Holidays are over and forecourts are full of pre-owned cars which have been traded in to get the latest “67” plate. For lots of us, now is the time we think about trading up to a newer model, says Tim Shallcross, IAM RoadSmart head of technical policy. However, today’s high-tech cars can be concealing wallet-crunching problems unknown on previous generations of motors. Fortunately, you … [Read more...]
Education: Road Safety
Cash-choice users should be cause for concern
Drivers who take a cash option instead of a company car from their employer are often not being considered with the same level of thoroughness as company car drivers when it comes to risk management, says Arval. Cash takers can potentially fall off the radar when it comes to safety, even though there are frequently high mileage and other increased risk groups among their number, said Shaun … [Read more...]
Car makers sign up to cyber-security protocol
In order to mitigate the risks of cyberattacks that come with the ever-increasing connectivity of motor vehicles, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association published six key principles of automobile cybersecurity, which all its members endorse. “The digital world offers unprecedented opportunities,” stated ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert. “Nevertheless, opportunity comes with … [Read more...]
Tradelines 1 November
Congestion on the UK’s major roads which carry two-thirds of all traffic has increased in the last year according to more than half of the motorists surveyed for the 2017 RAC Report on Motoring . Fifty-six per cent of the 1,727 drivers questioned for the annual study said they believe traffic has got worse on motorways, high-speed dual carriageways and A-roads – a worrying finding considering … [Read more...]
Pothole problems are deep in Wales
Pothole problems on Welsh roads are deeper than they look. Wales based insurer Confued.com made a Freedom of Information request to leading councils in the area and came up with some road shocks. a total of 20,378 potholes were reported to the region’s councils in 2016. Each local authority was asked for the minimum depth of a road defect to be considered a pothole, and this figure was … [Read more...]
After a crunch, stay calm
Road casualties have risen in the last year according to the latest government statistics but fortunately not all accidents mean someone is hurt. So what do you do when you have a prang with another vehicle and the only damage is to your car? Is it necessary to call the Police? What information do you need to gather for an insurance claim? Smartdriverclub, the connected car and insurance … [Read more...]
Dangerous days and nights for drivers lie ahead
Dwindling highway maintenance budgets have led to an enormous reduction in cash for pothole repairs. The impact of this, compounded with rising traffic levels, is putting drivers at risk, warns new analysis from AA Tyres, the AA’s mobile tyre fitting service. The research reveals that annual road maintenance budgets have been cut by £220 million since 2014. During the same period, however, … [Read more...]
Plan for winter now and stay safer
As the clocks went back today, mornings get frostier and we dig our winter coats out of the back of our wardrobes, driving conditions can get more dangerous and unpredictable. With 55% of car-owning Brits not knowing how to use their brakes in wet, icy or snowy weather, Euro Car Parts has some essential preparation tips before you take to the roads. Remove snow and ice Before you set … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 October
WRGB fans this weekend are being asked by Welsh police to help solve a murder mystery. The remains of a man were found by a rally spectator in 2015 in Clocaenog Forest and this year’s fans are being given leaflets to try and jog their memories of seeing anyone resembling him in previous years at the event. Development company Righacres and Cardiff Council have been blamed for an embarrassing … [Read more...]
Code for living not passing a test
From keeping sheep under control, to not flashing or honking in an intimidating fashion and not being foggy on the rules for lights, knowing The Highway Code ensures drivers are not facing potential fines, penalty points on their licence or even disqualification. At InsuretheGap.com, the team have pulled together their top ten MUST-know Codes for drivers this autumn and winter. Ben … [Read more...]