Eight out of 10 motorists say they would rather have buttons for major controls in their cars rather than a big central touchscreen, new research shows. April’s Startline Used Car Tracker also reveals that only 51% think that having controls on a touchscreen is safe and 64% say it makes them take their eyes off the road more often. Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said, “It’s become … [Read more...]
Thousands of drivers ignorant of revised Highway Code
More than half (55%) of UK drivers have not read the Highway Code since passing their driving test, a new survey has revealed, although it has been revised 24 times in the last nine years alone, says Go.Compare. The majority (83%) of respondents passed their driving test over a decade ago, making this a major concern for the nation’s road safety. The Highway Code has been updated on 24 separate … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 December
With temperatures dropping in the coming weeks, Subaru has launched a Winter Check programme to ensure its customers' vehicles are prepared for the unpredictable winter weather ahead. The comprehensive 38-point check, with an advertised cost to the customer of just £19.99, ensures that vehicles are safe and ready, covering every aspect of the safety and performance of the vehicle and provides the … [Read more...]
Government forcing drivers to slow down
Drivers are being forced to slow down on motorways and A-roads in England, as the speed limit has been reduced from 70 to 60 miles per hour along extensive stretches of major roads, according to new analysis from Churchill Motor Insurance. The proportion of major roads with a 70mph limit has declined from 83 per cent in 2020 to 78 per cent in 2023 and drivers cannot rely on navigation apps … [Read more...]
Prepare yourself and vehicle for snow ahead
Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging motorists to take extra care, with temperatures forecast to plummet and the possibility of a return to snow this week. Forecasters are predicting freezing temperatures during next week. As a result, road journeys are likely to be more difficult and treacherous, with ice on roads, falls of snow and reduced visibility because of … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 November
Chinese car makers have Europe in their sights with highly specified, lower priced cars which come with the highest safety ratings as well such as the NIO ET7. Matthew Avery, director at Thatcham Research, a British car research centre funded by insurers and a Euro NCAP board member said the latest testing regimes had given top awards to a handful of Chinese makers looking to enter Europe … [Read more...]
‘Smart motorway’ revisions welcomed by IAM RoadSmart
One death on a smart motorway is one too many, so IAM RoadSmart has welcomed today’s update from National Highways on the Smart Motorway Stocktake and Action Plan, outlining their progress on delivering safer smart motorways. Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research said, "We are now seeing the delivery of safety technology that was promised when the motorway designs were first … [Read more...]
Experts trash Dacia Jogger sub-standard safety
The Dacia Jogger has been trashed by safety experts after crash tests. Three vehicles feature in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety testing: the DS4, Dacia Jogger and Honda HRV. The DS4, which was originally a four-star car, has been re-tested with the optional safety pack and achieved a five-star rating, scoring highly across all assessment categories. It’s ‘Safety Pack Plus’ has improved … [Read more...]
Better lights not always safer lights, say drivers
Nine-in-10 drivers (89%) think some or most car headlights on the UK’s roads are too bright, with an overwhelming majority of these (88%) saying they get dazzled by them while driving, a new RAC study of 2,700 drivers’ views has found. The problem of glare from headlights appears to be getting worse with 63% of drivers who get dazzled saying it’s happening more often than a year or two ago, with … [Read more...]
Young Driver will open 4th Welsh centre for under 17s
A specialist driver training scheme which allows 10-17 year olds to get behind the wheel in a bid to create a new generation of safer drivers is launching its fourth venue in Wales. After Newport, Pentwyn and Chepstow, Young Driver will open at Swansea City AFC on Saturday 16 April, when the car park will be transformed into a realistic road system so youngsters can work on a range of driving … [Read more...]