Vehicle defects causing thousands of injuries

The figures were revealed after a Parliamentary question was put to road safety minister Dr Stephen Ladyman concerning the number of road traffic crashes caused by mechanical faults.

Statistics compiled by police officers for the Department for Transport (DfT) showed that around 3,000 injury-related crashes take place each year due to vehicle defects. Of these, roughly 1,100 (37%) happen because of defective or under inflated tyres.

Other mechanical problems highlighted by the DfT figures were; broken or poorly working lights and indicators; dodgy brakes; and defective steering or suspension - which together accounted for around half of the 3,000 crashes logged by police.

According to the DfT, around 3% of all fatal road crashes and 2% of crashes leading to serious injury are caused by mechanical faults on vehicles.

Essential maintenance

Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS) fleet risk specialist Steve Palmer said that during the winter months - when road conditions were often at their worst - it was vital that drivers carried out regular checks on the condition and pressure of their tyres, including the spare.

"Although legally tyre tread must be at least 1.6 mm deep, it is now widely recognised that stopping distances can be dramatically affected if the tread is allowed to drop below 3 mm," he said.

According to research by Norwich Union, Britain's rainy days result in 40% more road crashes. Studies have shown that it can take around eight metres (26 feet) extra to stop from 50mph when tyres have been allowed to wear down to 1.6mm from 3mm.

Mr Palmer added that it was essential that drivers did not rely solely on those servicing their vehicles to spot potentially dangerous defects. "Tyres should be checked at least once a week, and lights and indicators must be continually kept clear of grime," he said.

"All drivers really need to familiarise themselves with their vehicle and the handbook that came with it. When it comes to safety, basic vehicle checks and maintenance are not just jobs for the local garage, it's for all drivers to perform."

Breakdown procedures

Meanwhile, separate research this week has shown that company car drivers are unsure of their employers’ policies on breakdowns.

According to AA Business Services, many business drivers either do not know what to do in the event of a breakdown, or ignore safety advice given to them.

Their study showed that half of motorists breaking down on the motorway would stay in their vehicle, including one businessman who refused to leave his car in case his expensive suit got wet. Another driver attempted to change a wheel on the inside lane of the M6!

Most breakdown organisations, including the RAC, recommend that people get out of their vehicles via passenger doors if forced to stop on the hard-shoulder, and move as far away from the traffic as they can - behind crash barriers and up embankments.