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71% of people find vehicle maintenance more stressful than relationship issues but it doesn’t need to be.
West Yorkshire Vision Zero have released five new videos explaining simple car maintenance checks, covering tyre tread and pressure, screen wash, coolant and oil.
These quick checks should be done monthly or ahead of any long journey to ensure your car is as safe as possible.
Safe vehicles is the theme of this year’s Road Safety Week, which starts on 16th November and is organised by Brake.
The week raises awareness of the role we all play in keeping everyone safe on the roads and is also a time to remember those affected by collisions.
In 2024, 1,318 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads of West Yorkshire.
Alison Lowe OBE, chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Board and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “We’re working to end all road deaths and serious injuries in the county by 2040 and everyone has a part to play.
“Letting vehicle checks slide can be easily done when you’re busy. However, prioritising maintenance not only protects you and your loved ones, but it also saves you money through your vehicle being more efficient to run.
“There’s no better time than now to give your vehicle a good check over. It could be lifesaving.”
Road Safety Week is being supported across West Yorkshire with buildings being lit up in orange light in remembrance of those lost.
A remembrance service, run by the charity SCARD, will also take place at Leeds Minster on 16th November at 3pm. All are invited to attend, but especially those who have been injured or have lost loved ones on the roads.
Further events will be taking place across the districts, details will be shared on Vision Zero partner social media accounts
You can also show your support for keeping everyone safe on our roads by signing the Vision Zero Pledge. Pledges can be dedicated in someone’s memory which will be added to our memorial webpage.
West Yorkshire Vision Zero partner quotes
Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our traffic officers will be conducting proactive operations throughout the week focusing on offences relating to the condition of vehicles. This includes defective tyres, brakes or carrying an unsafe load.
“This is about making our roads safer for everybody by educating drivers on the risks they pose and using the full range of enforcement options to take dangerous vehicles off the roads.
“By making sure your vehicle is roadworthy and carrying out regular safety checks, you can help prevent collisions and keep the people inside the vehicle protected.”
Road Safety Lead at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Shaw, said: "As a fire and rescue service, we witness first-hand the devastating impact of road traffic collisions, which is why we’re proud to support Vision Zero during Road Safety Week.
“Our teams will be out in communities throughout the week, sharing vital road safety messages and raising awareness of the everyday hazards people face while travelling. Simple actions like avoiding mobile phone use, or allowing extra time for your journey can make a significant difference in helping everyone get home safely."
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development, said: “Leeds has big ambitions to be a city where you don’t need a car to get around, but we know many people still rely on vehicles today. Safe vehicles aren’t just about cars – they include any vehicle on the road, from vans to motorbikes. Simple checks like tyre pressure and oil levels can make a huge difference to safety.
“Road Safety Week is a great opportunity to remind ourselves that these small actions save lives and help us move towards a safer, more sustainable transport future.”
Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, said: “Every day we’re investing in our roads to improve their condition, improve traffic flow and introduce new safety schemes across the district. But we all have a responsibility to make our roads safer. And that includes keeping our vehicles in good condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent incidents. Especially at this time of year when poor weather and visibility can sometimes make driving conditions tricky. A few simple checks can help protect you and those around you.” Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet Member for Transport at Kirklees Council said: “Road Safety Week is a powerful reminder that every vehicle check we carry out—from testing brakes and lights to ensuring tyres are roadworthy—has the potential to prevent accidents and save lives. By pledging our commitment to regular maintenance, we take meaningful steps toward creating safer streets for everyone—one journey at a time.” Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Road safety is a big issue for everyone as we all use our roads – drivers, cyclists, bikers and pedestrians. Road Safety Week and Vision Zero help us to focus on the part we can all play to try end all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040. I would encourage you to watch the short films produced to help carry out simple vehicle maintenance checks, especially as we go into the winter months.” Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “We are lighting up Wainhouse Tower in Halifax in orange on 16 November to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and the start of Road Safety Week.
“We’re proud to be part of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero partnership. One life lost on our roads is one too many and causes devastation throughout our communities. We continue to highlight the things we can all do to make our roads safer.” Nicola Clayton, National Highways' Regional Safety Programme Manager for Yorkshire and the North East, said: “Thousands of breakdowns on England’s major roads could be avoided with simple vehicle checks. Our T.R.I.P. campaign- which stands for Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare- reminds drivers to check essentials like tyres, oil and screen wash, take regular breaks, and plan ahead before setting off. These quick steps help keep you, your passengers and other road users safe.” | 
