New research reveals widespread misunderstanding of stopping distances—putting drivers at risk
TyreSafe is launching Tyre Safety Month with a stark warning to UK motorists: many drivers are overconfident in their ability to stop safely—despite a widespread misunderstanding of how vehicles behave in real-world conditions.
New research shows that while 83% of drivers believe they are in full control of their vehicle’s stopping distance, only 6% can correctly identify how much extra distance is needed to stop in wet
conditions at motorway speeds.
In reality, stopping distances can increase dramatically in the rain—yet 94% of drivers underestimate this risk, with many misjudging by significant margins.
This gap between perception and reality is being seen across all regions of the UK, highlighting a national issue around driver awareness and vehicle readiness.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Many drivers and riders believe they are in control—but that confidence is often misplaced. Stopping distances in wet conditions can be far greater than expected, and tyres play a critical role in that equation.
“If your tyres are not properly maintained, your ability to stop safely is significantly reduced—no matter how confident you feel behind the wheel.”
TyreSafe is urging drivers to take simple preventative action by checking their tyres regularly, particularly ahead of seasonal changes and increased rainfall.
Call to action:
Drivers are encouraged to follow the ACT message:
• Air pressure
• Condition
• Tread depth
Act before you REact.
What does ACT mean?
TyreSafe is encouraging road users to remember the ACT checks:
A – Air Pressure
Road users should check their tyre pressures at least once a month and before long journeys using an accurate gauge. Correct tyre pressures help optimise braking performance, fuel efficiency and
tyre life, while reducing the risk of tyre failure.
C – Condition
Tyres should be regularly inspected for cuts, cracks, bulges and embedded objects. Any visible
damage should be assessed by a tyre professional immediately, as it may indicate underlying
structural issues.
T – Tread
For passenger cars, the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. Sufficient tread depth is particularly important on rural roads, where standing water and uneven surfaces can significantly increase the risk of aquaplaning and loss of control.
These three simple checks are easy to perform and should be conducted once a month, every month and before long journeys. The charity hosts a welth of resources and guidance for all road users and vehicle types at tyresafe.org