Dodgy brakes and tyres on rise

A variety of issues, especially brakes and tyres, are becoming contributing factors to fatal crashes on New Zealand’s roads.

That’s one of the key findings of research carried out by the Motor Trade Association (MTA) into the government’s crash analysis system on such accidents between 2011 and 2019.

“Vehicle factors that contribute to fatalities are on the rise even as the road toll trends down,” says Greig Epps, manager for advocacy and strategy.

“We have found that tyres have climbed the rankings to now sit as the sixth biggest contributor to fatal crashes among all vehicle factors.”

He adds the analysis also shows brakes are trending up in the percentage of fatal accidents.

“While speed and alcohol continue to be key issues, poorly maintained vehicles are increasingly adding to the tragic number of deaths on our roads.”

Epps, pictured, says the MTA is urging all motorists to ensure their vehicles are inspected before heading away on holiday this summer.

“There is a large backlog of uninspected vehicles from the warrant of fitness [WOF] amnesty granted during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“That amnesty finished on October 10, but as New Zealanders head towards Christmas there are still more than 400,000 vehicles that are overdue for an inspection.”

Epps highlights the MTA’s ongoing concern that about 40 per cent of vehicles that present for a WOF will fail, meaning motorists need to consider actioning repairs to ensure on-road safety. 

The top reasons for WOF inspection failures are tyres, brakes, lights, steering, and suspension.