Driver Liability Despite Mechanic Certification

A lower court awarded damages to a plaintiff who had been injured when a motorist drove a vehicle with brakes known to be defective, despite the defendant motorist's assertion that the brakes had been properly checked and approved by a mechanic shortly before the accident. The high court quashed the decision, reasoning that the mere fact that a professional inspection certified the brakes as operational did not automatically exonerate the driver from liability, as the driver has an independent and absolute obligation to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicle, particularly its safety systems like brakes, before driving.