Easter road trip safety: Essential vehicle checks for long weekends
Avoid holiday travel hazards: Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and drive safely this Easter break.
With the Easter holidays approaching, road safety is paramount. Recent tragic accidents highlight the critical need for vehicle roadworthiness and responsible driving, especially during busy travel periods. Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), emphasises the importance of proactive safety measures to prevent accidents.
Recent incidents, including bus crashes with fatalities and injuries, underscore the dangers on our roads. While factors like weather and road conditions play a role, vehicle maintenance is crucial. Ranft stresses that roadworthiness is a fundamental aspect of safe driving, alongside other essential precautions.
“Given the challenges on our roads, motorists must prioritise their safety. Start with a roadworthy vehicle,” Ranft advises. “Regular servicing and maintenance at an accredited workshop provide peace of mind. Then, consider seat belt use, responsible driver behaviour, and careful route planning.”
MIWA recommends these 10 essential vehicle checks:
- Lights and indicators: Ensure all lights, including headlights, fog lights, indicators and brake lights, are functioning correctly.
- Brakes: Check for wear, damage, and unusual noises or vibrations in the braking system, including the handbrake.
- Safety equipment: Carry emergency triangles, a tyre repair kit, a torch, a reflective vest, extra water, and a first aid kit.
- Tyres: Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure, check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm in the UK), and inspect the spare tyre.
- Radiator: Address any fluid leaks or signs of overheating.
- Fluid levels: Regularly check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid levels.
- Wiper blades and windscreen: Ensure wiper blades function smoothly and check for windscreen cracks.
- Battery: Verify battery connection points, cables and voltage levels.
- Electronic components: Test all electronic systems, including air conditioning, radio, GPS and sensors.
- Vehicle documents: Ensure your vehicle tax and insurance are up to date.
“Your vehicle must be prepared for any road conditions,” Ranft states. “Get these checks done at an accredited workshop, especially before long trips. Once your vehicle is sound, drive responsibly, obey road signs and avoid dangerous overtaking.”
By prioritising vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices, we can all contribute to safer roads this Easter.
Source: Cathy Findley PR
