Worrying results from a new study released today show that the latest in-vehicle infotainment systems designed to improve road safety are failing and impair reactions times behind the wheel more than alcohol and cannabis use. Among the shocking results, the study – commissioned by the UK’s largest independent road-safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, found that reaction times at motorway speeds … [Read more...]
Hazards ahead so keep yourself focussed
As the Met Office predicts snow and below average temperatures this December, designated drivers for the party season are being urged to plan ahead and plan how to handle the distraction of noisy passengers. In car distractions led to over 4000 road casualties last year and there were 7 fatalities a month on average over the past 3 years caused by in car distractions, excluding mobile phone … [Read more...]
Tradelines 30 October
The UK’s best-value, seven-seat 4x4 SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol, has been updated for 2020 to make it an even more attractive proposition for owners seeking maximum versatility from their family SUV. Priced from £28,085 OTR, the Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol for 2020 include a reduction on CO2 emissions to 169g/km, reducing its first-year VED rate by £325, as well as improved equipment … [Read more...]
Welsh most concerned in UK about autonomous vehicles
Seven in ten Welsh people are uncomfortable about future autonomous vehicles, more than other parts of the country, except for the West Country. Wales and South West among most cautious in UK about driverless cars according to a survey for the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Only 20% of people in Wales and the South West feel comfortable with the idea of travelling in a driverless … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 July
With a crowd of more than 340,000 spectators and more than 125,000 vehicles heading to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix this weekend, Highways England has come up with a winning formula to ease drivers’ journeys. A one-way system will be introduced on the main A43 and extra traffic officers will be patrolling the area over the three days of the Grand Prix to cope with the huge numbers heading … [Read more...]
£30M boost for Welsh transport links and travel
Wales’s Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport Lee Waters has announced grant funding for local authorities of over £30m to improve access to active travel, deliver safer routes and improved road safety to communities across Wales. £12.7m of the new Active Travel Fund have been allocated to ambitious active travel schemes that have the potential to transform walking and cycling in their … [Read more...]
Max points but no disqualification for 11,000 drivers
IAM RoadSmart has expressed its frustration that six years after calling for action, more than 11,000 drivers a year are still being legally allowed on the roads with 12 or more points on their licences. The issue was brought back into the spotlight this month when Justin Madders, MP of Ellesmere Port and Neston, asked Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling how many holders of UK … [Read more...]
Drive continues to cut road deaths
As the decline in road deaths tapered off last year, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association is making a push to raise drivers’ awareness of existing and future vehicle safety technologies. Data issued by the European Commission earlier this month shows that there were 25,100 fatalities on European roads in 2018, a figure which has fallen by one fifth since 2010. Although EU roads are … [Read more...]
High speed, high risk
‘High speed, high risk’ is the campaign message from Dyfed-Powys Police aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads. In 2018, 67 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured on roads in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, with the figures for Dyfed-Powys showing that men were eight times more likely to be included than … [Read more...]
Drive and ride for life
It’s undeniable that young drivers are at significant risk when they get behind the wheel. One Allianz claims handler attended an event recently and heard from the parent of an 18 year old who tragically lost her life when driving. As a parent himself he was moved by the experience. The danger of driving too close highighted: https://youtu.be/si-lzQO8eH4 Tony Newman, head of motor … [Read more...]