Transport planning bosses and drivers have been urged to keep a check on the condition of their tyres in order to avoid a potential accident.
According to the results of Michelin's 2009 Fill Up With Air campaign, more than a third of UK motorists are taking to the roads with dangerous and under-inflated tyres.
The group paid a visit to 24 cities across England, Scotland and Wales this summer and was shocked by the condition of many drivers' tyres.
After checking over 4,500 cars, it found that just 34 per cent of vehicles had correctly inflated tyres, while six per cent of motorists stopped were driving with punctures.
Peter Snelling, Michelin's head of communications, said the results may be partly down to the current financial climate, but warned that cutting back could have grave results.
"Incorrectly inflated tyres, bald tyres and damaged tyres are dangerous and can lead to fatal crashes and lives must not be sacrificed for the sake of saving a few pounds," he said.
According to accident management specialist Accident Exchange, the current time of year is one of the worst for collisions, with motorists struggling to adapt to heavy rain and slippery roads during the winter weather.
If you are interested in learning more about transport planning, visit our Service pages.
