The East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS) has become an official supporter of TyreSafe.

The service, which runs officers across Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire, is backing the work undertaken by the charity to raising awareness of the importance of correct tyre maintenance and the dangers of defective and illegal tyres.

Tyres cause more accidents resulting in casualties than any other vehicle defect yet TyreSafe research finds that one in five drivers admit to never having checked their tyres while over a quarter of all tyres nationally are already illegal when owners finally replace them.

Chief Inspector Phil Vickers from EMOpSS said: “The four EMOpSS police forces are committed to reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads of the East Midlands. EMOpSS officers go to collisions where people suffer as a result of poor vehicle maintenance or failing to carry out a simple tyre condition and tread check on a regular basis.

“We are pleased to be working with TyreSafe to raise awareness of the preventative steps road users can take to stay safe –it’s very frustrating for officers who attend a collision which could have been prevented with just a little effort.

“Please don’t leave a tyre check and tread condition to your garage when your car is serviced or MOT’d – take a few minutes to find out just how easy it is to do it yourself and stay legal and stay safe!”

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, added: “Over the past 10 years, TyreSafe has helped reduce the number of tyre-related incidents on Britain’s roads by 31% yet more than 1100 people are still killed or injured as a result of accidents caused by defective or illegal tyres every year. TyreSafe’s work to educate motorists on the need for them to carry out regular checks to minimise the potential risks of tyre failure wouldn’t be possible without its extensive network of supporters, which includes many blue-light services. On behalf of TyreSafe, I’m delighted EMOpSS has become an official supporter and we look forward to working with its officers.”