WITH the coronavirus putting MOT’s on hold, safety campaigners are urging Dorset drivers to perform basic checks before getting behind the wheel.

This advice comes as a new report, from road safety charity Brake, suggests there are 'dangerous gaps in vehicle maintenance in the UK'.

This report, also conducted with breakdown provider Green Flag, is based on a survey of more than 2,000 drivers – and it reveals that more than 14 million license holders check the safety of their vehicle once a year or less.

One in ten of respondents admitted they have never performed any vehicle safety checks.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said: “We want to remind Dorset drivers that regular safety checks of your vehicle are vital as even minor defects, like a worn wiper blade, can play a part in a catastrophic crash.

"Drivers have a responsibility for a vehicle’s safety and this is a responsibility which should not be taken lightly.

“With the coronavirus MOT exemption delaying tests, checking the safety of your vehicle has never been more important.

"We urge all drivers to perform regular ‘walk-round’ checks of their vehicle, once a week and before any long journeys – it is a couple of minutes which could be the difference between life and death.

"If you have any suspicion at all that something is not right with your car, do not drive it and consult a professional.”

According to Brake, checks should include tyre tread wear, tyre pressures, general tyre condition, lights, oil, water and fluids, wiper blades and wheel fixings.