In the UK, an estimated 7,500 fatalities and serious injuries have occurred in the past four years due to defective tyres.

The experts at online tyre retailer Blackcircles conducted research to reveal the UK areas with the most accidents due to defective tyres, the areas where tyre-related accidents have increased the most, the most common causes of vehicle collisions, MOT failure rates due to faulty tyres and the road types where the most accidents occur due to illegal tyres.

Wiltshire recorded the highest number of collisions due to illegal tyres.

Over the four-year period, 46 collisions were reported as a result of illegal tyres in Wiltshire, equivalent to 8.88 per 100,000 people.

When looking at how the number of tyre-related collisions has changed over time, between 2019 and 2023, there was a 16.6% increase.

Second on the list, 44 collisions took place in Cornwall between 2019 and 2023 as a result of illegal tyres, equivalent to 7.61 per 100,000 people.

Over the four year period, 10 collisions were reported as a result of illegal tyres, equivalent to 7.37 per 100,000 people, the rural roads of Hertfordshire can be dangerous if drivers do not pay attention, and do not equip their cars correctly.

The research also revealed faulty brakes were the leading cause of vehicle collisions, cited in 2,668 collisions, equating to almost two-fifths (39%) of all such incidents.

More than 30 local authorities — including Medway, Newport, Barnet, and Glasgow City — reduced their tyre-related collision count to zero in 2023.

East Ayrshire saw the most collisions caused by defective tyres, with 100% of the collisions involving faulty tyres.

James Harding, Blackcircles.com tyre expert said: “Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the road, so their condition has a significant impact on your safety.

“Worn, damaged, or underinflated tyres can increase braking distances, reduce grip, and raise the risk of blowouts – especially in poor weather.

“Illegal, defective, or underinflated tyres contribute to hundreds of UK road collisions yearly. They can also result in fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre if found to be below legal standards.”