Road safety experts are reminding drivers that “safe vehicles save lives,” with GEM Motoring Assist highlighting the critical role of routine vehicle maintenance in protecting both drivers and passengers. While Road Safety Week shines a spotlight on responsible driving, GEM urges motorists to make safety a daily habit rather than a once-a-year consideration.
Modern cars are packed with technologies designed to prevent collisions and minimise injuries. Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and electronic stability control are just a few examples of life-saving systems that can dramatically reduce risk on the roads. But GEM stresses that even the most sophisticated safety features are only effective when properly maintained.
“Every journey needs to start with ensuring your vehicle is as safe as possible,” says James Luckhurst, GEM’s head of road safety. “Carrying out regular checks and making safety part of your routine means we are playing our part for road safety and potentially saving lives – not just during Road Safety Week, but every week.”
Neglecting basic maintenance can have serious consequences. Defective brakes, for instance, are linked to around 750 casualties each year, while faulty tyres contribute to more than 150 fatalities and serious injuries annually. Regular inspections, servicing, and software updates help ensure that airbags, sensors, and electronic systems perform effectively in emergencies.
GEM also reminds drivers that technology cannot replace human vigilance. “Even the best safety systems rely on attentive, courteous, and careful driving,” Luckhurst explains. “Drivers themselves are the most important safety feature in any vehicle.”
GEM’s Top Safety Tips for Drivers:
- Understand your car’s safety features: Learn what each system does, how it works, and what dashboard alerts mean. Knowledge can be as important as the technology itself.
- Prioritise safety when buying a car: Look for vehicles equipped with up-to-date features such as autonomous emergency braking, electronic stability control, and a robust airbag system. High safety ratings from organisations like Euro NCAP are a strong indicator of protection.
- Maintain your safety systems: Schedule regular inspections and keep hardware and software up to date. Sensors and systems can deteriorate over time if neglected.
- Be the best safety feature yourself: No technology can substitute for a driver who is attentive, courteous, and able to respond quickly to hazards.
About Road Safety Week
Coordinated by Brake, Road Safety Week is the UK’s largest annual road safety campaign, uniting schools, businesses, emergency services, and communities to spread life-saving messages. GEM Motoring Assist, one of the UK’s longest-established motoring and road safety organisations, proudly supports the campaign and encourages all drivers to make everyday road safety a priority.
By combining responsible driving with well-maintained vehicles, GEM believes we can all play a part in creating safer roads – saving lives one journey at a time.
