By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, April 25, GNA – Mr. Felix Owusu, Planning Manager at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has urged drivers to avoid using second-hand tyres, citing their significant role in road crashes.
He explained that many of these tyres were over-aged, improperly stored, or structurally compromised, increasing the risk of bursts and accidents.
Speaking at a sensitisation event organised by Rana Motors (VULCO) and NRSA at Action Chapel International in Accra, Mr. Owusu emphasized the need for safer tyre choices.
The programme is part of the NRSA’s “Stay Alive” campaign to raise tyre safety awareness and promote responsible road use.
The team inspected over 70 vehicles, checking tread depth, tyre size, age, structural integrity, and inflation levels.
Drivers were educated on maintaining recommended pressure levels and using tyres suitable for Ghana’s climate.
Under Road Traffic Regulation LI2180, Regulation 62, it is illegal to use a tyre older than four years, classified under temperature class “C” (meant for cold climates), under- or over-inflated, structurally damaged, or excessively worn.
Research by NRSA shows that about 15 per cent of vehicles involved in crashes had tyre defects prior to the incident, increasing accident risk by up to 30 percent due to reduced traction and compromised braking.
Mr. Owusu warned that used tyres are vulnerable to thermo-oxidative aging, where exposure to heat, sunlight, and poor storage degrades the chemical structure.
“These tyres, although appearing intact, often have internal damages not visible to the naked eye. At high speeds, they are prone to failure, causing bursts and accidents,” he said.
To address these risks, NRSA is working to accredit tyre retailers and vulcanizers. Shops meeting safety standards will receive approval seals, making it easier for consumers to find reliable sources.
Vulcanisers will also be issued safety practice permits, ensuring they use well-calibrated equipment.
“Accurate pressure readings are crucial. Improper inflation—either under or over—can lead to tyre failure or increased fuel consumption,” Mr. Owusu noted.
He urged Ghanaians to look beyond tyre tread appearance, stating, “Don’t just check the tread. Examine the date of manufacture, temperature class (A or B), speed rating, and load index—all found on the sidewall.”
Mr. Owusu advised drivers to check tyre pressure at least once every two weeks, ideally in the morning when tyres are cool, and avoid aggressive braking and overloading to prevent premature tyre wear.
He reaffirmed NRSA’s commitment to continuous public education across media platforms, churches, markets, and lorry stations and called for partnerships to organise similar events.
“Churches have large congregations and can be powerful allies in spreading road safety messages. We invite all faith-based groups to collaborate with us,” he said.
Mr. Shakti Shukla, National Retail Manager at VULCO, thanked Action Chapel for providing the platform and stressed the importance of outreach initiatives.
He noted that inspections revealed many cars using winter tyres unsuitable for Ghana’s hot climate, along with cases of over/under-inflation and worn tread depth.
“Used tyres may appear fine, but internal damages often go undetected until it’s too late. We strongly advise motorists to purchase new tyres from accredited dealers and to avoid winter tyres altogether in tropical regions,” he warned.
Mr. Shukla advised drivers to select tread patterns suited to their driving conditions, avoid fitting different tyre sizes on the same axis, and always install manufacturer-specified sizes.
He recommended rotating tyres every 10,000 kilometers and checking pressure every 15 days using manufacturer-recommended levels while ensuring valve conditions are intact.
Unbalanced wheels, he said, lead to tyre damage, uneven wear, traction loss, stability issues, and discomfort.
Many drivers expressed surprise at the insights shared and thanked the team for the education, pledging to pay closer attention to their tyres and road safety regulations.
GNA
KAS