Defective and poorly maintained vehicles played a contributory factor in more than 1,700 road casualties last year, up 7 per cent compared to 2020, analysis from AA Approved Garages can reveal.
Defective brakes were by far the most common defect causing 750 casualties, including 10 fatalities.
Tyres came second with 491 casualties, but caused more fatalities with 12 people losing their lives.
Faulty steering and suspensions complete the top three, contributing towards 255 casualties with six fatalities.
AA Approved Garages is highlighting the importance of booking your MOT early.
Similarly, these statistics highlight the importance of regular vehicle checks and servicing to ensure they are well maintained and safe for the road.
AA Approved Garages are also using these figures to warn the government against switching the MOT to a bi-annual vehicle check.
When the idea was first floated, 97 per cent of AA members said the annual MOT test was important, with more than eight out of 10 saying it was “very important” (83 per cent).
Penny Stoolman, managing director for AA Approved Garages, said: “These tragic stats show how many lives could have been saved had some simple home checks been carried out prior to setting off.
“Likewise, MOTs and servicing are more than just a health check.
“They can be live-saving interventions that reduce the number of road casualties across the country.
“We are concerned that rumours about switching the MOT from every year to every two years.
“That would fly in the face of road safety, and we strongly urge the government to rule this out on today.”
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