Free road safety tests

Creation date: 30 April 2009

Johannesburg - Vehicle testing stations will offer free vehicle safety checks from Wednesday in an attempt to reduce road accidents over the Easter period, the National Vehicle Testing Association said.

The safety checks will take place from April 1 to 9, the association said in a statement.

"The aim of the campaign is to examine as many vehicles as possible with regard to the condition and effectiveness of safety critical items, including brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and lighting."

The association said that in previous campaigns, up to 1 400 vehicles were tested and as many as 92% were found to have safety defects.

The campaign is backed by the Retail Motor Industry organisation, and details of participating stations can be obtained through their regional offices.

"A list of workshops where repairs can be effected will be available at each station.

"Test stations have pledged their resources to perform the tests free of charge with a view to reducing the number of accidents and ultimately saving lives," the

statement said.

- SAPA

Source: http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2494969,00.html