– 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**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Torbjørn. Your recent survey has uncovered some alarming statistics regarding car owners and the condition of their winter tires. Can you elaborate on the risks associated with driving on such old winter tires?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** Absolutely. Driving on old winter tires poses severe risks, not just to the driver but to all road users. As tires age, they lose tread depth and the rubber hardens, which significantly reduces grip on snow and ice. This compromises braking distance and vehicle control, creating dangerous conditions on winter roads.
**Interviewer:** Your survey indicates that most car owners over 60 are driving on the oldest tires. Why do you think this demographic is particularly at risk?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** It could be due to a variety of factors—financial constraints, lack of awareness, or simply taking for granted that their older tires are still functional. However, safety should always come first, and older tires can lead to tragic consequences.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that two out of ten drivers use studless winter tires year-round, accelerating wear and tear. What impact does that have on road safety?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** That practice severely compromises safety. Studless tires are not designed for summer conditions, and using them year-round can lead to quick degradation. This means drivers are less prepared for winter’s challenges, increasing the risks of accidents.
**Interviewer:** And there are financial aspects involved as well, correct? What kind of repercussions could drivers face if they’re involved in an accident with worn tires?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** Yes, indeed. If someone is involved in an accident with tires that have tread depth below the legal minimum of 3 mm, they not only face hefty fines but could also see their insurance coverage reduced or even voided, making them financially responsible for all damages.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for the insights, Torbjørn. To our readers, how do you feel about the risks associated with driving on old winter tires? Are you concerned about the safety of yourself and others on the road during winter? What steps do you think should be taken to address this issue? Let’s start a discussion in the comments.
