Car accident news
04/11/2010

Men's lack of maintenance skills may lead to car accidents

Keeping a vehicle in good working order and, therefore, being less at risk of a car accident through lack of maintenance is a low priority for most male drivers, according to a survey.

The poll, by www.webuyanycar.com, found that 58% of men do not have any idea about what goes on under the bonnet and how to carry out basic checks to maintain driveability and safety.

Dirty windscreens, windows and lights can be a contributory factor in road traffic accidents but, apparently, 41% of drivers do not try to wash their vehicles and 21% even avoid filling them with fuel.

While three out of every ten men polled were ashamed about their lack of knowledge, almost the same percentage were unsure of the importance of a dashboard warning light coming on, such as those showing braking system or oil problems, or knew whether to act on them.

Of those surveyed, the men of Aberdeen came out on top for car care, followed by Wrexham and Leicester, while at the other end of the scale, Cambridge drivers were worst then those from Worcester and Brighton.

If a driver was negligent of his vehicle's maintenance and that factor was contributory to his involvement in a car accident, other victims of the accident who suffered personal injury might then be able to claim compensation from him for their pain, suffering or loss of earnings.