Vehicle Safety Checks
More
than 600 people are killed or seriously injured in
road crashes
involving vehicle defects every year.
(Source: DfT)
To ensure that your vehicle is always safe, you can't rely on your annual MOT. It is essential that you carry out some simple regular checks yourself. It is a driver's legal responsibility to ensure that the vehicle being driven is of a road worthy condition. Vehicles driven with defects can be issued with an immediate PG9 (Prohibition Notice), which means that the vehicle cannot be driven. The fine for defective tyres is 3 penalty points and up to a £1,000 fine.
Here are the basic checks which you need to make on a regular basis:
Exterior
Tyres
Pressure / Tread / Condition
Lights
Cleanliness, Condition, Corrosion,
Illumination (Main and Dipped Parking) Reversing, Brake, Fog
Wiper Blades
Cuts,
Tears, Operation
Mirrors
Clean
& Functional
Any Loose Fittings
Bumper,
Number Plate, Roof Rack and Towing Fixtures
Windscreen
Scratches,
Cracks, Clean
Under the Bonnet
Fluid Leaks
Power
Steering, Brake and Oil
Fluid Levels
Oil,
Water, Screen Washers, Brakes and Power Steering
Inside the Vehicle
All loose items secured, and heavy items located safely
Condition, security and adjustment of seatbelts
Adjustments to all mirrors
Location and function of parking brake
Operation of all additional safety features (ABS, ESP, etc.)
The location of security alarms and/or steering lock