According to a study conducted recently it was found that Glasgow and Newcastle are the worst places in the UK for failed or illegal headlights.
More than one in ten vehicles checked in these two cities were found to have a failed headlight, sidelight, rear or brake-lights, which would significantly increase the risk of an accident, especially as the hours of darkness now starts to increase as we move into Autumn and Winter.
It’s estimated that 2.6 million cars are driven with defective lights, which results in 1.16 million MOT failures every year.
The worst city in the UK for the problem was Glasgow (13.3 per cent), while Newcastle (13.1 per cent) and Liverpool (12.7 per cent) were also rated poorly.
The best city was London, where just 6.8 per cent of vehicles on the road were found to have illegal or faulty lights.
Figures obtained from the Department of Transport, which were compiled from police records, show that in 2010 357 accidents were blamed on vehicles not displaying lights at night or in poor visibility. The penalty for the offence is £60 and three points. A hefty punishment for not spending a few minutes checking your lights, and actioning an essential repair.
Simon Cook of ACC UK LTD, Independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair and MOT Specialists of Farnborough, Hampshire says “Usually you don’t know when a light has gone so regular checking is essential, especially in these increased hours of darkness and often more difficult and hazardous autumn and winter conditions. The recent heavy rainfall and increased spray on the motorways makes it more difficult for other drivers to see you if you dont have your lights working correctly. Get them checked regularly by a family member - a bulb can go at anytime. They cost pennies to replace - dont fall foul of a potential fine, MOT failure or an accident because you cannot see properly or cant be seen by other motorists".
“We know motorist have delayed essential repairs and many wait for their annual MOT but this is a false economy and such drivers risk falling foul of the law.” Take your car to your local independent garage, they will be more than happy to replace your bulbs or check your fuses - this takes minutes and costs so little - happy safe motoring!
