KEY SAFETY CHECKS TO KEEP YOUR CAR JOURNEY SAFE

Seat belts are vital to safety and to staying legal

Before setting off, ensure that all seat belts, front and back, are in good working order, and that car seats for younger passengers are of the right size and are fully secured in place in line with manufacturer guidance. In accordance with the law, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all occupants below the age of 14 are correctly belted up before hitting the road. Similarly, over 14s are personally responsible for ensuring that they are wearing a seat belt, with the penalty for not doing so also being up to the sum of £500.

Have valid documentation before turning a wheel

Before leaving home, it is a requirement for all vehicles to have valid insurance and MOT certificates, and to be taxed (with the exception of fully electric cars). In the same vein, it is imperative that your car is serviced in line with the full and interim intervals stated by the vehicle manufacturer to help keep your car running as it should. Furthermore, having a complete service history that meets the prescribed schedule is often a condition for making a warranty claim in the event of a mechanical or...