The roads in Tennessee can be hazardous at times to all drivers, with road traffic accidents occurring fairly frequently. Often, accidents result from unexpected hazards such as potholes or debris in the path of a vehicle. Additionally, collisions often come down to driver error, such as speeding or recklessness.
However, a significant number of accidents occur because of vehicle malfunctions. While specialist repairs and services should typically be left to professionals, there are basic checks that drivers can carry out themselves. Outlined below are three safety checks to perform on your car before setting off.
Check fluid levels
Anyone has the ability to check the levels of vital car fluids such as engine oil and brake fluids. Mechanical errors often occur due to levels running low. If your engine or brakes fail at a key moment, it is highly likely that a collision will be unavoidable. Checking your vehicle’s fluid levels on a regular basis could go a long way to preventing road traffic accidents.
Check your tire pressures
Checking tire pressures regularly is another safety mechanism that all drivers can adopt. Tires are one of the most important features of any vehicle. In the case that a tyre malfunctions, it is highly probable that the driver will lose control of the vehicle, which poses a serious risk of collision and injury.
Ensure that your lights are working
Lights and signals can play a key role in keeping road users safe. Routine checks on lights and signals are very easy to perform. These can be carried out at home before setting off. If lights and signals are not working, it is highly advisable to ensure that they are repaired or replaced before embarking on a journey. Crucially, it is also important that lights are kept clean as dust or debris can significantly impact their performance.
Carrying out regular safety checks on your vehicle could increase your safety. If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, then there may be legal options available to you.