Taxi Tyre Safety Bands

Also known as a Vehicle Directional Stability Control Device (VDSCD)

The National Road Regulations states:

NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, 1996 (ACT NO. 93 OF 1996)

212. Tyres

A minibus, midibus or bus, operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA unless the steering wheels of such minibus, midibus or bus are fitted with an anti-burst stabilizer device.

Vehicle directional stability control device (VDSCD) means a device, or system fitted to a motor vehicle for the purposes of minimizing the risk of the driver losing control of the motor vehicle in the event of tyre failure or sudden loss of tyre pressure.

Tyre safety bands are made of aluminum and are fitted in the well of the wheel rim. This minimizes the risk the tyre from slipping off the rim in the event of a sudden deflation or blow out.  Thus minimizing the risk one from losing control of the vehicle if the tyre bursts. 

Without tyre bands, a sudden deflated tyre would slip into the wheel well and this is what causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.  The advantage of a tyre safety band is that the driver has little more control over the vehicle when a blow-out occurs.

There are many problems surrounding this in the Road Regulation Tyres No. 212 (1) 0: as

  1. Special tools are required to fit such a device.
  2. Special tools are required to repair or replace a tyre on a rim containing a stabilizer ring.
  3. The incorrect fitment of these rings can cause major balancing problems and if they come loose can actually damage the tyre and cause an accident.
  4. SATMC was present at a SABS meeting about 4 to 5 years ago were this same issue was It is the considered opinion of the 4 major tyre manufacturers in SA that proper fitment, maintenance and care of tyres will have far better road safety results than trying to circumvent the issue with “of little use devices” such as rim bands.