Reckless braking 'can harm tyre resistance'

A mobile tyre fitting service could be on the radar of many motorists over the coming weeks, after Kwik-Fit revealed that 980,000 drivers have caused an accident through a braking mistake.

Research by the organisation found that 35 per cent of drivers use the gears as a way of slowing down – rather than the brakes – which it claims is not recommended by driving experts these days.

The study also showed that 44 per cent of motorists use the correct method of applying the brakes well in advance, before increasing the pressure as the car gets nearer to the traffic.

David White, customer services director at the company, said: "A car's brakes are so crucial to road safety that we advise motorists to have them checked regularly - especially the last minute leadfoots. It's a quick and easy process."

What's more, drivers might also want to consider the impact that such recklessness can have on a motor's tyre resistance.

Meanwhile, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recently became the latest organisation to highlight the importance of safe driving over the winter period.