Paralysed motorist warns against using part worn tyres

A motorist paralysed in an accident believed to be caused by part worn tyres is warning other drivers to think twice before using them.

Keith Johnston from Tyne and Weir suffered his injuries following an accident earlier this year. He is now paralysed from the chest down, only able to move his head, arms and neck.

Having purchased part worn tyres for his Renault Megane Scenic, Johnston’s crash in February this year is believed to be in part due to the poor quality of his tyres.

Luckily, the four passengers in the car survived the horrific ordeal. Now Johnston is keen to spread a message of safety to other motorists considering part worn tyres.

“I thought I was saving money with part worn tyres but I’ve paid a terrible price,” said Johnston. “If I knew then what I know now, I would never have bought part worn tyres.

“Unfortunately for me it’s too late but I would urge other drivers to steer clear of part worn tyres and always opt for brand new ones.”

A Police investigation blamed the part-worn tyres as a major contributory factor in the accident.

The front pair had only been recently fitted but the rear tyres were found to have an illegal tread depth even though they had only been on the car for a couple of months.

Johnston’s plight has been further highlighted by Tyresafe, which has revealed the results of an investigation into part worn tyres in conjunction with Auto Express.

The investigation revealed that 98 percent of a selection of part-worn tyres were being sold illegally.

Even more concerning was that over a third of the tyres were found to contain other potentially dangerous forms of damage or non-compliance with part worn tyre legislation.

Indeed, one tyre was described as having the “potential to kill” as it still contained a metal object penetrating 5cm through the tread in a manner which was likely to result in sudden and total tyre failure had it been fitted to a vehicle.

TyreSafe Chairman Stuart Jackson said: “All tyres suffer from wear over time but we always advocate the fitting of brand new tyres as the safest option.

“It’s impossible to know the history of part worn tyres and the true extent of any damage which may have occurred inside the tyre. Only by choosing brand new tyres can you be sure that it is free for any hidden dangers and able to offer the safest driving possible.”