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SAFER
ROADS OVER XMAS
Unsafe vehicles can turn Xmas holidays into
tragedy. Dalesfords Managing Director, Dale Sudholz, urged
all motorists planning trips over Xmas/School holidays, to
get a five-point vehicle safety check.
"Xmas is traditionally one of our worst periods for vehicle
accidents, road death and trauma. Cars in poor condition,
with neglected safety systems, pose a risk to their occupants
and to other road users," Mr Sudholz said.
"Cars need not be faulty. A significant number of road deaths
and injury can be prevented by a simple five-point vehicle
safety check.
"Too many cars with faulty or worn parts, with inappropriate
modifications, or with failing safety and restraint systems
go unchecked year after year, before contributing to road
disaster.
"Worn tyres, faulty shock absorbers, spongy brakes, rusting
seat mountings and frayed seat belts, and other systems failing
through neglect have been shown to be a primary or secondary
factor in significant numbers of serious injuries and deaths.
The cost to the community of accidents attributed to the use
of unsafe cars is estimated at $160 million a year.
"A simple check of the critical safety features of a car -
lights, brakes, tyres, steering and restraints -would reduce
the incidence of death, injury, and property damage on Victoria's
roads- "Dalesford strongly recommends all motorists planning
family holidays to schedule a vehicle safety check before
they depart.
Vehicle Safety Checklist Important items
to be checked on a vehicle, before a motoring holiday.
Lights - Make sure your headlights
are properly aimed, especially if you intend towing, so that
you do not dazzle oncoming drivers or cars travelling in front.
Dazzling lights, especially in wet or poor visibility conditions
are dangerous. Ensure all lights (including brake and indicators)
are in working order and aimed correctly. If not, have there
repaired or adjusted.
Brakes - A scraping noise or shuddering
are signs that urgent attention is needed. Sometimes the symptoms
however may not be so obvious, but badly worn disc pads or
linings, or leaking wheel cylinders, could mean brake failure
in an emergency or severely reduced braking capability. These
hidden items need expert inspection, and regular attention.
Tyres - Tyres are our only contact
with the road and must be inspected regularly for external
wear and damage. Hidden, of course, may be internal damage,
A tyre that has been driven on when deflated, may be severely
compromised internally. Also, uneven tread wear may indicate
worn, damaged or failing suspension or steering components
and should be inspected by a trained technician. Check regularly
for uneven tread wear, tread depth, and ensure proper inflation.
Steering - We sometimes get so used to
the "feel of the car" that we may not realise that vital steering
components may have become badly worn and in danger of failure.
Check for leaks or free-play, and, if evident, take your vehicle
to a trained technician.
Restraints - Seatbelts and other
safety restraints are critical to the safety of occupants
and must not be overlooked. Check for signs of wear, fraying
or damage. Also check structural mounting points for rust
or damage which may cause failure in the event of accident.
(And don't forget to educate the younger members of your family
on the correct use of seatbelts and child restraints). A VACC
Accredited Repairer can check each of these items.
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