Britain loves a Banger says RAC

The number of drivers caught behind the wheel of unroadworthy vehicles is rising sharply, and road safety experts are calling it a serious cause for concern.

New analysis by the RAC, reported by Road Safety GB, shows that over the last five years there’s been a 43% increase in the number of people fined for using a vehicle in dangerous condition. That’s now almost 1,900 drivers every month being stopped for serious defects — adding up to more than 22,000 unsafe cars each year.

Why it Matters

The phrase “unroadworthy vehicle” isn’t about a small dent or a dodgy radio. We’re talking about cars with defective brakes, dangerously worn tyres, broken lights, or other critical faults. Vehicles in this state are not only illegal, they’re lethal.

A driver with bald tyres, for example, might find themselves aquaplaning at motorway speeds with no control. Faulty brakes can extend stopping distances by terrifying margins. And a missing or broken headlight means hazards can go unseen until it’s too late.

In short, an unroadworthy vehicle doesn’t just endanger the driver, it puts every other road user at risk.

The wider problem

This rise suggests that too many drivers are failing to take responsibility for basic vehicle maintenance. Some of this may be due to cost pressures, but the consequences of skipping tyre replacements or ignoring warning lights can be catastrophic.

The RAC’s findings add to existing concerns that the UK’s MOT system alone isn’t enough to ensure road safety. A car that passes its MOT in March could be dangerously unsafe by June if neglected. Regular checks and good habits are essential — something that advanced driver coaching places strong emphasis on.

The Driving Masters Perspective

At Driving Masters, our coaching programmes don’t just focus on how you handle the wheel; they also cover how you prepare yourself and your vehicle before you even turn the key.

When we start our training, particularly at DMAP 1, we cover vehicle preparation and familiarisation including that cover seating position, safety systems, tyre safety, dashboard warnings, and personal responsibility . These are the basics too often overlooked in day-to-day driving.

For us, it’s simple: a responsible driver doesn’t just read the road, they also read their car.

What drivers should be doing

The rise in unroadworthy vehicles is a wake-up call. Here’s what every driver should keep front of mind:

• Regular checks – Don’t rely on the MOT. Check your tyres, brakes, lights, and fluids often.
• Respect warning signs – Dashboard lights aren’t suggestions; they’re alerts. Deal with them immediately.
• Keep perspective – The cost of fixing a fault is always less than the cost of an accident.
• Invest in training – Advanced coaching builds habits that go beyond ticking boxes, making you a more responsible, confident and safe driver.

The bottom line

The RAC’s findings are a stark reminder that road safety begins before you even set off. Too many drivers are gambling with their lives, their passengers, and everyone else on the road by neglecting their vehicles.

Advanced driver coaching isn’t just about sharper reactions and smoother progress. It’s about developing a mindset where safety and responsibility come first - including the responsibility to keep your car fit for purpose.

August 2025