The MVA Fund reminds drivers to do a 60-second check on their vehicle tyres as part of journey preparedness during the upcoming Festive Season. This call was made at the tyre-safety activation held on Wednesday, 4 November 2020 at Kapps Farm Roadblock in Windhoek. The activation held with Namibian Police, Private Road Safety Forum (PSRSF) and other road safety stakeholders was part of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, launched on 25 November 2020.
The Fund premises that a simple tyre check is all it takes to reduce the carnage on our roads. “Daily tyre inspection is an easy task to do, but can cause us a lot of emotional and financial trauma if not done often and properly. As we prepare for travels, let us make it a habit to check that our vehicle tyres are in good working condition before embarking on a journey – as this could save lives,” says Surihe Gaomas-Guchu, MVA Fund Chief Corporate Affairs.
As part of the activation, drivers were educated on the importance of tyre maintenance and keeping the tyre pressure correct as per vehicle user manuals or information stickers. Furthermore, great emphasis was also placed on urging drivers not to repair tyres that have big or sidewall punctures as well as those worn below the legal tread depth.
A dipstick survey was carried out to determine journey preparedness based on the conditions of tyres and level of tyre-safety knowledge. Of the 60 vehicles surveyed, 33% were certified not journey prepared as they had worn-out tyres and defective spare wheels. Data further indicated that some of the vehicles were not properly inflated, which then signify the importance of checking tyre pressure.
Tyre safety is one of the key focus areas for the Fund and road safety partners during the upcoming 2020/21 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign. Thus, tips on how to ensure tyre safety during the Festive Season will continue to be shared via the Fund’s social media platforms.
Plan your journey today to arrive safely tomorrow – Start with your vehicle tyres! #DoTheRightThingAndSaveLives.
