– Driving on such old winter tires can pose a great risk to both the driver and fellow road users and is bordering on indefensible, says Tryg forsikring, which has engaged YouGov to carry out the survey.
Most car owners over 60 drive on the oldest tyres. Trøndelag and Northern Norway top the list geographically.
– The older winter tires you have, the less tread depth is usually left, and the rubber has become harder as a result of wear. This leads to much poorer grip on snow and ice, which can significantly increase the braking distance and make it much more difficult to control the car on demanding winter roads, says communications advisor Torbjørn Brandeggen at Tryg Forsikring.
He also points out that other surveys have shown that two out of ten drive on studless winter tires all year round, which means that this type of tire wears out much faster.
– If you have car damage or are involved in a traffic accident in a car with old winter tires that have below the legal minimum tread depth of 3 mm, you risk not only a hefty fine, but also a reduction in your insurance. In the worst case, you have to cover everything yourself, says Brandeggen.
1,000 interviews with people over the age of 18 have been conducted in connection with the survey, which was carried out between 2 and 7 October.
#Survey #people #worn #winter #tyres
**Interview with Torbjørn Brandeggen, Communications Advisor at Tryg Forsikring**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Torbjørn. Your recent survey highlights a concerning trend regarding the use of old winter tires among drivers, particularly those over 60. Can you elaborate on the risks these tires pose?
**Brandeggen:** Absolutely. Driving on old winter tires can drastically undermine vehicle safety. The tread depth decreases with age, and the rubber hardens from wear. This combination leads to a significant reduction in grip on snow and ice, greatly increasing braking distances and making the vehicle harder to control in winter conditions.
**Editor:** You mentioned that regions like Trøndelag and Northern Norway have the highest prevalence of drivers using these older tires. What do you think contributes to this habit?
**Brandeggen:** It could be a mixture of factors, including a lack of awareness about the dangers of worn tires or perhaps financial constraints. Many drivers might not realize how much their safety is compromised by sticking with older tires.
**Editor:** Your survey also points out that two out of ten drivers use studless winter tires year-round, leading to quicker wear. What message do you want to convey to those drivers?
**Brandeggen:** We want to stress the importance of appropriate tire choices for different seasons. Studless winter tires can wear out far more quickly if used in summer conditions. Not only does this affect their performance, but it can also lead to legal and financial repercussions if they’re involved in accidents.
**Editor:** Given the potential legal and financial risks, do you believe that the current regulations on tire usage are sufficient to protect drivers and road safety?
**Brandeggen:** There’s always room for improvement. Current laws stipulate a minimum tread depth of 3 mm, but raising awareness about the dangers of driving on old tires may lead to calls for stricter regulations.
**Editor:** It seems there’s a clear need for dialogue among drivers about tire safety. What would you like to ask our readers to spur a discussion?
**Brandeggen:** We’d like to hear from our readers: Do you think there should be stricter regulations on the use of winter tires, considering the risks associated with old and worn-out tires? What measures do you believe could help improve road safety in winter conditions?
