Drivers aged 24 years and under were the recent target of free vehicle safety checks at winter pit stops across the Bay of Plenty.

The pit stops are provided by a network of road safety partners including Bay of Plenty Regional Council, New Zealand Transport Agency and coordinators from the local council.

The pit stops have been running for two years and use the TWIRL (Tyres, Windows, Indicators, Rust and Lights) inspection method, to educate drivers on the importance of vehicle checks in reducing road safety risks.

One pit stop was run in Rotorua recently, with the assistance of student mechanics from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

The students helped undertake the TWIRL checks after receiving training from a NZ Transport Agency staff member.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Road Safety coordinator, Jenny Mack, says having young student mechanics from across the Bay of Plenty assist is a great way to target young drivers and to get the message across of the importance of vehicle checks in winter.

'We hope young drivers are now more aware of just how important it is to do a regular tyre, window, indicator, rust and lights check before they set off on their journey,” says Jenny.

Rotorua Lakes Council road safety coordinator Reade Nikora says drivers with older vehicles need to be more conscious of safety and check them over more often.

'The wait between vehicle Warrant of Fitness checks is substantial and it is important drivers are regularly checking their cars to ensure they are safe and reliable to drive, especially in the winter,” says Reade.

'Tyres are particularly important as they are the only thing keeping you on the road. Checking the amount of tread you have could be the difference between getting to your destination safely and being involved in a serious crash.”

Drivers who received a free TWIRL pack including a handy tyre tread checker and a guide to help them conduct their own safety checks at home.

To find out more information about vehicle safety and TWIRL checks by visit the NZTA website.