Car experts are calling for all drivers to have 'compulsory equipment' in safety crackdown
To reduce the number of accidents on the roads, a car leasing company is calling on the Government to make fitting safety equipment mandatory.
The vehicle financing company LeaseCar.uk has called on the Government to make carrying safety equipment a legal requirement for all drivers.
Whilst most motorists like to think that they are prepared for a breakdown, not all vehicles are fitted with items that could help to keep occupants safe if they are stranded at the side of the road.
Tim Alcock, motoring expert at LeaseCar.uk, noted that requiring drivers to carry safety equipment could help to reduce the number of casualties on the road.
He explained: “We believe drivers across the UK should carry compulsory safety equipment in their vehicles to help prevent serious injuries on the road. There are legal requirements in most European countries to carry safety equipment in a vehicle, but it is unheard of in the UK.
"Although the legally mandatory vehicle safety equipment varies globally, many countries stipulate drivers should carry at least some items."
LeaseCar.uk highlighted that a number of other countries across Europe, particularly those in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, require motorists to carry a number of items to make sure they are prepared for a range of emergencies.
In many cases, this includes a number of items that can be used to prevent small issues from turning into far more significant ones, such as small fire extinguishers.
However, it may also involve items to help make drivers and passengers who have broken down more comfortable, including hi-visibility jackets and blankets.
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Tim also suggested that many countries in Europe require drivers to fit specific goods such as first aid kits and warning triangles.
He added: "Greece, Romania and Croatia are just some countries which require drivers to carry a compulsory first aid kit in the vehicle.
“Switzerland, Austria and France also require drivers to carry one or more warning triangles in vehicles to alert other drivers to potential hazards."
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport, highlighted that drivers can fit safety equipment to their car if they wish, but should avoid putting themselves at risk in an emergency.
She explained: "Fire extinguishers are not mandatory in vehicles, but there is nothing to prevent owners from carrying them, if they wish."
"Annex Six of the Highway Code provides information about vehicle maintenance, safety and security and advises that in the event of fire, occupants should evacuate the vehicle quickly and retreat to a safe place. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment, call the fire brigade."
