Bridgestone advice for driving safely into the summer holidays

With almost 40% of Europeans ready to take or already on the road for the summer, Bridgestone wants to make sure that these road trips are both fun and safe for everyone by offering motorists a few tips and tricks to ensure a safe summer journey to all!

Specifically when it comes to tyres as they are, in fact, the only safety system of the car that touches the road. 

According to studies carried out by Stena Line this year, around 40% of Europeans are planning on taking a summer road trip for their holidays, especially the French (66%), Polish (60%) and German (58%)! The main reason for taking a road trip for all these adventurers is that travelling by car gives more freedom and flexibility, as stated by 75% of them. 
And where do they travel? Favorites are Germany, France and Italy, but most travelers will actually take road trips to their neighboring countries as preferred destinations. And 72% will take the trip with their significant other as preferred roadie partner, vs. 1% who would want to take it with their mother-in-law.

While most Europeans don't seem to argue during a road trip, it still seems that the driving speed and itinerary are the two main topics of discord in a car during long drives. The main hurdle to overcome for 22% of travelers is fitting everything into the car... but without forgetting their sunglasses, which is the most important item to bring along for almost 60% of summer travelers! 
But before setting out on a road trip, Europeans like to know where they are going and making sure their vehicle can take them there safely! Indeed, 64% consider that checking the itinerary is the most important thing to do before leaving on a summer road trip, followed closely by checking that your car is in good shape before taking the road (62%). 

Checking your car before departure is indeed essential. According to tyre safety checks carried out by Bridgestone(3), 78% of European drivers drive on at least one underinflated tyres while 57% of tyres are changed after legal limit of 1,6 mm was reached in the UK(4), 21% of French drivers drive on tyres worn to 1.6mm or less... and still decided to postpone changing their tyres(5)! In Spain, 75% of traffic accidents caused by tyres were on second hand tyres(6). These are all issues that can lead to safety issues as well as overconsumption of fuel and premature wear. 

This is where Bridgestone comes into play and can give you some recommendations to take the road safely and go on your summer road trip with full peace of mind!