ROAD Safety Week takes place between November 7 and November 12 and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has urged motorists to read their owner's manual.

There are still more than 3,000 deaths each year on the UK's roads and a survey by the SMMT revealed that drivers continue to take risks by not understanding the safety systems in their cars.

Simple things like knowing what warning symbols mean, regularly checking tyre pressures, adjusting head restraints and making sure child seats are fitted properly would reduce fatalities on the raods, according to the SMMT.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, said: "We read instructions when taking new medicines or using a power tool because these are safety critical products. However, most of us fail to adopt the same vigilant approach when it comes to cars.

"Many accidents and injuries could be prevented if drivers spent more time learning about the features which are designed to protect themselves and their families."