Motorists negligent regarding vehicle safety
Posted: January 15, 2013
Posted in: Car Accidents Road Traffic Accidents
Recently published research has revealed that millions of UK motorists are failing to maintain their vehicles, needlessly endangering themselves and others.
The study was carried out by online car insurance provider swiftcover.com and was based on analysis of VOSA’s MOT data obtained following a Freedom of Information request.
Robin Reames, chief claims officer at swiftcover.com, said: “General maintenance to your car is vitally important, not only so that it’ll pass an MOT test but because keeping your vehicle roadworthy can prevent car accidents. It’s easy to check your lights and see whether you need a new tyre and doing so can save lives, yet many motorists wait until their MOT is due before getting them fixed.”
Neglecting a vehicle is cause for concern in itself; however, further analysis of swiftcover.com’s claims data shows that a significant number of vehicles involved in accidents and damaged beyond repair don’t have the required MOT certificate. In 2012 alone, 4% of all vehicles written off following an accident did not have a valid MOT certificate and could have been declined by the insurer.
Reames continued: “The vast number of responsible motorists do have an MOT as without one, you can’t get insurance. However, we are seeing a significant number of cars involved in accidents that haven’t been for an MOT – a worrying trend which could cause many more accidents on our roads.”
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