The majority of car users declare a seasonal change of tyres
76%* of Polish drivers change tyres for winter and 78% of them stand for introducing an obligation to do so.** As Moto Data research shows, most of those drivers have the knowledge on impact that seasonal change of tyres has on road safety. However there is still a certain group of car users that ignores the necessity of driving on tyres adjusted to weather conditions. The introduction of clear regulations on this subject, such as in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, seems to be an essential element in improving safety on Polish roads. The results indicate, that drivers’ education, combined with awareness campaigns are not enough.
„Research show, that the majority of Polish drivers are aware of the role of seasonal tyres in improving road safety. In variable weather conditions, that are typical in Poland, using proper tyres, which guarantee a good grip, is essential for safety of all road users. No snow on the road is needed to increase stopping distance – on a wet surface, in temperature 2ºC it is 11 meters shorter on winter tyres, than on their summer equivalent. It is the distance, which in difficult road conditions can decide between our life or health. The fact, that 78% of surveyed drivers support obligatory seasonal tyre change is a positive signal. Such legal solutions are already applied in 15 EU countries – the rest has a warmer climate and it is not needed” – says Tadeusz Kuncy z Moto Data.
Polish regulations do not include an obligatory seasonal tyre change – only a minimal tread dept which is 1,6 mm.
Research indicate that the percentage of drivers declaring seasonal tyre change is decreasing – until recently 90% of car users admitted to do so. Now the value dropped to 76%. However, on the basis of workshop observations, it possible to assume that only ca. 65% of drivers change tyres for winter ones. One third of car users put themselves and other people in risk by using tyre that are not efficient in winter’s weather conditions.
Using winter tyres is regulated in 15 UE countries:
* Source: Moto Data 2017 - Car users panel (Panel użytkowników samochodów)
** Ibidem
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association