Bank on a safe drive; Don't just hit the road this Easter - take steps to ensure your car is fit for the trip.

Byline: By Bill Caven

THOUSANDS of motorists could be putting their families in danger this Easter weekend by taking to the roads in cars unfit for the journey.

During the dark winter evenings and cold weekends, many motorists are reluctant to undertake even the most basic DIY tasks on their vehicles.

Recent research demonstrated that almost 90 per cent of drivers forget to carry out basic safety checks such as tyres and lights during the winter.

Even those who wash their cars regularly rarely do any more than re-fuel or fill up the windscreen washers.

The RAC Foundation for Motoring is encouraging motorists to make use of the extra time off that comes with the Bank holiday to tackle the car: #Check the condition of tyres. Wear and damage, exacerbated by bad weather and pot-holed roads together with incorrect pressures, can affect safety, stopping ability and braking.

#Make sure that lights and indicators are working and correctly adjusted. Badly lit vehicles are involved in crashes that could have been prevented by a two-minute check.

#Have the car serviced. Safety components such as brakes, which will have taken a battering during winter, are best left to the professionals. It's also a good idea to have the battery checked - many garages offer free checks.

#Check the car's wiper blades are in good condition with no tears or cracks. #Make sure the screen wash, oil and water are at the recommended levels #Check the anti-freeze content in the washer reservoir and cooling system is appropriate - there may be cold weather yet to come.

#Wash it thoroughly. Dirty windows not only compromise road safety but can constitute an offence when they become badly obscured. While drivers will be encouraged to clean the vehicle if stopped by the police - they can be issued with a fixed penalty notice and a fine of pounds 40.

#Clear out the rubbish from inside - a recent report showed that many family cars have more germs than toilet seats, posing a health risk to occupants.

Kevin Delaney, of the RAC Foundation said: 'Having prepared the car, drivers should make sure they are up to the journey. A fresh start and regular breaks will help drivers and passengers to enjoy the trip.'