Stopping distances and why 3mm is a good idea

The major manufacturers recommend that tyres should be replaced when they get to 3mm's. Why should I do this you say when the law is 1.6mm's. Well in the wet from 50 mile per hour your stopping distance on tyres at the legal minimum is almost 8 meters longer than when you have 3mm's. That doe's not sound a lot but it could be the difference between hitting the car in front of you or maybe a pedestrian crossing the road. So think about it, tyres are the only thing keeping you on the road and away from all the other road users if you have to stop in an emergency. Dave Hometyre Southeast