RAC warning for Christmas motorists
21 December 2009
The RAC says too many motorists are putting their lives at risk this Christmas by heading out on our roads in cars that fail to meet the most basic safety tests.
A new survey has sounded the alarm on basic vehicle safety with the results showing that one in every two vehicles fails a basic five point safety check.
Almost 250 vehicles were put under the spotlight by RAC Auto Services in the busy pre-Christmas period with a standard safety check that examined steering and suspension, lights, tyres, brakes and seat belts.
One in five vehicles failed in more than one aspect of the five point check while one vehicle brought in failed all five of the basic safety check areas.
While the most common single problem was with lights, one in three cars failed the check because of problems with their brakes and tyres.
RAC Auto Service General Manager Steve Nickolai says the findings have major implications for road safety over the Christmas-New Year period.
“We all recognise that this extended holiday period is the most dangerous time on our roads,” Mr Nikolai said.
“At this time of year motorists tend to be making longer trips and there are more vehicles on our country roads in particular.
“People are travelling at speed, usually with fully loaded cars and often with caravans or trailers.
“It’s alarming that there are potentially so many motorists out there who are unaware that their vehicles don’t meet the most basic of safety requirements.
“To be heading out on our roads at this time with problems with your brakes or tyres is a recipe for disaster.
“These faults would be picked up in a standard vehicle maintenance service and most can be easily rectified.”
| Type of fault |
Incidence |
| Lights/indicators |
63 |
| Brakes |
49 |
| Tyres |
42 |
| Suspension/steering |
15 |
| Seatbelts |
2 |
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