Van Drivers Warned To Tread Carefully

Manchester, UK (PRWEB) August 3, 2009 -- The poll of 1,000 Swinton commercial van insurance (http://www.swinton.co.uk/commercial/van/) customers, revealed 25% of van drivers never check the condition or tread of their tyres.

When asked if they knew the legal tread-depth for their tyres, a shocking 42% said they did not know. However, van drivers were more savvy when it came to tyre pressure, with just 9% admitting they never check the pressure of their van's tyres.

Low tyre tread depth is particularly dangerous during periods of wet weather. When tyres have insufficient tread depth surface water on roads is unable to disperse properly causing loss of grip and increasing stopping distances.

Phil Moss, Commercial Vehicle Manager at Swinton said: "Van drivers tend to clock up more miles than other road users therefore it is vital that they carry out routine safety checks on their vehicle.

Low tyre tread depth can be extremely dangerous in wet weather conditions and given the ever-changing weather this summer we would urge van drivers to inspect their tyres on a regular basis.

"Failing to maintain a commercial vehicle properly increases the risk of an accident which will ultimately affect future van insurance (http://www.swinton.co.uk/commercial/van/) premiums."

About Swinton

•    Swinton Commercial is the dedicated commercial insurance division of the Swinton Group

•    Swinton Commercial was awarded Commercial Lines Broker of the Year 2008 and is a finalist at the British Insurer Awards 2009

•    With 580 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street insurance retailer

•    Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community

•    Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance

•    With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

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