HALF of the second-hand vehicles on the market in Queensland have severe safety defects, new research has uncovered.
RACQ test results have prompted calls for rigorous random roadside vehicle inspections.
Among the worst cases examined by the RACQ were death traps: a vehicle had only a handbrake working, a baby capsule was attached to the rear hatch and a tyre was so bald the canvas was showing through.
The findings come from two months of research last year of almost 600 vehicles taken to the RACQ for inspections.
The vehicles were about to be bought from or sold to private owners or car yards or were nearing the end of their warranty period.
The report found:
• 46 per cent of vehicles had serious safety defects.
• Three quarters less than 10 years old had one or more safety defects.
• Faulty or defective tyres and wheels were the most commonly detected problems
Even if you don't live in QLD this research is rather disturbing.
utes.com.au thinks that instead of chasing people doing 3 or 4km over the speed limit the Police would be better served addressing this issue.