Car park prangs cost drivers £175 million a year

Car park carelessness costs drivers £175 million each year in vehicle damage, according to new research.

Accident Exchange based its research on 68,963 incidents handled between 2010 and July 2012.

Every year there are approximately 125,000 general car park incidents, peaking in 2011 with 130,750 shunts annually or 358 every day.

The average cost for car body and mechanical repairs resulting from car park collisions is £1,428.

Most incidents are the result of low speed manoeuvres in relatively cramped car parks, with damage ranging from front and rear-end collisions to bumps to doors, buckled wheels and burst tyres.

As average vehicle sizes get bigger, the minimum requirement for parking space dimensions has changed little in the last few decades.

Another survey of off-street parking spaces by the company found that cars have to fit into bays not much wider than the average vehicle dimension.

The original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 of the 1970s was 3.71m x 1.61m while the current Mk6 Golf is 4.19m x 1.78m, a 25 per cent bigger footprint. The current Ford Fiesta is also about 25 per cent bigger than the first generation 1976 model.

Larger vehicles are now squeezing into parking spaces of only 237.5cm in width - the average car park space size - leaving a Golf driver with only 29.8cm either side.

Of the estimated 2.5 million accidents on UK roads last year, around five per cent were general car park incidents.

Lee Woodley of Accident Exchange said: "Car parks are never particularly easy to navigate through, particularly when forced to traverse several levels up and down.

"Mostly they are very confined and people are in a rush so there's no let up in the number of incidents that take place every year. There's no in-car technology at present that will halt accidents like this but automated braking systems could be the answer.

"However, some technology could be making matters worse. In some situations, our over reliance on gadgets like parking sensors could be making us less good drivers.

"Thankfully, most of the incidents we come across involve low speeds, which means injuries are very rare."


Car park prangs cost drivers £175 million a year:
Filed under: Latest News

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Motorists may have to pay higher road tax to use motorways

Drivers may have to pay extra to use A-roads and motorways under proposals being considered by the Government.

Plans revealed yesterday show motorists who use major trunk roads might have to pay a higher rate of Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED), while drivers who use less-busy local roads would pay a lower rate.

Drivers who would be paying the higher rate would be allowed to use any road they liked, therefore creating a system being branded a "two-tier road tax".

The Daily Telegraph says the system is just one being considered by the Government as it seeks ways of overhauling VED. It's believed ministers are debating the propositions but are unconvinced by the two-tier system.

A network of automatic numberplate recognition cameras could be used to catch any drivers who were using the motorways without paying the higher rate.

A spokesman for the department said: "The department and Treasury are currently carrying out a feasibility study to review new ownership and financing models for the strategic road network.

This is looking at how best we can secure investment in the network to increase capacity and boost economic growth.

"The Government has made clear it will not implement tolls on existing road capacity and has no plans to replace existing motoring taxes with pay-as-you-go road charging."

But motoring organisation the AA has worries over the plan. Andrew Howard, the AA's head of road safety, told AOL Cars: "We always have concerns about changes to VED, but this proposal is of particular concern.

"One of the biggest worries is that we believe a "two-tier" system would divert 30 per cent of the nation's motorway traffic onto local, country roads.

"This creates a number of problems - most notably road safety, quality of life and congestion due to the increased number of vehicles using these roads."

Howard also told us a "two-tier" system creates even more questions such as what would happen to road users who want to use motorways occasionally?

"We're unsure of what would occur if road users had to use motorways in cases of emergency or, more simply, if they wanted to use them occasionally. If the answer is no, then this would be a major problem."

Howard added the system could create a "two-class" system on the nation's roads - those who could afford to use motorways and those who could not. "That is just wrong," said Howard.

What do you think? Would you be in favour a "two-tier" system. Let us know by posting your comments below


Motorists may have to pay higher road tax to use motorways:
Filed under: Latest News

Hundreds of young drivers killed

Report: Hundreds of young drivers killed each year

26 October 2012 Last updated at 09:13

Help

Thirteen people are killed or injured in accidents involving young drivers every day according to a report out today.

MPs on the Transport Select Committee believe the government should do more to train inexperienced drivers and make road safety a top priority.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20092602

Congratulations to Reece

Congratulations to Reece Goddard who passed today at the first attempt with just 5 errors.  Get that suspension lifted!  and stay safe on the roads - otherwise your Mother will be after me (and that's a scary thought)!

Drink-drive figures consistent, but fewer admit to speeding

Drink-drive figures consistent, but fewer admit to speeding:
Filed under: Latest News

Efforts to persuade motorists not to drink and drive appear to be stalling - but fewer drivers are speeding, according to new figures.

Last year, six per cent of drivers admitted to taking to the road after having an alcoholic drink, with six per cent owning up to driving "the morning after the night before".

And a survey by Sainsbury's Car Insurance has shown that these figures have not changed during 2012.

Also unchanged - at 18 per cent - is the number of people who continue driving when feeling tired.

However, the driver-behaviour survey did show that the number of people admitting to exceeding the speed limit by at least 10mph had fallen from 19 per cent in 2011 to 17 per cent in 2012.

Also, while six per cent admitted using hand-held phones at the wheel in last year's survey, only five per cent owned up to that offence this year.

But the proportion of drivers who texted at the wheel had risen from four per cent in 2011 to five per cent in 2012.

And those driving while wearing inappropriate footwear, such as flip-flops, remained constant at 12 per cent.

Some three per cent admitted driving without a seatbelt in the 2012 survey, compared with five per cent in 2011, while those admitting tailgating had fallen from five per cent last year to four per cent this year.

Eating and drinking at the wheel appeared the most common bad driving habit, with 27 per cent admitting to it.

As many as three per cent of women said they did their make-up while driving, while two per cent said they drove without their glasses or contact lenses.

Sainsbury's Car Insurance head Ben Tyte said: "It's encouraging to see that driver behaviour on our roads remains, on the whole, at a consistent level and is improving in some areas.

"We're pleased to see a reduction in excessive speeding, as this is the cause of so many accidents on our roads."

The results came from interviews with 1,600 British drivers.

Foggy weather warning for West Sussex

Foggy weather warning for West Sussex:
THE MET Office has issued a weather warning for this evening (Monday, October 22).

Irish Novice drivers to display N-plates for 2yrs - The Sun

Irish Novice drivers to display N-plates for 2yrs
The Sun

NEWLY qualified drivers will have to swap L-plates for N-plates when they pass their test.

From next summer, they’ll have to display the ‘novice’ tag for two years after getting a full licence.

Learners and recently qualified motorists will also be put off the road if they notch up just SIXpenalty points, half the quota for established drivers.

The tough rules are part of the new Road Traffic Bill which is expected to become law during 2013.

They also include bigger penalties for speeding, driving while using a phone and failing to wear a seatbelt. The bill is aimed at improving safety and cutting the number of deaths on our highways and byways.

Road Safety Authority chief Noel Brett said the rules will reward good driving behaviour.

He explained: “We’re trying to target those most at risk of killing and being killed on our roads, and those are young and inexperienced drivers. What we’re trying to do is reward good behaviour — kind of a ‘polluter pays’ principle.

“Those who misbehave are those who feel the pain.”

The number of penalty points for speeding will rise from two to four, while the forfeit for mobile use will be hiked from two to three or four points.

and more »


Novice drivers to display N-plates for 2yrs - The Sun:

The Sun

Tyre trouble: Motorists left stranded as spares are scrapped

Tyre trouble: Motorists left stranded as spares are scrapped:
Filed under: Latest News

Motorists are being caught out when they suffer a blow-out - because they're unaware that many mainstream manufacturers supply new vehicles WITHOUT a spare tyre.

In its place is often a tyre repair kit, which uses sealant to repair a puncture, but the BBC has highlighted this system is not only alien and complicated for the average road user, but it can also be ineffective, leaving people stranded on the roadside.

Motoring breakdown service Green Flag has reported a 20 per cent increase in the number of stranded motorists it deals with and the RAC receives more than 80,000 calls a year from motorists with no spare tyre.

RAC patrolman Crackers Patel said on Wednesday night's Watchdog programme: "We have limited success with the sealant kits and, in some circumstances, we can't use the kits at all."

This was the case for one motorist featured on the programme as a case study, Robert Griffiths, who experienced a puncture on New Year's Day. One of his tyres on his 2010 Vauxhall Zafira was left completely shredded after a blow-out, rendering the standard sealant kit ineffective.

Claiming he could have changed the tyre, if there had been a spare, in 'just 15 minutes'. Griffiths was forced to call recovery services and his breakdown took a total of two-and-a-half hours to deal with.

But even those who manage to effectively use the sealant kits could still be in for a surprise. A number of mainstream tyre fitters are refusing to repair tyres that have been sealed with the kits, saying it's expensive and time-consuming to remove.

Motorists are then faced with big bills when a complete new tyre is required whereas if a spare had been used, simple and cheap repair would have been sufficient.

Tim Shallcross of the Institute of Advanced Motorists said manufacturers weren't really hoping to save money by abandoning the traditional spare tyre.

He told Autoblog: "Manufacturers try to make cars as light as possible because heavy cars use more fuel and emit more CO2.

"Safety equipment such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, along with our demand for extras such as air conditioning, have actually increased vehicle weights over the past few decades, so among other weight saving measures, most manufacturers have tried to reduce the weight of the spare wheel or eliminate it altogether.

"The sealant kit can be a useful emergency measure, but only if a puncture is in the main tread area. Sealants cannot repair a cut in the sidewall or a complete blow out, both of which are common types of puncture, so drivers may be left stranded."

Asking whether the car comes with a spare wheel is not a high priority among car buyers, although as more and more experience the inconvenience it may become more of an issue.

Peter Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, has responded to these accusations in the video below, but all motorists and consumers are being urged to check their vehicles and the specifications of any car they are looking to purchase.

How to stop your car being towed away!

Winter driving campaign launches as cold weather hits

With the first frost of the season in some parts of the UK this week, road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists has launched its winter driving campaign.

The move comes in response to increased accident rates in winter thanks to more dangerous driving conditions.

Slippery roads (due to weather) contributed to 13,420 road casualties in 2011, and related to 79 fatalities. Meanwhile, rain, sleet, snow or fog was the cause of 1,786 reported road casualties in 2011 and travelling too fast for conditions was a contributing factor in 13,425 accidents in the same year.

Intended to help motorists prepare their cars and drive them safely this winter, the campaign includes a website containing advice, traffic updates and weather forecasts. The charity will also publish weekly news release and driving tips in reaction to winter weather.

The IAM also reported that during February 2012, freezing rain fell across northern England causing treacherous conditions on roads and pavements; 100 road accidents were reported from Cumbria, and A&E departments dealt with hundreds of falls on icy pavements.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "The first thing you need to ask when the weather is bad is whether you need to travel, and if so, if there are alternatives to the roads.

"When you are on the road, be prepared to slow down and take extra care, particularly on bends and roads which are open to the elements."


Winter driving campaign launches as cold weather hits:
Filed under: Latest News

All-in-one car and cinema unveiled

Smart has unveiled its latest car that features a front mounted projector allowing occupants to watch films without having to leave the vehicle.

Rally cars provided inspiration for styling, but where vents would normally provide additional cooling, smart has mounted a mobile cinema system. Named 'Forstars', it is thought that the all-electric two-seat coupe will allow actors and actresses to showcase their latest work. Members of the public can also enjoy films in car parks or traffic (if the concept makes production) and external loudspeakers, mounted in side vents, ensure the experience can be shared by all.

A smartphone, mounted where the rear-view mirror would normally be found, controls the projector and stores films. On the move, it acts as a conventional mirror with images provided from a rear mounted camera.

The car is powered by the same drive system as found in the Smart Fortwo BRABUS electric drive, but the electric motor has been boosted to 60kW. Smart claim 135Nm of torque and lag-free acceleration with a top speed of 80mph but no details of range (or how the on-board cinema will affect it) have been published.

It is unlikely the concept, revealed at the Paris Motor Show, will make production but the concept highlights smart's future design language. The 'Forstars' is already longer and wider than the current Smart Forfour, with styling hinting towards a new two-seater coupe.

All-in-one car and cinema unveiled:

Filed under: Latest News

Bognor Drivers told to lock their vehicles

Drivers told to lock their vehicles
Bognor Regis Observer
MOTORISTS in the Bognor Regis area are being urged to make sure they remove all valuables from their vehicles. Overnight on September 30, an unlocked car, parked on a Selsey Avenue driveway, was broken into. The thief then stole a Garmin satellite ...

Drivers told to lock their vehicles - Bognor Regis Observer:

Women drivers face insurance price-hike

Women drivers face insurance price-hike:
Filed under: Latest News

Gender-specific insurance pricing will soon be a thing of the past, and females - previously enjoying the lower-risk pricing - are likely to be hit with premium hikes.

An EU ruling is to blame: putting an end to the trend of charging 'risky' males more than traditionally 'safe' females, and equalising prices across the two genders.

Coming into force on December 21, insurance companies have begun issuing statements on how they'll start dealing with the new system.

Female-centred insurance company Sheila's Wheels has been the first to clarify their plans: phasing out their old policies entirely 3 days before the deadline, and issuing new regulation-compatible renewals from the 18th of November.

What of the prices, though - how much more will females be charged? Sheila's Wheels, who have 50,000 male and 450,000 female customers, told the Mirror that the rise is likely to be as little as four or five per cent on the latter's premiums.

However, continues the piece, "thousands" of customers will see an increase by as much as 10 per cent, and 'a handful' could be seeing price rises of as much as 25 per cent.

Additionally, companies with more males on the books are likely to pile even more onto female premiums in order to balance out risk-heavy males.

"We have always believed the effects of this ruling will create many unforeseen consequences - not all of them positive for women," said the company's head of projects Jacky Brown.

"[However] Sheilas' Wheels expects that the impact for the hundreds of thousands of women we insure [..] will be more favourable than what we expect to see in the market generally."

Lucky motorists treated to 13.9p petrol

Lucky motorists treated to 13.9p petrol:
Filed under: Latest News

Drivers in Coventry had a spot of good luck yesterday - stumbling on a petrol station selling fuel at 13.9p/litre - some £1.20/litre less than its usual price.

According to the Coventry Telegraph, a Jet garage was the scene of the oversight, with one of the four pumps at the filling station misplacing a decimal point and giving customers a nice surprise at the checkout.

Naturally, word of the bargain fuel soon spread - and before too long, motorists were reportedly queuing up to the petrol station in droves.

To put price drop in perspective, a Ford Mondeo - normally around £100 to fill - could be brimmed for just £9.73. Own a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and you could have made an even bigger saving - £15.29 for a fill-up against the usual £152.

This isn't the first time such a mistake has occurred, though - in April last year, an Asda filling station in Bradford made exactly the same blunder, pricing one of their pumps at 12.9p/litre.

Drivers stock up with winter gear

Drivers stock up with winter gear:
Filed under: Latest News

Drivers are already stocking up with cold weather gear in preparation for winter.

Motor and leisure retailer Halfords has said memories of bitter winters in 2009 and 2010 have prompted many drivers to plan ahead.

The firm has found almost six in ten drivers are planning to stock up on winter products, and three per cent of car owners, almost one million, now confess to owning winter tyres.

A quarter said they always carry a blanket and five per cent have an in-car charger to keep the mobile topped up. One in six have a bottle of water or a bar of chocolate in the glove compartment.

Halfords has responded by rushing out more of their winter lines early. Its stores are getting extra supplies of salt, de-icer, antifreeze, snow socks, traction tracks and snow and ice shoe-grips.

Halfords Autocentres marketing director Rory Carling said: "The unpredictability of winter weather means that drivers should really plan for the worst rather than then hope for the best.

"We have already begun receiving bookings for our Winter Check service from a small number of forward thinking customers, but last year's relatively mild winter may have lulled some people into a false sense of security."

Have you started to prepare for winter? Let us know by posting your comments below.

Changes to A27

Changes to A27 welcomed but bypass is still ‘solution’

Published on Thursday 11 October 2012 07:00

COUNCILLORS have said residents will be ‘over the moon’ about A27 improvements but much more still needs to be done.

The Highways Agency has this week revealed plans for £40,000 of work on the A27 Ford roundabout, in Arundel.

Welcoming the news, Cllr Christina Coleman, county councillor for the Middleton ward said: “Anything that can reduce congestion and help the traffic flow along the A27 is good. It is a great necessity for the community and we are looking at every possible way of improving the A27.

“The problem is there is a funding issue, so residents will be over the moon about the improvements as it has been a long saga.”

The Highways Agency has announced improvements to eight roads in the South East.

The Ford roundabout changes aim to reduce congestion by providing two lanes at the westbound entry and new lane markings.

Work will begin in 2013 with a target completion date of 2015.

The regional schemes, costing £17.3 million, are part of a £217 million national programme to keep traffic moving on England’s motorways and major A roads.

Cllr Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council, recently spoke out about improvements being needed on the A27.

In response to the proposed improvement works she said: “Any improvements to the A27 are welcome, particularly if they will ease congestion at key junctions such as this one.

“The message from residents and businesses is that they are fed-up with delays on this very important part of the West Sussex infrastructure.

“The county council is currently looking again at helping to develop other possible short-term measures but I cannot emphasise strongly enough that the only solution is a properly funded scheme that includes an Arundel bypass and major improvements at Chichester and between Worthing and Lancing.

“That is why we continue to lobby the department for transport.”

Government transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Keeping traffic moving is vital to securing prosperity. By removing bottlenecks and improving access to local enterprise zones, key international trading ports and communities, these road schemes will help get people to and from work and power the economy.”

Test Bookings Disrupted

DSA practical test bookings affected by cable theft

Cable theft at BT is currently affecting DSA's online services.

This means neither you nor your customers will be able to book a practical test online or by phone at the moment.

This also affects the online instructor services, so you won't be able to use those either.

BT expects the problem to be fixed tomorrow (Friday 12 October).

How to Reverse Safely

Use the Reversing Drill - 123 Dip Check Sweep

Use the Moving Off Drill and Reversing Drill to keep safe when reversing.

123 Dip Check Sweep

• Prepare - select reverse gear, set the gas and find the biting point 
• Observe - all round observation (6 point check) 
• Move - look behind you (over your left shoulder) when reversing - keep it dead slow and count 1-2-3 
• Dip the clutch slightly (to remove the drive) 
• Check your left wing mirror to confirm your position (and adjust your steering if necessary) 
• Sweep around to observe over your right shoulder 
• Repeat the sequence until you are in a position to move forward safely 

VIDEO: How to save money as you drive

New research suggests that drivers could cut an average of £270 off fuel bills every year by making some simple changes to how they drive.

Advice from the Energy Saving Trust includes braking earlier and reducing the use of air conditioning.

VIDEO: How to save money as you drive

Revised ‘National driver and rider training standard’

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published a revision to its standard for driving and riding instructors.

The new ‘National driver and rider training standard’:

• is written in a more user-friendly style
• includes a unit on role-play, as used by trainers of instructors
• no longer includes a unit on the overall review of training programmes, because this is covered by other, existing standards

Read the standard  

Skills, knowledge and understanding

The ‘National driver and rider training standard’ was originally published by DSA. It’s a ‘living’ document that sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding that approved driving instructors and motorcycle riding instructors need so they can deliver effective training.

DRIVING STANDARDS AGENCY

Revised ‘National driver and rider training standard’

IAM calls for drink-driving crackdown

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called on the government to crack down on drink-driving offences across the UK in order to save lives and boost road safety.

Last month, the Department for Transport revealed figures highlighting a three per cent rise in the number of fatalities on the country's roads in 2011, with 280 people killed in drink-drive incidents.

A further announcement of a breakdown of the figures has revealed that of the overall rise in accidents (51 to 1,901 in 2011) more than half could be classed as drink-related.

IAM chief executive Simon Best commented: "With 'beat the breathalyser' pills legally on sale in the UK and the disproportionate number of younger drink-drivers, I'm worried that drink-driving may be losing its stigma."

He added that significant action is therefore required by the government to reinforce the message that drinking and driving is both dangerous and irresponsible, and is something that should be stamped out immediately.

Fuel card news: IAM calls for drink-driving crackdown - The Fuelcard People:

Pass with Parsons online magazine

Pass with Parsons online magazine

for all the latest news and tips about learning to drive in Bognor Regis & Chichester

Drivers face surprise motorway fees

Drivers are being hit with expensive bills from Highways Agency contractors for emergency repairs. Motorists claim the prices are over-inflated and in some cases they question whether the repairs ever took place.

Sheila Kaur-Patel, who works as a BBC production manager, was shocked when she received an invoice for £3,000 for damage she had allegedly caused during a motorway incident.

Nearly three months earlier she had skidded across the M6 after unexpectedly hitting some liquid on the surface and ended up facing the wrong way on the hard shoulder.

Drivers face surprise motorway fees: Some drivers are receiving mysterious motorway bills after being involved in an accident on the motorway.

The perfect starter car for very small drivers!

Ideal for mini roundabouts.

PasswithParsons.co.uk

It's official: Most of us are dipsticks when it comes to car maintenance

Nearly three quarters of UK motorists have no idea how to carry out basic car maintenance - including checking oil levels, a survey has revealed.

The research, carried out by breakdown cover provider Britannia, also revealed that the majority of drivers don't carry devices like tyre inflators or battery chargers in the car with them - measures that could get them up and running again after a breakdown.

Ten per cent of the 1,500 adults surveyed even admitted that they couldn't open their car's bonnet - preventing them from carrying out checks or even refilling their windscreen washer fluid.

With one in seven having suffered a breakdown that Britannia says could have been prevented through basic maintenance, the figures make for worrying reading.

Managing director of Britannia Rescue, Peter Horton, reiterated the need for drivers to be proactive when it comes to maintaining their vehicles.

"Regular car maintenance is crucial, whether your car is old or new." he said. "Looking after your car will determine the length of time that it remains in good condition and will stop you having to pay expensive repair costs. Checking your car's oil level is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your car's engine - so don't wait for a warning light or indicator to come on."

Are you surprised by these findings? Do you think carrying a battery charger is necessary? Let us know in the comments below.

Severe weather warning for South East - Local - Bognor Regis Observer

Severe weather warning for South East

THE Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the South East for tomorrow (Friday, October 5) and Saturday (October 6).

The warning is a ‘yellow’ level alert with a recommendation to ‘be aware’.

A statement on the Met Office website said: “There is the potential for periods of heavy rain across much of the southern half of the UK from the beginning of Friday until Saturday morning.

Severe weather warning for South East - Local - Bognor Regis Observer

Published on Thursday 4 October 2012 10:59

No Speeding in Bognor please!

Signs will warn drivers not to speed

NEW 30mph and anti-speeding signs will be coming to roads in the Bognor Regis area.

The warnings are being made available in the Western Arun area following a decision to improve road safety.

The arrival of the signs, costing some £900, was agreed by West Sussex County Council members from the joint western Arun area committee. The council will now work in partnership with local neighbourhood police teams.

Signs will warn drivers not to speed - Community - Bognor Regis Observer

Published on Thursday 4 October 2012 15:00

New GOV.UK website

GOV.UK will replace Directgov and Business Link, making it simpler, clearer and faster to find what you need from government.

Content and services may look a little different to what you’re used to, but you’ll still find services and information provided by DSA.

To get an idea of how GOV.UK  will work, you can use and give feedback on a trial, or 'beta', version of the website now.

NEWS GOV.UK  replacing Directgov and Business Link

From 17 October, GOV.UK  will be the best place to find government services and information.

GOV.UK will replace Directgov and Business Link, making it simpler, clearer and faster to find what you need from government.   Try it now   Old links from 17 October You’ll be redirected to the right page on GOV.UK  if you try to use any old links from 17 October, so there’s no need to worry about updating your bookmarks or websites straight away. The same thing will happen if you click on a link to Directgov or Business Link in a search engine result. Only official driving test booking website From 17 October, GOV.UK  will be the only official website to book your driving test through. So from then, please remind your pupils to book atwww.gov.uk . GOV.UK  will continue to link to existing services with the Directgov and Business Link colour schemes for a while. In time, these will be updated to be made simpler, clearer and faster too.

Drivers 'should learn for a year'

People should spend at least a year learning to drive, say insurers who are calling for an overhaul of the system.

Drivers 'should be made to learn for a year'

There should be a restricted "graduated" licence for those driving within six months of passing a test

The Association of British Insurers says drivers aged 17-24 are responsible for a disproportionately high number of crashes, deaths and claims.

The ABI also wants new drivers to face restrictions on driving at night and a lower alcohol limit.

But it says they should be allowed to start learning six months earlier - currently they must be at least 17.

It said the need for more rigorous driver training had been side-stepped "for too long".

Related Stories

• Drop in driving tests being taken
• Drop in number of young drivers
• Driving test changes introduced

COMMENTS (350)

People should spend at least a year learning to drive, say insurers who are calling for an overhaul of the system.Continue reading the main story

Will driverless cars mean computer crashes? - BBC News

Will driverless cars mean computer crashes? - BBC News:

BBC News

Will driverless cars mean computer crashes? BBC News "People are less likely to give up control because you just have to look at the market," says Peter Rodger, head of driving standards at the Institute of Advanced Motorists. "There are 70, 80, 90 car magazines on shop shelves bought by people who like ... How Driverless Cars Will Change Your CommuteMobiledia Governor Brown Signs California Driverless Car Law at Google HQBright Side of News* (blog) all 111 news articles »

Commentary Driving demonstration

Thanks to Pip Latter who is Chairman of the Southampton IAM group for this demonstration.

Entering the vehicle

Autumn Driving Tips - motoring.co.uk

Autumn Driving Tips - motoring.co.uk:

Autumn Driving Tips motoring.co.uk As such, Simon Elstow from the Institute of Advanced Motorists has revealed his top tips for staying out of trouble: - As it gets further into autumn and the temperature drops, clear your windscreens of condensation or ice before setting off. Always ...

NEW - from 1 October 2012 - Pass with Parsons

NEW - from 1 October 2012 - Pass with Parsons: NEW - from 1 October 2012 - Pass with Parsons

HOW TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY1 Stop in a safe, convenient and legal posit...

HOW TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY<br><br>1 Stop in a safe, convenient and legal posit...: HOW TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY

1 Stop in a safe, convenient and legal position
2 Secure the car safely (Handbrake Neutral Switch Off)
3 Remove the key
4 Check your mirrors
5 Open the door carefully about 2-3 inches
6 Look round through the gap
7 Open the door fully
8 Keep your hands on the door
9 Close and lock the door promptly
10 Move promptly to the kerb

Please do not press the ejector switch during the lesson!

New CGI HPT Clip

New CGI HPT Clip:
The DSA is circulating a new early-stage clip of the soon-to-be CGI version of the Hazard Perception Test produced by Jelly. Once again, image clarity is superb.

Of course, it remains to be seen what the “experts” have to say on the matter. In spite of being early-stage trials I’m sure that someone will argue the sun is all wrong which gives a misleading impression of the speed because of the shadows, or the pilot car is doing something it shouldn’t, or something like that. Or some crap about it “being even more like a video game” – that’s always a good position to take to show how “expert” you are.
I did notice someone saying (in derogatory response to this latest clip) that the HPT doesn’t teach pupils to look in the mirrors.
It isn’t supposed to. It is supposed to give them an idea of what hazards to look for and when. It’s supposed to get them thinking – but quite how it can do that effectively if they have negative instructors teaching them is anyone’s guess.
Being able to pass the Theory Test by answering the questions doesn’t prove someone has in-depth knowledge about the Highway Code. But it’s a start.
Being able to pass the HPT is the same. It’s a start!