Safe motoring breaks down into two issues: making sure your car safe; and driving to minimise risk.

We can't teach you to drive all over again - consider an advanced motoring course to improve your road skills - but CAR SAFETY is a complete no-brainer. You wouldn't use an unearthed electrical appliance, so why drive a car in a dangerous condition? Simple regular checks reduce the risk of an accident.

CAR SAFETY CHECKS

• Keep tyres at the pressures shown in the owner's handbook. Don't rely on garage airpumps - buy a footpump and pressure gauge, and use them regularly.
• Tyres need checking every three months or so for tread wear. The legal minimum is 1.6mm over 75% of the tread surfaces; it's best to replace them before this.
• Check for tyre damage, especially after driving over accident debris or 'kerbing'.
• Worn or 'scrubbed' spots on tyres point to serious problems. Get tracking, wheel alignment and suspension checked.
• If steering is vague or if the car pulls to one side, get the steering, suspension and brakes checked urgently.
• See and be seen. Are all lights working correctly? It's a common reason for being pulled up by the police. Get main beam and dip adjusted if night vision is a murky area.
• If brakes squeal, they're incorrectly adjusted or badly worn. Get help before braking capacity suffers or discs get seriously damaged.
• Seat belts can jam or get frayed, and locking mechanisms can stick. Get them fixed immediately.