DRIVERS AT RISK FROM LETHAL BRAKES
27 January 2005 - Green Flag Motoring Assistance

Many drivers are unwittingly driving with faulty brakes because they rely on having them checked only once a year, according to a survey carried out by Green Flag Motoring Assistance and road safety charity Brake.

More than half of drivers surveyed (57%) relied on the annual service to check their brakes, despite the fact that brakes can deteriorate to a dangerous condition in less than a year.

The charity maintains that brakes in good working order are essential to safe driving, yet an alarming number of drivers displayed a level of complacency about the state of their brakes and were unaware they could be in a lethal condition. Of the drivers and motorbike riders surveyed, most had not had their brakes checked since their last service and seven in ten of those (70%) had no idea of the percentage wear when they were last checked.

Despite this the majority (83%) were confident that their brakes were in good working order, showing a lack of understanding about how quickly brake pads can wear down. More than one in seven (15%) admitted they were not confident their brakes were in good working order.

Brakes can be in a good enough condition to pass an MOT, but may not last for a full year and could become dangerously worn before the next service. It is therefore essential that when drivers get their vehicle serviced they check with their garage how long it will take their brake pads to wear down.

Of vehicles tested at MOT stations in 2003-04, 5.7% of motorbikes, 11% of cars and small vans, 14.9% of large vans, 7.7% of buses and coaches, 29..2% of trucks and 37.6% of truck trailers failed due to a problem with their brakes.

Mary Williams, chief executive, Brake, says: ''It is shocking that so many drivers are relying on potentially lethal brakes. It is so simple to make sure your brakes are working before every journey and relatively inexpensive to have them checked by a professional, and it could save lives. Drivers need to realise that they have a responsibility to other road users to make sure their vehicles are in a safe condition.''

Melanie Denny from Green Flag Motoring Assistance said: ''We recommend drivers test their own brakes regularly, rather than relying on the annual service, so they can identify problems early and avoid a crash.''

To help avoid potentially fatal problems with brakes, drivers must follow the advice below.

Before setting off, check brakes appear to be working properly. Drive forward at a slow speed for a short distance, on a flat surface, then apply the brakes firmly when there is no-one behind the vehicle. If you have any passengers, check they are belted up and warn them you are going to check the brakes. Do not drive a vehicle if a brake problem is suspected. As well as passing its MOT, it''s essential to have your vehicle serviced at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer. But be wary that your may run into trouble between services. Only get your brakes checked by an expert mechanic at a reputable garage. When your vehicle is serviced, ask your garage about the state of safety-critical components such as brakes. For example, if your garage notices your brakes are slightly worn, but not worn out, they may not mention if your brakes are unlikely to last until the next service. If possible, use a modern vehicle, as modern braking systems are more effective and less likely to fail.

www.greenflag.com

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