Michelin made the call after research by TyreSafe concluded that young drivers are at greater risk of being involved in a tyre-related accident than older motorists. The survey found that more than a third of drivers aged between 18 and 25 had never checked their tread depth, and two thirds hadn't checked their tread within the last month.
In addition, a quarter confessed they had never checked their tyre pressures.
Michelin is now calling on parents to help their children stay safe on the road. The company say while the research was carried out in the UK, they would be amazed if the same patters didn't apply to young drivers in Ireland. "Ignoring tyre maintenance cost lives," they warn adding that "Drivers who have passed their test this year may well be asking parents for upgraded in-car entertainment equipment or other accessories this Christmas, but parents should look at their children's tyres and ask if they are up to the job or are they putting new drivers at risk?"
Parents can check which tyres are suitable for their children's vehicles by using Michelin's tyre selector at www.michelin.co.uk
