Police blitz on car safety

By Jade Lawton
NEGLECTING your car this winter could be costly.
Sergeant Nigel Atkins, of Cardinia’s Traffic Management Unit, has warned drivers that failure to comply with the Road Safety Act’s obligations of road users could hurt motorists’ hip pockets and more importantly, their safety.
From 1 to 22 June, 40 motorists had already been charged with driving un-roadworthy vehicles on Cardinia Shire roads — almost two a day.
“Components on motor vehicles wear over time and the need to constantly keep check on the safety of your vehicle is of paramount importance for safety of self, family and other road users,” Sgt Atkins said.
“If not, you could face a fine of $187 plus the issue of a Defect Notice, ordering the vehicle be inspected for roadworthiness.”
Sgt Atkins said that under the Road Safety Act, road users were obligated to ensure windscreen wiper blades were of good condition and replaced every 12 months, and windscreens were clear and free of dust or insects.
Sgt Atkins said motorists also needed to ensure tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm across the spread of the tyre.
“Ensure that tyres are checked weekly and correlate to the tyre placard or service booklet. Check tyre pressures when tyres are cold. Uneven tyre pressures can alter breaking capabilities and steering, plus add to advanced wear.”
Sgt Atkins said motorists were also required to switch on headlights during fog or poor visibility, and those who did not turn on lights according to conditions could be fined $153 and lose one demerit point.
Under Road Rule 126, motorists are also required to keep an eight second gap between their vehicle and the one ahead. Travelling too close could incur a $153 fine and loss of one demerit point.
“Every driver had an obligation to drive according to road rules and to have their vehicle in a roadworthy condition,” Sgt Atkins said.
Sgt Atkins also warned that many insurance policies did not pay out if a vehicle involved in a collision was found to be un-roadworthy.
He said Operation Bucket would continue to check vehicles around the shire on a regular basis.
“Operation Bucket targets un-roadworthy vehicles, from mopeds to trucks,” Sgt Atkins said.
“If your vision is not clear, it affects your mobility.”
“When we go to a collisdion, if your tyres are uneven or any indication of uneven wear… we are not mechanics, we’re just fault finders.”