SOUTH East motorists could be driving around in death traps - because they are just too embarrassed to ask vehicle repairers about their safety standards, according to a new study.

More than half (53 per cent) of all the South East region's motorists claim they feel too intimidated to question the safety credentials of someone working on their car, research for Autoglass found.

And they admit their greatest concern is not whether the safest job possible has been done (22 per cent), but whether they are being ripped off on price (57 per cent).

Ian Carlisle, managing director of Autglass, said: "We wouldn't trust our health to someone who wasn't medically qualified. But we will put our personal safety at risk and let virtually anyone work on our cars as long as the price is right.

"It seems we don't think twice about the safety implications when getting repairs done, but South East motorists could be dying of embarrassment because poor workmanship can turn cars into deathtraps."

In fact, the South East's motorists are quite happy to put their life in someone else's hands - they're unlikely to ask whether the person working on their car is qualified (80 per cent) or about the quality of products they use (46 per cent).

The “Deathtrap Drivers” study also reveals that:

* Getting our cars back on the road matters most - South East motorists are more likely to ask when they will be able to drive their car again (88 per cent), than what safety regulations the repairer follows (25 per cent).

* 31 per cent would never dream of asking about the quality of brake pads being used, which grade of windscreen glass is being installed (24 per cent) or how often a tyre fitter has his tyre pressure equipment serviced (14 per cent).

* 51 per cent have no idea which of their car's features could save their lives in the event of an accident.

Seven in 10 South East motorists are unaware that their windscreens could save their lives in the event of an accident.

But independent research by the Transport Research Laboratory shows that, even though more than 90 per cent of drivers wear seatbelts, around one in 10 of those killed in road accidents are ejected, often through the windscreen.

A properly-installed windscreen therefore is crucial in helping to protect motorists in an accident. That is why Autoglass is lobbying for formal standards, a watchdog body and a recognised register of windscreen fitting technicians.

Mr Carlisle added: "More than eight in 10 South East motorists support our call for formal regulations and we believe these must be implemented now rather than waiting for tragedy to strike."