Half of drivers still feel unsure whether changes to the Highway Code made two years ago today have made the roads safer for pedestrians, shows RAC research. One of the most notable changes advises drivers turning into or out of a junction to give way to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who are either crossing or are waiting to cross the road. This rule was part of a new hierarchy of road … [Read more...]
Smart motorways – what’s next?
Following a report in the i newpaper that suggests the Government may no longer build all-lane running smart motorways in the future, the RAC has expressed its concerns.. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said, “If Ministers are giving serious consideration to completely scrapping new all-lane-running smart motorways, then this is an admission that the Government no longer has faith in these … [Read more...]
Longer MoTs will stretch safety and push up costs, RAC
Majority of drivers believe changing the MOT to every two years is a dangerously bad idea, says the RAC. Only a fifth of drivers support recent Government proposal to change the annual MOT from every year to every two years Drivers have serious concerns about the Government’s plans to change the compulsory MOT from every year to every two years to reduce the cost of living, with many believing … [Read more...]
Smart motorways scare a third of drivers
New research commissioned by IAM RoadSmart charity has revealed that potentially millions of drivers are worried about driving on Britain’s roads, mostly smart-motorways. The charity surveyed 1,004 motorists on which roads they are most worried about driving on, with 60 per cent of respondents declaring that they are worried about getting behind the wheel, in some form. Worryingly, this … [Read more...]
Right and wrong ways to wash and clean your car
A study has revealed the most common car cleaning mistakes motorists should avoid to steer clear of expensive repair bills. With this in mind, experts at Secure Tools, suppliers of car cleaning products, have revealed the most damaging internet viral car cleaning hacks. 1 - Using Abrasive Brushes Scourers and kitchen sponges may be useful in the kitchen, however using them on your motor can … [Read more...]
Government “misguided” by science of assisted driving
The Government is being “misguided” by science according to road safety experts concerned at the planned permission of assisted driving on motorways. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement yesterday around paving the way for Automated Driving, Thatcham Research and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) are urging caution. “There is still a lot of work needed though by both … [Read more...]
Darker nights mean greater dangers
Now that summer is well and truly over and the clocks have reverted to GMT, the nights will be drawing in. Statistically we see more incidents involving pedestrians and vulnerable road users from October to March than we do throughout the rest of the year. Most incidents happen between 3pm and 7pm and we need to take special care to look out for pedestrians when it’s dark. IAM RoadSmart’s head … [Read more...]
Video calling is latest driving hazard
The rise in popularity of the likes of FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Snapchat for video calls is posing a new and present danger on roads. Amost one-in-five (18%) of drivers aged 17-24 admit taking part in video calls while behind the wheel, figures for the RAC Report on Motoring 2020 reveal. Younger drivers are more than twice as likely to say they make or receive video calls while … [Read more...]
Cycle Smart scheme to reduce accidents
A new technologically-innovative, data-driven project that aims to prevent cyclist collisions before they happen is being launched on Birmingham’s roads. Cycle Smart Brum will see cyclists gathering data as they ride around the city, collecting intelligence on issues such as near misses, poor road surface and potential problem junctions, enabling authorities to identify and prioritise … [Read more...]
Potholes are biggest shock for drivers, says survey
A survey of 2,000 road users found the craggy gaps in the road surface were more irritating than tailgaters, drivers failing to use their indicators, and even breaking down. Eight in 10 drivers, cyclists or motorcycle riders even say they have to navigate potholes every time they use the roads. Glasgow is the worst city in the UK for potholes according to residents - as nine in 10 locals claim … [Read more...]