Brake and Direct Line have published a survey which they say shows that many drivers are failing to carry out “potentially life-saving checks".
According to the survey, 39% of motorists set off on long journeys without checking that their tyres are in a safe condition with the correct amount of pressure; 41% fail to make sure lights and indicators are working; 26% do not check oil and water; and 26% also do not ensure washers and wipers are working.
Women are less likely to carry out these checks than men, and young drivers are less likely to carry out vehicle checks than older drivers.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, said: “Getting ready to set off on holiday or another long journey can be stressful, but drivers need to remember that their number one priority is making sure they and their passengers arrive safely.
“If you’re rushing to get off on holiday, or on any journey, please take the time to conduct simple checks that could prevent a crash. It only takes a few minutes to check your vehicle is safe, and everyone is properly restrained, but it could mean the difference between life and death.”
For more information contact Brake on 01484 550067.
Today on N24 they claimed that MP John Mann drove around 200 miles and noticed, when he got off the motorway, that something appeared to be wrong with his car. When he got to his destination, he found the wheel nuts were loose which he believed to be sabotage.
Many years ago I drove from my house and realised something was wrong after 50 yards at the 1st corner. I had forgotten to fully tighten the bolts on 1 wheel.
How could anyone drive 200 miles without feeling the problem? And then know there’s a problem yet still fail to stop to rectify it?
I want to believe that there are very few drivers with such low sensitivity that they cannot detect faults. If I’m wrong then speed bumps may be causing far larger increases in casualties all over the road network than they could ever prevent where they are located!
Dave Finney – Slough
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I am concerned that the importance of vehicle checks is only associated with drivers undertaking a ‘long journey’.
If a vehicle is in an unsafe condition it is almost as likely to fail on a short journey as it is on a long journey.
Ashley Leaney
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