Page 4 - PR Mag Dec19

Check to Protect - Simple Travel Safety Tips that
could Save Lives
Queenslanders are being urged to make simple car
safety checks before driving during the holidays.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said
North Lakes Santa Run safer cars could save lives.
Santa Claus is coming to North Lakes and delivering “Motorists will see transport inspectors out on the roads as part
our Check to Protect summer safety campaign,” Mr Bailey said.
lollies to children of all ages! “This will be a series of targeted operations across the state in
Donations have poured in and it has been confirmed the lead-up to Christmas.
that Santa will be visiting all of the children in both
North Lakes and Mango Hill. “We’ve rolled out roadside checks for several years now to
educate drivers about checking their vehicles for safety concerns
The Santa Run is a volunteer initiative that originally started before travelling.”
in 2005. The volunteers decided that this was a fabulous Mr Bailey said common defects the inspectors would be looking
Community project and didn’t want it to stop. for included bald tyres, cracked windscreens, rust, worn seatbelts
Santa will be out and about on the 7th and 8th of December. or windscreen wipers, blown lights, brake lights not working and
Listen out for the Christmas music; car horn and bells ringing as steering issues.
Santa is driven down each street twice, once to let you know he “Drivers are generally good at looking at fuel, seatbelts and
is in the street and then again to pass out lollies to the children. seat position and checking mirrors were aligned, but we’re
It is safest for children to remain on the footpath and Santa will encouraging motorists to add a few more simple checks to their
be driven up to them. routine,” he said.
WARNING: THERE WILL BE A LOT OF NOISE!
“Make sure your tyres have no excessive wear, your brakes are
working, the steering isn’t wobbling or pulling and there are no
oil leaks.”
Motorists should also check their caravans, boats and trailers are
roadworthy and the vehicle is suitable for towing.
Caravans and trailers should be loaded correctly, ensuring legal
weight and dimension limits are not exceeded, and appropriate
load restraints are being used to keep all road users safe.
Anyone travelling on a long trip should also schedule rest stops
every two hours to avoid fatigue and use the driver reviver
facilities throughout the state to help ensure they arrive safely.
Vehicle safety check tips:
• Make sure your brakes are responding normally.
• Check your tyres have no abnormal wear, this includes the
inside edge which is often missed as it is more difficult to
get to.
• Check the steering wheel is not wobbling or pulling one
way or the other.
• Check your windscreen for any cracks or chips that might
affect your view. If the sun or head lights from oncoming
traffic hits a windscreen crack on the right angle it can really
affect your vision.
• Check the condition of your windscreen wipers and that
they are working properly.
• Ask someone to help you check all your lights are working
including indicators, brakes, reversing lights and headlights.
• If you tow a caravan, boat or trailer it’s also a good idea to
check the safety and condition of these items regularly.
• Make sure you service your vehicle regularly and speak to
your mechanic about any safety concerns.
For more information about vehicle safety tips and transport
inspectors, visit:
www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Road-safety/Transport-Inspectors