With travel and day trips back on the agenda, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) is urging people to think ‘flowery’ and check their vehicles before setting off. 

After weeks of lockdown, people of all ages are preparing to hit the road again for travel outside their local area.

But the Safer Roads team is reminding people to carry out basic ‘flowery’ checks before travelling to make sure that they arrive safely and avoid unnecessary breakdowns. 

Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP manager, said: “We are all keen to have a change of scenery and with the further easing of travel restrictions, the rush to escape has begun.   

“But even if you’re not going very far, checks done on a regular basis will help to keep you safe and your vehicle in good running order - especially if you are using your vehicle for the first time in several weeks.  

“Not only will this reduce the chances of unnecessary breakdowns in dangerous spots, it will hopefully reduce the need for expensive repair bills.” 

A good way to ensure you have carried out all your checks is using the term FLOWERY – fuel, lights, oil, water, electrics, rubber and you. 

“If you’ve covered all the elements of ‘flowery’, then you know you’ve done a comprehensive check,” added Joanne. 

“We add ‘you’ at the end because your mental well-being and state of mind are both extremely important when it comes to being safe and alert on the road. 

“Planning your journey, with regular stops, is a great way of keeping calm and well on long journeys, especially if it’s a place you haven’t visited before.” 

Here are some of our top tips: 

• Keep your fuel tank at least one quarter full to avoid running out on your journey. This will help you to avoid breaking down and potentially putting yourself and others at risk. 
• Check headlights, indicators, reversing lights, fog lights and brake lights work properly. 
• Maintaining the correct oil level is essential to prevent your engine from seizing up and breaking down. Also check brake and power steering fluid. Do these when your engine is cold. 
• Keep your windscreen clear - check that the washer fluid are topped up. 
• Check your windscreen wipers and other electric components like the radio, and air con.  
• Check your tyre tread. The tyre tread must be a certain depth depending on the type of vehicle. For cars, light vans and light trailers you must have a tread depth of no less than 1.6 mm. 
• Plan your route and plan breaks during your journey. 
• Are you fit to drive? Drink, drugs, fatigue, and emotional state all have an impact on how safely we drive. 

Joanne added:  “We want everyone to enjoy Spring and we all have a part to play in helping everyone get where they’re going as quickly and as safely as possible. 

“Please make sure you’ve done your ‘flowery’ checks and if you’re unsure of anything, take your vehicle to a garage."