New findings discover that 1 in 4 car passengers do not ask about car safety measures

The data insights into car safety have revealed that 26% of passengers refrained from asking their designated driver if they have made the appropriate and potentially life-saving checks, such as tyre pressure or fuel levels.

The research was conducted by law firm Slater and Gordon to highlight the importance of car safety ahead of the February half term, when many families will be embarking on staycations and car journeys over the holiday period.

In this busy period, the research is a reminder of the need for families to ensure they are well prepared before their travels, with higher levels of traffic and poor weather conditions expected in the next couple of weeks.

For those passengers who did ask about car safety precautions, 45 per cent checked the fuel level, followed by bad weather conditions at 36 per cent. Other checks included tyre tread and pressure, along with route and potential delays; both at 32 per cent.

The data also discovered that the older generations are more car cautious, with just under half of participants aged 55 and over likely to ask about fuel level, bad weather conditions, as well as tyre tread and pressure.

Across the study of 2000 participants, car safety functions that were least likely to be checked by passengers were vehicle battery, breakdown kits and spare tyres, despite the potential risks caused by long-distance journeys.

Before going on car journeys this half term, Slater and Gordon has stressed the importance of making the right preparations and checks beforehand.

Tracey Benson, Head of Serious Injury (South) adds, “Road safety is of critical importance, and the safety of road users is paramount. To ensure we all do what we can to ensure this, checking on the safety of a car ahead of use is essential, especially before going on a long car journey.

“All too often, in our role as serious injury lawyers, we see what can happen if these basic checks aren’t done. They can be easily missed, but it’s important to take those extra precautions before travelling – and if passengers have any concerns ahead of getting in a car, they should not worry about raising them. The safety and wellbeing of the people in that vehicle, and others on the road, outweighs any concerns over checking the fuel level or the fact the tyre may be looking a bit flat.

“There will be a lot of families out on the roads this half term, and it’s important we all do everything we can to ensure we all make our journeys in the safest possible way.”