Australia has experienced its second wettest summer since records began 111 years ago and, with above-average rainfall expected to continue, Beaurepaires is reminding drivers to put safety first.
A Newspoll survey commissioned by Beaurepaires of 1207 Australian drivers has provided insights into driving behaviours in the lead-up to the holiday period – a notoriously busy, and dangerous period on our roads.
Alongside rain as the condition they nominated as that which they felt most uneasy driving in, (31 per cent), drivers also noted that, for more than two thirds (62 per cent), safety on the roads was their number one concern – an added reason to ensure safe driving is utmost in mind. At 38 per cent, women were more fearful of wet weather driving than men, with a quarter of males flagging it as a concern.
Beaurepaires Communications Manager, James Peate said, with rainfall likely to continue across the country, undesirable driving conditions were to be expected and precautions should be taken.
“Driving in the wet is by far the condition drivers feel most uneasy in, with more than a third citing this as their main concern,” Mr Peate said.
“Changes in the weather are often unpredictable and with rain forecast, it’s important to ensure your tyres are in good shape before heading off with precious cargo on board.
“The most important thing is to be prepared. Checking that your tyres can handle the road conditions and changing weather is crucial.
“We recommend tyres should have a minimum of two millimetres of tread spread uniformly around the tyre—anything less and it may have serious implications on a car’s stopping ability on slippery roads.
“Only 32 per cent of drivers surveyed said they check their tyres before a long drive – this is definitely a statistic we’d like to see rise. Drivers concerned about their tyres can visit a Beaurepaires store to have a Free Tyre Health Check conducted by a qualified professional,” Mr Peate said.
Beaurepaires Tyre Safety Checklist:
* Check your tyre pressure against the vehicle manufacturer’s specification found in the handbook or door pillar;
* Check for uneven tread wear or for any defect or foreign objects lodged in the tread or sidewall;
* Ensure you have a minimum of two millimetres of tread spread uniformly around the tyre; and
* Check the spare tyre before you head off.
