One of the best road safety videos I have seen! This one in not shocking, no scenes of crashing
cars and bloodied bodies, just beautiful emotion. You MUST watch it!! Click
the heading above, or the image below, to go to the website.
Clicking the link above will take you to this article from Advanced Driving UK, an excellent
website which I highly recommend to anyone interested in safe driving and in developing their own driving
skills. I believe tackling road safety by reducing speed limits is a totally flawed policy and so I
agree completely with the views expressed in this article. What do you think? I would be delighted
to hear from you with your views. Please write to me at
jackie@caremotoring.co.uk. Thank you. Have a happy and safe 2010.
GEM Motoring Assist’s Top Ten Tips for
safer winter journeys: Dec. 22nd
2009
First and most importantly- is it necessary to take the journey in the first place? If it can
be avoided, stay where you are!
Pack some emergency food and drink supplies and make sure you have a torch, triangle,
fluorescent/reflective jacket, rug, jump leads and a bottle of water to top up your washer fluid.
Check the weather at your destination so that you can prepare accordingly, or again forego the
trip altogether. Stay tuned to your local Radio station throughout the day to keep abreast of
the road and weather conditions.
Just because it’s cold, don’t skip checking over your car beforeyou travel including
ensuring all your lights are working and your wiper blades are not worn or damaged and clear the
windscreen effectively. Stop by the nearest garage to check tyre pressure, tread and general condition;
plus your water (coolant and washer) and oil levels too.
Take extra clothing with you. Wear Boots instead of shoes and ensure you have a warm hat
and gloves.
Charge your mobile phoneand keep it with you in the car incase you have any
problems. It’s a good idea to put your breakdown service provider’s number in your phone.
Remember, there could be ice. Even if the roads look clear, you might not be able to see it.
Make sure you have enough fuel for the journey and never travel without having some cash with
you for emergencies.
David Williams, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, said: “Whenever the bad weather strikes, we always hear about
Motorists being caught out, breaking down or getting trapped in their cars. With some forward planning
and a little common sense many of these incidents could be avoided.”
BBC News publishes interactive road deaths
map 18th Dec. 2009
The BBC News website has published an interactive map plotting evey road death in the UK from 1999 to
2008. You can enter your postcde and find out the road deaths in your area in the last 10 years,
and see which age group has the highest number of deaths - this may come as a surprise to you!
Find out more here.
Read this report and then decide if you are going to read or send text messages whilst
driving. Be under no illusion, if you choose to do so, and you kill someone as a result, a very
real risk, you will have to live with that for the rest of your life!
Road humps rip tyre inner walls to
shreds 14th
Nov.2009
I was totally unaware of the damage done to tyre inner walls by these types of speed cushions!
Read about it here.
Carjacking
warning 12th Nov.2009
With Christmas just around the corner it appears we may be faced with another spate of carjacking!
Read all about it here in the Telegraph
online
Young Driver Jailed for 6
Years 7th Nov. 2009
A 17 year old boy, who had passed his driving test just 3 weeks earlier, has been jailed for 6 years
after he ploughed into a group of teenagers. It is reported that he was 'showing off' and trying to
frighten the group. Sadly he understood little of vehicle dynamics and the effect of centrifugal
force, and lost control of his car, ploughing into the group, killing one 14 year old and seriously
injuring many others. I have saved the Daily Mail article to a PDF document; please download it here, make a copy for yourself and recognise that
a motor car is a very dangerous piece of machinery that must be
handled with respect.
By contrast, you can read this report of another teenage driver
who has become the Peugeot Young Driver of
the Year. To some of you this young man may not appear 'cool', but then he
is not in jail, does not have a criminal record and does not
have to live with the guilt of having killed someone and ruined so many other lives through his
foolish, immature actions. Congratulations too to all the other contestants in this competition
that won this young man a brand new car and a great deal of respect; in my opinion they
are ALL winners because they have been prepared to ensure their driving is of the highest standard so
that they can be safe drivers for life.
Kept in the dark - Stay safe on roads this
winter 28th Oct. 2009
The following article is from RoSPA and is an article in their latest 'Safety Connections' newsletter. To receive your own copy,click hereto sign up.
With the clocks going back last weekend this will undoubtedly mark the start of the peak season
for road accidents. The annual surge of accidents each November will only be slowed if road users take
more time and care over the next few weeks.
572 pedestrians were killed on Britain's roads last year. Pedestrian deaths rose from 55 in October to 62
in November - the month in which the most pedestrian fatalities were recorded. In March 2008, 61
pedestrians were killed but in April - after the clocks moved forward an hour - this fell to 34.
In the long term, RoSPA would like to see a change in the law so that evenings are lighter all year round
- find out more about
RoSPA's Lighter Evenings Campaign. In the meantime:
Motorists should watch their speed as evenings become darker and be aware
that they are less likely to see vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
Drivers should check lights and brakes and have their cars serviced for the
winter
Parents should ensure their children wear bright clothing, preferably with
fluorescent or reflective strips
Check bicycles to make sure reflectors are clean and fit new batteries to
lights
Children should be reminded that it will soon be dark on their way home and
that it will be difficult for motorists to see them
With the onset of darker evenings and worserning weather conditions RoSPA has a range of resources
designed to keep you safe on the roads.
And now beware of the autumnleaves! 21st Oct. 2009
Like the winter sun, which is so lovely to see but potentially so dangerous to drivers, so autumn
leaves are another thing of beauty with danger lurking for the driver! No doubt you are well aware
of the danger of wet leaves at this time of year, acting like an ice-rink for the unsuspecting driver,
but are you aware of the damage that can be done to your vehicle by these leaves? If you regularly
park under, or close to, deciduous trees, or you live in a beautiful 'leafy' environment, then you may
find this article is well worth reading (and even if you don't, it makes for a very interesting read
anyway, something you can talk about 'in the pub'!). http://www.motoring.co.uk/car-news/beware-of-the-autumn-leaves_15027
Beware the deadly dazzle of winter
sun! 15th Oct. 2009
In a very helpful article entitled Dazzling Danger for Drivers, the AA advises you on appropriate action to take to
avoid this danger, a danger that sees October as the highest risk month of the year for accidents caused
by dazzle from the sun.
Eco-driving and Automatic
Transmission 17th Sept.
2009
Fuel saving and automatics do not generally go together, but this excellent article from our
friends at SimpleMotoring gives an easy to understand explanation of the different types of automatic
transmission available on cars today, and the potential fuel-saving advantages, depending on your
personal level of expertise in this matter on your manual car! For help in saving fuel in your
manual car, please contact me because I could save you at least 15% on your fuel bill, depending, as I
said before, on your current driving skill in this regard.
Learning From
Experience 18th July
2009
The following is taken from a recent article by John Farlam ofSmartDriving, an excellent website for learner
drivers, driving instructors and drivers wishing to develop their driving skills to a higher level:
After passing my test I got lots of experience by writing off five cars and a lorry within
three years and survived the experience! I could operate the controls OK and I knew all of the rules and
regulations but I wasn't in the habit of thinking…
Understanding that driving is the skill of constant risk management on the road, managing not
only the risks posed to you by other drivers but, most importantly, the risks you pose to others by
your presence on the road and the actions you take, is at the core of our Virtual Driving Instructor
programme for learner drivers. Click hereto read the list of contents.
1st July 2009
At last, the website learner and novice drivers (and maybe the not-so-novice too!) have been
waiting for! This is not a site selling you car servicing or repairs; nor can you buy or hire a car
here; you'll find no online shop selling car accessories either. So what will you find on this site
that I am so excited about? Well, quite frankly, all the sensible advice you need for responsible
car ownership. Here you'll find the answer to all those 'simple' questions - you know, the ones you
daren't ask anyone in case you look foolish for not knowing! Click here
There's even a wonderful page of eco-driving techniques - techniques I often give to experienced
drivers, some of whom, unfortunately, find it hard to believe what I say! Is it that age-old belief
that women can't possibly have more knowledge on driving a car than a man? Well now I can say, if
you don't believe me then look on the Simple Motoring website;take a look here
now.
There's a section oncar care, onservicing and
repair, a page ofFAQs(those questions you daren't ask!), and there's even a really useful page forlearner
driverswhere I particularly like the page aboutdriving
lessonsas it encourages the learner to have some private practice with a parent, or
other legally qualified driver, which is precisely what our Virtual Driving Instructor programme is all
about.
So, for a one-stop-shop giving down-to-earth, honest advice about owning and running a car,
including learning to drive, then look no further than Simple Motoring. In my view, simply the
best!
Fathers are 'better at giving driving
lessons than mothers' 14th March 2009
You can read this interesting piece of research from the AA in theTelegraph.co.uk
This really does back up the value of our Virtual Driving Instructor audio driving lessons, from
the point of view of the parent, as well as the learner.
Come on you mums, we believe you're the best! If you are a mum of a learner driver, and you
live in Norfolk, then please give our podcast driving lessons a try and ask us for help if you
need. Jackie would be delighted to come and offer her support.
Government ministers are considering reducing the speed limit on rural roads to 50mph, without
any additional speed signs, since this would become the 'National Speed Limit' for all single carriageway
rural roads and so is already covered by the national speed limit sign (see our item dated Sept. 26th
2008). Read about this proposal in theTimes
Online.
You may also like to read this comment in theTelegraph
Van Drivers: Know Your Speed
Limits September 26th, 2008
Are you a van driver? Do you know what speed limit applies to you when you see this
sign?
How many van drivers are aware that,
when deciding to break the speed limit on a dual carriageway by driving at 80mph, they
are breaking the limit by 20mph? Do they think they might ‘get away with it’ being just 10mph
over the limit? If this applies to you, if you’ve been blissfully ignorant of the law as it
applies to vans rather than cars, then click on the following link to the DfT, where you can
read all about it - it could save your licence and your job!
All drivers please be aware that the National Speed Limit sign does not mean you
are safe to drive at the maximum permitted for your vehicle; it means the lower limit no longer
applies and so, where conditions allow, and it is safe to do so, you may drive up to your permitted
maximum.
I believe it has been the spread of speed cameras which has led to this situation
since the wrong message has been given: it is not driving above a particular speed which is unsafe;
it is driving at any speed which is inappropriate for the road conditions, the vehicle or
the driver that is unsafe.
As the late Paul Smith of the SafeSpeed campaign said:
Driving too fast is dangerous. But that’s not the same as breaking the speed
limit.
If you agree with this statement, then you might be interested in joining
theAssociation of British
Drivers (opens in a new window).
Backto top
Cyclists beware, the nights are drawing in!
September 12th, 2008
Prompted by an account from my dentist of an ‘invisible’ cyclist almost in collision with
his car - if my mouth hadn’t already been open, it certainly would have once I heard this story! -
I felt I needed to take the time now to remind cyclists of the danger of darkness to their safety
on the roads.
This particular cyclist, when the shocked and annoyed driver told her she should have
lights on her bike, and preferably be wearing something reflective, gave the reply, “I don’t
******* care, it’s my ******* life!”
Well, let’s assume this young lady was in a ‘bad place’ at the time and so is not
representative of the majority of cyclists. However, it would appear many cyclists are
blissfully ignorant of the existence of the ‘black hole’; this is the black hole which is created
when the headlight beams of vehicles approaching each other meet - anything which does not reflect
light, dark colours for example, will be swallowed up! Cyclists need to be aware of this
and ensure they wear reflective clothing and have lights which work (and use them!),
and drivers need to keep a careful look-out for cyclists ahead so that they are aware of their
presence before they disappear into the hole!
Follow the link above (opens in a new window) to find out the highest risk collision
hotspots in Norfolk, brought to you by Norfolk Police. You’ll also find information on
further collision hotspots around the county, as well as some road safety advice for
drivers.
How do you manage risk on the road? Do you ever consider that you are part of
every hazard?
Do you keep speed and space in balance? The less space you have
available, the slower you need to go. And what about the element of surprise?
Could you manage the risks better if you were able to read all the clues to these risks before they
develop? Stephen Haley’s innovative book, Mind Driving, will help you to understand this
concept and hone your risk assessment skills so that you manage the risks effectively, keeping
everyone safe.
Click on the book to visit
the website
Backto top
‘Nimbyism’ strikes again!
August 7th, 2008
Learner drivers have been banned from practising manoeuvres in car parks in Gosport,
Hampshire, over fears of children being run over. Instructors who are caught will be fined £65 -
The Daily Telegraph news in brief.
The above was posted today in the ‘daily news e-bulletin’ from the road safety
charityBrake. Unfortunately this kind of
attitude is becoming the norm, the assumption being that it is the learner driver who is
unsafe. Insurance companies will tell you this is not so, and that accidents involving a
learner driver, accompanied by a qualified Approved Driving Instructor, are very rare indeed - the
instructor is there to teach the learner safe driving and manoeuvring skills, in a safe, controlled
environment. If instructors are prevented from carrying out their job properly, then we will
see an increase in accidents in car parks generally, as the drivers themselves will have been
ill-prepared for the dangers they face, due to lack of appropriate areas in which to practise with
an expert driver.
Learners are taught to observe out of the rear window when reversing, pausing the vehicle
regularly to make all-round observations, in a car park especially so. Mirrors may be used to
assist reversing, but only when the vehicle has been brought to a brief standstill; learners
understand that the reason for this is that a child, or even adult, could walk directly behind the
car whilst it is moving and the learner driver is observing in the mirrors. Do you reverse on
mirrors alone? Do you pay attention to the manoeuvring of cars in and out of parking
spaces when you are walking to or from the store? Or do you expect the driver to see
you? Personally I would trust a learner, accompanied by an ADI, far more as I know for sure
there are 2 pairs of eyes watching out for me!
Click the link above to read more about this style of parking (opens in new
window). It horrifies me that driving instructors behave in this way! Is it any wonder
that the habit of parking on the pavement, with no thought for the pedestrians it was put there for,
is becoming more common? Everywhere I go these days, including the street where I live, cars
are blocking pavements, forcing pedestrians out into the road and into the danger of the
traffic these drivers are trying ‘considerately’ to leave more space for! Yes, this is currently my pet hate. Please
remember pedestrians include the blind and the disabled, mums with pushchairs, the elderly, dog
walkers, children. Drivers, you are entitled to park on the road where it is
safe, legal and convenient; you are definitely not entitled to park on the
pavement! If you believe you will obstruct traffic, don’t park there. If you believe
vehicles may have to slow down or stop to deal with your parked vehicle, then that’s fine, it really
is up to drivers to deal with it, as with any hazard on the road. So, before you park, think:
Safe? Legal? Convenient? If any of these does not apply, don’t park there, and
certainly, please do not choose the pavement as an alternative.
With regards to driving instructors, well it is unforgiveable if any instructor actually
teaches a pupil parking skills anywhere that is not safe, legal or convenient (this is actually
tested in the driving test). However, driving instructors must occasionally allow their pupils
to park somewhere which does not fulfil these criteria in order to enable the learner to assess for
themselves why their chosen place is unsuitable. In this way we will hopefully reduce the high
rate of such bad parking as we see today.
Backto top
Yours2Share July 28th, 2008
A couple of weeks ago, just before going away on a long-awaited week of R&R, I met a
lovely lady called Sophie Garrett who runs a fascinating website all to do with sharing things, all
sorts of things, whatever you can think of (within reason!), and of course the discussion on cars
ensued. We all know about car clubs and how they operate, but this is entirely different.
I won’t bore you with it here, but instead give you 2 links to the site which I’m sure you’ll find
very interesting (each one opens in a new window):
Given the right circumstances, people, location, this could be a solution for anyone needing
the use of a car from time to time but unable, or unwilling, to meet the high cost of car
ownership. Most certainly a very interesting idea.
Backto top
The Driving Theory Test, 12 Years On
July 17th, 2008
Drivers who passed before the Highway Code theory test was brought in 12 years ago are
better at recognising road signs than younger drivers, according to research involving 3,211 drivers
conducted by insurance firm elephant.co.uk – Daily Express
I found this little snippet in my daily bulletin today from the road safety charityBrake. Learners
please take note: the theory test is set so that you learn all the rules of the road, together with
laws covering drivers and the vehicles they drive. It is not a test like a school exam, take
it, pass it, forget it!
I believe the reason this has come about is because the DSA publish the full question bank,
with answers, therefore many learners simply use memory tricks to memorise questions and answers, so
as to get them through the test. But because they have failed to have any understanding of
the reason for the answers, they quickly forget what they have learned. This alone must
represent one of the reasons why young novice drivers have such a high crash rate: if you can’t
remember what the warning sign is warning you about, then this could lead you directly into
danger!
One of the proposals contained within the ‘Learning to Drive’ Consultation document is to
cease publishing the theory test question bank, a proposal endorced almost unanimously by the driver
training industry:
We think the new theory test should assess thoroughly the student’s understanding of the
subject matter as well as their knowledge. We shall investigate whether, if we discontinue
publishing (and licensing) the question bank, we could encourage and achieve more thorough and
rigorous learning and assessment. We welcome your views on this issue.
[Consultation is now closed, so we await to hear the conclusions from the DSA and
DfT.]
Backto top
Extend your holiday one more night
July 14th, 2008
According to a survey by Saga Motor Insurance, holidaymakers are putting themselves at risk
by driving home tired after long flights. Fatigue kills! Do not put yourself,or other
innocent roadusers, at risk by attempting to drive straight home after a long flight - or even a
short one if the day itself has been long and busy and your arrival back in the UK is late in the
evening. Plan for this before your holiday and book one more night in a hotel close to
the airport. Driving tired is as dangerous as drink driving and could land you in jail if
you kill someone! So, enjoy your summer break, and make it just one night longer and book that
hotel in the UK. Bonnes Vacances!
Backto top
Your Personal Virtual Driving Instructor (VDI)
Driving
lessons delivered through your MP3 player Read More
SHOP: Save
Hundreds Of Pounds with VDI audio lessons Read More
Use to back-up lessons with your ADI & pass test sooner Read More
How many van drivers are aware that,
when deciding to break the speed limit on a dual carriageway by driving at 80mph, they
are breaking the limit by 20mph? Do they think they might ‘get away with it’ being just 10mph
over the limit? If this applies to you, if you’ve been blissfully ignorant of the law as it
applies to vans rather than cars, then click on the following link to the DfT, where you can
read all about it - it could save your licence and your job!
Yes, this is currently my pet hate. Please
remember pedestrians include the blind and the disabled, mums with pushchairs, the elderly, dog
walkers, children. Drivers, you are entitled to park on the road where it is
safe, legal and convenient; you are definitely not entitled to park on the
pavement! If you believe you will obstruct traffic, don’t park there. If you believe
vehicles may have to slow down or stop to deal with your parked vehicle, then that’s fine, it really
is up to drivers to deal with it, as with any hazard on the road. So, before you park, think:
Safe? Legal? Convenient? If any of these does not apply, don’t park there, and
certainly, please do not choose the pavement as an alternative.
