Truck accident statistics highlight need for winter tyres 21 October 2011

Almost 600 accidents involving HGVs in the UK last year were due to snow or ice, DfT statistics have revealed – 338 of them rigids and 230 articulated HGVs.

The Department for Transport statistics, issued as part of the Road Accidents and Safety Annual Report 2010, underline the risk that winter conditions pose to fleets during the colder months, and tyres manufacturer Michelin is reminding truck operators that the right tyres can help reduce disruption.

Martin Covington, Michelin's head of truck and earthmover marketing, points to the XDW Ice Grip, which is popular on trucks in the Nordic markets and parts of mainland Europe.

He also suggests Michelin two all-season M+S rated drive axle tyres, including the XDN2 Grip for fleets preferring a high-grip drive axle fitment – currently the most sought after new Michelin drive-axle fitment on the UK replacement market.

He also recommends the X MultiWay 3D XDE – a drive axle tyre that offers good all-round performance in difficult climatic conditions.

"With winter almost upon us, hauliers and own-account operators should already be thinking about how to keep their vehicles moving in the event of snow and ice," insists Covington.

"These statistics highlight the chaos that winter can cause, particularly when you consider that accidents can lead to possible vehicle damage, resulting in avoidable cost and downtime – not to mention possible injury to drivers and other road users."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Michelin Tyre plc

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.