Around 51% of motorists drive on tyres in an unsuitable condition, while one driver in twenty rides on tyres that are worn out beyond the legal minimum (1.6 mm). These are the surprising findings from 912 tyre inspections conducted by Bridgestone during a road safety day in Arlon on 22nd November 2006.

Think Before You Drive

The Arlon event was organised by Bridgestone, as part of the Think Before You Drive road safety campaign, in partnership with the Responsible Young Drivers association and Partageons Nos Routes, a foundation set up by the Province of Luxembourg to help reduce the region’s road accident rate. IKEA Arlon gave its whole hearted support to the programme, making the shop entrance and car park areaavailable for attractions, educational material and tyre testing facilities.

As shoppers left the store, they were invited to visit the road safety centre in the parking area, where information, entertainment and practical help were on hand. In addition to providing professional tyre inspections and advice, Bridgestone also invited the public to sign petitions in support of the Make Roads Safe campaign. This initiative by the FIA mobilises support to put road safety on the G8 and UN agendas in 2007, in an organised effort to reduce the world road accident epidemic.

The dangers of driving on low pressure

Bridgestone’s inspections showed that 115 cars out of 228 were driving on tyres that were unsuitable for use. Most of these were under-inflated and 10% were in need of replacement due to excessive wear and poor maintenance. “Many people do not realise that their tyres gradually lose air, like a balloon, and that driving on low tyre pressure may be dangerous” said Andy Davies, General Manager Sales and Marketing from Bridgestone Europe. “It reduces car handling control as well as increasing tread wear and fuel consumption.”

Bridgestone receives FIA award for road safety commitment

While local Think Before You Drive initiatives similar to the Arlon day continue in almost 80 countries, Bridgestone has been awarded the FIA World Prize for Road Safety, the Environment and Mobility in recognition of its active support of the programme. The prize was received in Monaco on 8th December by Mr Shoshi Arakawa, CEO and President of Bridgestone Corporation – the first company ever to attain the award.

More vigilance needed in winter

With the bad tyre conditions identified at the IKEA Arlon safety inspection, drivers in the Province of Luxembourg would be well-advised to consider fitting winter tyres, and before the first snowfall. Reduced daylight hours, wetter roads, freezing temperatures and the region’s notorious changes in altitude and local weather require maximum safety precautions. “Normal summer tyres lose grip as the temperature drops and the rubber hardens” says Andy Davies of Bridgestone Europe. “Winter tyres give significantly more grip in low temperatures: from about +7°C downwards the difference is remarkable. And if you drive on ice or snow, winter tyres are your only option.”

Bridgestone winter tyre ranked top in German tests

Bridgestone’s Blizzak LM20 winter tyre received the top 4-star rating in the October 2006 issue of ADAC Motorwelt, Germany’s biggest motoring magazine. In face-to-face tests on 19 leading brands, Blizzak LM20 topped the ADAC rankings and was picked out for its excellent all-round capabilities: “a very well-balanced tyre, top-class on dry, very good on wet and ice, with good snow and wear performance”. The Blizzak LM20 winter tyre is available from First Stop centres and other tyre outlets in Belgium.

Media information: E. Lien23 14 36 00