BRIGHOUSE-based road safety charity Brake is urging drivers to take car maintenance seriously this winter after a survey revealed alarming numbers of drivers do not know how to make basic safety checks.

The survey, by Brake and an insurance company, also found that many drivers admit to knowingly putting lives at risk by driving anyway. Nearly half admitted they had driven with at least one risky vehicle defect.

More than a quarter are not confident about making essential checks on tyres and brakes, and only a minority carry important emergency items in winter, like a high-visibility vest, food and water, a blanket or warm clothes.

One in seven do not make basic checks, like oil and water levels, lights, indicators or brakes.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, said: “Safe driving starts before you get behind the wheel – the driver has to be fit to drive, and so does the vehicle.”