remain stubbornly high, with 172 tyre-related KSIs recorded in 2024 – the worst figure in years.
“The figures for 2022 (152), 2023 (151), and 2024 (153) clearly demonstrate that more needs to be done,” said Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair. “The 2024 figure of 172 tyre-related KSIs is especially alarming, as it is 9 higher than the 5-year average and represents a significant step backwards.”
The data shows a troubling increase in tyre-related casualties among powered two-wheel riders, who suffered 36 KSIs in 2024 – a 24% rise compared to 2023, and the highest figure in a decade. Car occupants also continue to be heavily impacted, with tyre-related KSIs holding stubbornly at around 102 per year on average.
These numbers underline a stark reality: despite years of safety messaging, tyre neglect remains a major factor in preventable accidents.
Last year, TyreSafe was included in RoSPA’s National Accident Prevention Strategy for the first time in its 100-year history, a recognition that tyre safety is a national priority.
The charity is now lobbying the government to ensure that tyre defects are specifically addressed in the forthcoming Road Safety Strategy.
The 2024 casualty statistics confirm what TyreSafe has been warning for years: tyre-related incidents are not falling, and in some areas, they’re getting worse. Independent garages have a vital role to play in reversing this trend. By staying vigilant, raising awareness, and putting tyre safety front and centre, workshops can make a measurable difference in protecting their customers – and helping to drive down these avoidable tragedies.
