IAM RoadSmart has called for businesses to urgently tackle the issue of distracted drivers at the wheel and overhaul their safety at work policies – to help stem the tide of avoidable crashes on our roads. The UK’s biggest independent road safety charity has just published a white paper called Driving While Distracted: Challenges and Solutions, which examines the reasons why so many motorists’ … [Read more...]
Potholes plague drivers
Drivers are still 2.5 times more likely to breakdown due to potholes than in 2006. Despite the generally mild start to winter RAC patrols still dealt with 1,714 breakdowns in the last three months of 2018 that were more than likely caused by potholes or poor road surfaces. This number of call-outs for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels represented 0.8% of … [Read more...]
Road safety compromised by Gig services, says GMB
Gig economy employers are exposing delivery drivers, riders and the general to unacceptable health and safety risks says GMB GMB, Britain’s general union, has responded to a University College London report suggesting gig economy drivers and riders are at heightened risk of traffic collisions. The report claims the pressures that come with being a self-employed courier or taxi driver may … [Read more...]
Businesses stranded by workforce uncertainty, say FTA
The Freight Transport Association is urging government to act on the findings of the Home Affairs Committee report on migration to ensure that UK business can continue to operate at full staffing levels after the UK leaves the EU. The logistics sector, which represents 11% of the British economy's GVA, relies heavily on EU workers, with 14% of HGV drivers and 25% of warehouse staff coming from … [Read more...]
Drivers cool on electric vehicles, for now
As the UK government unveils its Road to Zero plan to reduce emissions and improve the countries Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure, a new survey from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that motorists are some way behind in their willingness to adapt. Only 15% of those surveyed said they will definitely be making the switch to an EV or hybrid vehicle when they next purchase a car or … [Read more...]
Motorists face serious risks driving in heatwave
With Britain basking in the middle of a heatwave, insurer 1st Central, says motorists are sitting ducks when it comes to driving in extreme hot weather. This summer, in what meteorologists predict could be the hottest summer since 1976, 1st Central is urging drivers to be more cautious on the road and check their cars first before they set off. More than two million drivers (5 per cent) … [Read more...]
FTA wants clarity not confusion before BREXIT
Britain's Government must explain and take steps to keep the nation's trade moving efficiently post-Brexit or face delays and shortages of the products and services the UK relies on. That’s the stark warning from the Keep Britain Trading conference in London, organised by the Freight Transport Association. Leigh Pomlett, the organisation's President said, "The time for political … [Read more...]
85% of Welsh drivers don’t trust mechanics
If you have you ever walked into the garage feeling you are about to get overcharged for car parts that you don’t need, you are not alone. With nearly 28 million cars going to the garage for MOT tests each year, new research by Confused.com reveals drivers in Wales distrust the experts responsible for fixing their cars. In fact, car mechanics have been ranked one of Britain’s least trusted … [Read more...]
Welsh premiums dip for first time in three years
Drivers in South Wales are celebrating an unexpected U-turn in car insurance costs as prices in the region drop for the first time in three years. Car insurance now costs drivers in the region £712, on average, and is -£35 (-5%) cheaper than it was just three months ago – a small win for drivers in the region after facing a raft of price rises in recent years. Prices in South Wales are also down … [Read more...]
Women are wary of night driving
Research into night time driving from Confused.com reveals almost a third (30%) of women avoid driving at night, compared to just 16% of men. The findings from the Wales-based insurer show that 42% of women do not like driving at night, whereas less than a quarter (24%) of men claim it bothers them. Over half (51%) of women dislike driving in darkness more than any other lighting condition, … [Read more...]