Research from Continental Tyres has revealed that, when it comes to protection, the UK has a rubber soul. In a survey to find the nation's 'Safety Hall Of Fame', the condom beat off stiff competition from the fire extinguisher to top the chart -with the tyre making a surprise appearance in seventh position.

The research has been launched to highlight the safety benefits of Continental's new range of on-road 4x4 tyres and the results show that recent high-profile campaigns to promote other important safety innovations have enjoyed great success in raising awareness. The condom (1), the smoke alarm (3), sun lotion (6), the crash helmet (5) and the seatbelt (4) are all voted into the top ten and have all been subject to awareness-raising campaigns.

Continental Tyres' 'Safety Hall of Fame' in full is:

1. The condom
2. The fire extinguisher
3. The smoke alarm
4. The seatbelt
5. The crash helmet
6. Sun lotion
7. The tyre
8. Vehicle airbags
9. The safety razor
10. Bicycle stabilizers

Tyres are a vehicle's only contact with the road, so ensuring you have the appropriate tyres fitted for the driving conditions is essential.  For example, most 4x4s - traditionally a rural vehicle - are fitted with off-road tyres yet as their popularity has soared in recent years, they have become an almost exclusively urban phenomenon.  In fact, around 95% of 4x4s have never left tarmac! 

Recognising this shift in usage, Continental has met the pressing demand for specialist on-road 4x4 tyres by designing a new range that doesn't compromise on safety, handling, performance and comfort.

Tim Bailey, Safety Spokesperson at Continental, at Continental Tyres: "It's great to see the tyre making an appearance in the 'Safety Hall of Fame' alongside other great safety innovations. So often people can forget just how important tyres are in terms of safety and how important it is to fit the appropriate tyres to your vehicle. After all, you wouldn't go shopping in hiking boots, so why use off-road tyres on roads? We are sure that 4x4 drivers will recognise advance in safety of having tyres that suit the terrain they drive on."