Tyre manufacturer Falken Tyre Europe has joined TyreSafe after its own tyre safety survey at a primary school found more than 30% of the parents’ cars checked had illegal tyres.

As a member of TyreSafe, Falken will have access to a wide range of campaign materials, as well as early access to campaign themes to co-ordinate with its own activities, among other member-only benefits.

“It’s fantastic news to welcome Falken to the TyreSafe nest thanks to the sterling work they’re already doing," said Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe.

“Although alarming, unfortunately I don’t think the results from Falken’s primary school tyre safety survey are unusual. It goes to show that joining TyreSafe and helping us spread the tyre safety message is vitally important work.”

Since its inception in 2006, TyreSafe’s activities have helped reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in a tyre-related accident by 30%.

Supporters include tyre retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers, plus vehicle manufacturers and other associated equipment suppliers.

TyreSafe also works closely with a wide range of government organisations, councils and the emergency services.

An annual highlight is tyre safety month in October, which sees thousands of tyre retailers and workshops – all TyreSafe members – offering free tyre health checks.

Matt Smith (pictured), director for the UK and Ireland at Falken tyres said: “Falken places tyre safety at the centre of everything it does and while we’re making a difference ourselves with such initiatives as our school tyre safety survey, there’s no doubt that joining TyreSafe will give added weight to our activity.”