Embargoed to 00:01 Monday December 14 2009
VACC: How safe is your car?
“The more we test, the more horror stories we see”. That was the reaction of VACC
Executive Director, David Purchase, on seeing the latest Five Point Safety Check
figures.
After testing the basic safety features of more than 4000 vehicles, VACC repairers
found a frightening 31 percent failed.
“Nearly one-in-three unsafe vehicles on our roads is unacceptable,” Mr Purchase
said.
“This is concerning enough in itself, but in a week or so, our roads are going to be
swarming with families and holiday makers driving off for their holidays. Some of
those cars are going to be towing trailers or caravans that may have sat idle for
months. If every third vehicle on the road is unsafe, there could be serious
implications for the State’s road toll,” said Mr Purchase.
VACC vehicle safety data shows that more than a thousand of the vehicles tested
had unsafe tyres. The information (see below) also indicates there is an increase in
the number of vehicles with brakes, steering or lights that are faulty.
“Motorists are urged to make sure the vehicle they are driving is safe, for the own
sake and the sake of their occupants and other road users. Basic faults like damaged
tyres, worn brakes, broken lights, defective steering and frayed seatbelts can be
easily identified by a professional and fixed.
“Most motorists do not know that their vehicle is unsafe which is why VACC has
launched a Vehicle Safety public awareness campaign.
“We are recommending that motorists have their vehicle checked on a regular basis.
To assist, participating VACC repairers are offering a Five Point Safety Check at
servicing. They assess the brakes, tyres, lights, steering and restraints, and it is free
of charge.
“This holiday, before you plan your journey or where to stay or who to visit, plan to
have your car serviced. Then you will have peace of mind that you have made safety
priority number one.
“We hope all motorists have happy and safe journeys this holiday period and that
they make an early New Year’s resolution to recognise the importance of Vehicle
Safety,” Mr Purchase said.
Continues…
%
Restraints
99
2.41%
Brakes
336
8.19%
Steering
329
8.02%
Lights
387
9.44%
Tyres
1005
24.51%
Fail
1287
31.38%
Pass
2814
68.62%
Vehicles Tested
4101
100.00%
Workings
Last updated: 10 December 2009
NEWS 
