VACC Survey: 28 Percent of Vehicles in Victoria are Unsafe

VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, is concerned about the high number of unsafe vehicles on our roads.

The latest Five Point Safety Check figures, surveyed and released by VACC, indicate that 28.54 percent of vehicles in Victoria are unsafe.

From January 1 2009 to September 30 2009, participating VACC repairers tested 3171 vehicles with 2266 passing and 905 failing the Five Point Safety Check (see graphs).

The Five Point Safety Check is a free inspection of the key safety features of a vehicle – brakes, tyres, lights, steering and restraints – carried out when the vehicle is serviced.

25 percent of the vehicles tested had unsafe tyres.

“It is disappointing these figures are so high,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“VACC believes not enough attention is paid to Vehicle Safety. Motorists, agencies and Governments need to wake up to the fact that too many people are driving too many unsafe vehicles on our roads.

“We commend other road and driver safety campaigns, but vehicle maintenance has been overlooked. That is why VACC has started a Vehicle Safety campaign.

“But we should not be the lone voice on this issue. Governments and their instrumentalities need to recognise that this evidence is overwhelming. The data is real time data and it deserves real time action.

“If something is not done soon the number of unsafe vehicles on our roads will be one-in-three.

“With the holiday season on the horizon, VACC urges all motorists to take personal responsibility for their vehicles, including caravans and trailers, and ensure they are well maintained.

“A regularly serviced vehicle will give you peace of mind and reduce the risks for you, your passengers and other road users,” Mr Purchase said.