Tag: driving

Watch your speed!

Speeding is as much of a threat to road safety as drink and drug driving

  • 89 per cent of people believe speeding in a residential area is as much of a threat to their safety as driving under the influence of illegal drugs
  • More than one-in-10 motorists (14 per cent) admit to having driven at more than 10 per cent over the speed limit in residential areas
  • Nearly half of motorists believe it is acceptable to speed on motorways with a quarter admitting to driving at over 80mph
  • IAM RoadSmart is calling once again for speeding to become as socially unacceptable as drink and drug driving

The UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has renewed its call for speeding to become as socially unacceptable as drink and drug driving, after publishing worrying new analysis that indicates excessive speed is considered acceptable on the motorway and on residential roads by many drivers.

The survey found that despite more than one-in-10 drivers admitting to exceeding the speed limit of 30mph in residential areas, for almost nine out of every 10 motorists surveyed, speeding in a residential area was perceived as almost as big a threat to their personal safety as motorists driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or when distracted by social media.

Almost half of motorists (46 per cent) surveyed believe it is acceptable to drive 10 miles per hour over the 70mph speed limit on motorways, with a quarter even willing to go even faster. More than one-in-five motorists (22 per cent) think it is acceptable to drive five miles per hour over the speed limit on a residential street.

An alarming one-in-10 of the 2,000 people surveyed thought it was even acceptable to go over the speed limit near a school.

Neil Greig, Policy and Research Director for IAM RoadSmart, said: “The results of this survey are deeply concerning. Speeding consistently causes more than 4,400 casualties on UK roads each year.  

“That’s an average of 12 people a day killed or injured in some form.  We need a fundamental shift in attitudes towards speeding so that it becomes as socially unacceptable as drink and drug driving – where public opinion has changed over previous decades.”

Further findings from the IAM RoadSmart survey also reveal the different attitudes towards speeding in the UK regions.

Motorists in Yorkshire and Humber (65 per cent), closely followed by motorists in the West Midlands (59 per cent) felt that the issue of speeding was more of a problem today than it was three years ago compared to a national average of 55 per cent.

More than a fifth of London drivers (21 per cent) think they drive faster than most others on the roads, compared to a national average of 13 per cent. Drivers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are more safety conscious while only eight per cent of Scottish and Northern Irish drivers and seven per cent of Welsh drivers rated their driving faster than others.

London was also the region with the highest number of drivers who felt it was acceptable to go five miles over the speed limit near a school, with 15 per cent of Londoners admitting to speeding near a school, compared to the national average of 10 per cent.  Drivers in the east of England are the most responsible motorists outside schools, with only five per cent rating it acceptable behaviour.

Motorists in the south-east of England are most likely (55 per cent) to find it acceptable to speed on the motorway by up to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, while there was less acceptability among the drivers of the West Midlands and Wales (at 43 per cent and 41 per cent respectively).

Meanwhile, drivers in Wales, where plans have received initial backing to cut the speed limit to 20mph in residential areas, not surprisingly, think it is least acceptable to speed in a residential area. 

Neil added: “There is a slight glimmer of hope as, overall, acceptability of driving 10 miles per hour over the speed limit on a motorway has dropped by around 10 per cent since 2016, but there is still a long, long way to go. 

Attitudes towards tackling urban speeding are much more positive and support for measures such as speed cameras around schools was very high at 82 per cent.  Overall, however, opinions on 20mph as the new urban limit are still finely balanced with 53 per cent for and 47 per cent against, which shows much work is needed to change deeply entrenched behaviour.

“The findings of this survey also highlight that drivers who responded had a lower opinion of other people’s driving behaviour than they had of their own. There needs to be much greater acceptance of the fact we can all improve our standards of driving behaviour and take action whenever we are on the road to improve road safety.”

To find read the full report please visit: https://www.iamroadsmart.com/media-and-policy/research-and-policy/research-details/driving-safety-culture-survey-2019

September’s new reg plate heralds opportunity for in-car infotainment familiarisation

  • IAM RoadSmart calls for Government and vehicle manufacturers to enforce greater education and familiarisation of new in-car technology from car dealers
  • 1st September marks the arrival of the new 70 registration plate and new car owners should familiarise themselves with the infotainment system before they take delivery of their new vehicle
  • New car technology can help increase road safety but must be used correctly

Government and vehicle manufacturers should enforce greater education and familiarisation of new in-car technology before drivers leave the forecourts or take delivery of their new vehicle, claims IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road-safety charity.

Its urgent call coincides with the arrival of the new 70 registration plate on 1st September which could give car dealers a welcome boost in sales as motorists search for the latest models with the new number plate.

And while most new in-car systems, including infotainment and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – commonly known as ADAS – are designed to increase road safety, they need to be used correctly, reminds IAM RoadSmart.

Data from research commissioned by the road safety charity earlier this year revealed that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto significantly affect reaction times and increase stopping distances.

Disturbingly, the research shows that these systems can impair reaction times behind the wheel more than alcohol and cannabis use.

In fact, stopping distances, lane control and response to external stimuli were all negatively affected by the use of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Furthermore, the reaction times of drivers tested was significantly slower at motorway speeds than someone who had used cannabis and five times worse than someone driving at the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Policy and Research, said: “Now is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of correctly using the latest in-car technology with the arrival of the new registration plate on 1st September.

“Swiping a screen is replacing the turn of a button or dial so it is vital that car dealers educate motorists on how to correctly use these new systems, so that they are a safety benefit and not a potentially dangerous distraction.”

Other findings from the IAM RoadSmart commissioned research found that using in-car touch screens resulted in reaction times that were even worse than texting while driving.

Neil said: “Driver distraction is estimated to be a factor in around a third of all road collisions in Europe each year.

“As the amount of in-car infotainment and ADAS features continues to increase, we believe car dealers have a responsibility to correctly educate their customers and ensure they are familiar with all the high-tech systems in their shiny new purchase before they leave the forecourt. It is also imperative that the Government and the vehicle manufacturers enforce and support this.

“We’re calling on industry and Government to openly test and approve such systems and develop consistent standards that genuinely help minimise driver distraction.

“Whether you’re buying a new car now or already own a vehicle with technology that is new to you, it is vital that you use it safely. Anything that distracts a driver’s eye or mind from the road is bad news for road safety.”

To find out more about the study commissioned earlier this year click here.

Vehicle registrations plummet 94% as pandemic takes hold

Vehicle registrations fell by an estimated 94% in April, and 85% in May, compared to the same months last year, according to figures released today by the Department for Transport.

The quarterly Vehicle Licensing Statistics reported 599,000 vehicles were registered in the first quarter of this year, a 30% fall from the first quarter of 2019, resulting in a drop in the total number of licenced vehicles on Britain’s roads – only the second decline in the total number of vehicles on the road since the end of the Second World War.

The figures revealed an 82% decrease in registrations in the last week of March, coinciding with the UK lockdown coming into force and vehicle dealerships and showrooms being required to close, which removed the main method by which new vehicles are sold.

This was followed by 12,340 vehicle registrations in April and 37,100 in May, representing annual drops of 94% and 85% respectively.

However, the number of newly registered ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) shot up to 33,700, an increase of 113% on last year. In contrast, new diesel cars fell by 45% and petrol cars sales were down by 34%.

Responding to the government’s newly published data Greg Wilson, founder of leading car insurance comparison website, Quotezone.co.uk, says: “It’s not a surprise to learn that the lockdown has had a significant impact on vehicles sales, but the scale of that impact is truly staggering, particularly at the height of the lockdown in April and May.

“It’s also significant that the total number of vehicles on the road fell in the first quarter – the first time that number has fallen since 1991, and only the second time since the end of the Second World War. This is likely to be due to a combination of fewer new vehicles being registered as the lockdown was introduced, and some motorists deciding to SORN their vehicles if they weren’t likely to need them during lockdown.

“It’s also interesting to note the sharp rise in ULEV registrations – given that many electric cars are able to be delivered directly to the buyer, it’s possible this trend was partly driven by the lockdown as well.”

www.quotezone.co.uk

Car use is rising despite the lockdown

  • Figures show a steady increase breakdowns and average miles driven per day
  • More than a third of drivers say they are using their vehicles more for food shopping as well as trips to DIY stores

Ahead of this weekend’s announcement on how the UK might begin to ease the current lockdown restrictions, an RAC study confirms drivers are already using their cars more than they were earlier in the coronavirus lockdown.

The study analysed RAC ‘black box’ driving data, breakdown numbers and route planning figures since the lockdown began. Comparing the second week of lockdown with last week, 11% more cars were on the road and 23% more daily miles were driven, based on analysis of hundreds of thousands of trips taken by RAC Black Box Insurance customers with telematics units fitted.

Vehicle breakdowns are also up, with those attended by RAC patrols up by nearly a fifth (18%) across the same period.

The number of routes planned via the RAC Routeplanner is also increasing, suggesting a rise in trips being taken by drivers. More routes were planned on Monday 5 May 2020 than on any other day during the lockdown, with 16% more planned on this day than just a week earlier.

Comparing lockdown week two (w/c 30/3/20) with lockdown week six (w/c 27/4/20), there were:

11% more cars on the road

23% more daily miles driven

18% more RAC breakdowns

The data is supported by the findings of a new survey by the RAC which suggests that four-in-10 drivers (41%) admit they are now using their vehicles more frequently than earlier in the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

The survey of 1,500 drivers found that the top reason for using a car more was for food and grocery shopping (almost a quarter, 23% of drivers), while 9% said that they were doing so to pick up essential supplies or for trips to a pharmacy.

But worryingly, a small but appreciable 5% said they were using their vehicle more now to specifically purchase alcohol, while the same proportion (5%) said they were going out in the car specifically to visit DIY stores as Britons look to make home improvements while spending more time at home.

A slightly smaller proportion of drivers (4%) said they were using their car more to drive somewhere to do exercise, and the same percentage said they were using their vehicle more for work purposes.

A fraction of drivers (1%) said they were taking their car solely to give it a run, with the same proportion citing the reason as driving to a beauty spot. The same percentage (1%) said they driving to see relatives or friends though it is unclear whether these relatives are vulnerable and require assistance.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “There is now mounting evidence that people are venturing back out in their vehicles for more essential, as well as arguably non-essential journeys.

“This perhaps is being driven by lockdown fatigue and boredom while the sunny spring weather might also be enticing drivers back into their vehicles. Additionally, some who are indoors might have chosen to carry out home maintenance and DIY, so have taken an opportunity to visit DIY stores that are now open.

“Our own data clearly shows a slight, but nonetheless steady, rise in the number of drivers using their vehicles, and the distances they are travelling in them on a daily basis, compared with earlier in the lockdown. As we near the end of the seventh week of the lockdown, all eyes are on what the Government announces this weekend in terms of how and when movement restrictions might be lifted.

“Until anything concrete is confirmed, the current advice remains to only go out when necessary for essential purposes, or where you cannot work from home. Even where drivers need to head out to pick up food shopping, this should be done as infrequently as possible to help stop the spread of the virus. The question drivers should ask themselves before venturing out is ‘do I really need to?’

“By only using the car for essential journeys at this time, we’re not only helping prevent the virus spreading, but are also reducing the risk of being involved in a road collision and avoiding putting any further pressure on the NHS.”

Car insurance: It pays to shop around

The cost of car insurance across Scotland has increased in the past 12 months, new data reveals, proving it’s more important than ever for drivers to shop around for the best deal. The average price of car insurance in the region has accelerated by £47 (8%) in the past year to now stand at £674.

That’s according to the latest Confused.com car insurance price index, powered by Willis Towers Watson. Based on more than six million quotes every quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index in the UK.

While this may not be the news that drivers want to hear at this time, further research offers some relief, revealing the potential savings to be made from shopping around and avoiding automatic renewals.

The research, conducted by Confused.com, found that nearly half (46%) of UK motorists saw their car insurance price increase. Of those who saw their insurance price increase, more than a third (37%) opted to shop around using a price comparison website and switch to a better deal, saving £59, on average.

Some drivers saw even bigger savings, with one in six (17%) finding a policy that was more than £100 cheaper than their original price.

Following the report of these increases, Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, highlights the importance of shopping around.

It’s important, now more so than ever, for drivers to take a closer look at the price they’re paying for insurance and see if there’s a better deal out there for them. And while automatically renewing may seem like the stress-free thing to do in the short-term, it could end up costing drivers more in the long run.

Those taking this option could be signing up to an annual policy that is potentially hundreds of pounds more expensive than other options out there.

Therefore, it’s crucial for drivers to be taking the time to check their renewal document and compare with the previous year’s price.

And even if prices are similar, or have dropped slightly, then there is still the opportunity to save money. To further incentivise drivers to seek out a better deal, Confused.com is giving them the chance to save even more by guaranteeing to beat their car insurance renewal price, or give them the difference plus £20.

Over the past 12 months, the cost of car insurance has increased across Scotland. However, some drivers have seen more significant changes in the price than others. According to Confused.com’s price index, motorists in Central Scotland have been hit hardest by the increases, with prices in the region accelerating by £53 (8%) in 12 months.

This is one of the steepest increases across the UK, in terms of percentages, bringing the average premium just £1 below the most expensive on record for the region. Drivers in Central Scotland can now expect to pay £716 for their car insurance, on average.

Similarly, prices have increased in the Scottish Borders, with the average cost of car insurance rising by £46 (8%) year-on-year. This is also among the highest percentage increases for all UK regions. This means drivers in the region are now paying £625 for their car insurance.

Meanwhile other regions in Scotland saw increases, with prices in the East and North East and the Highlands and Islands climbing by £42 (7%) and £38 (6%) respectively. Drivers in the East and North East now pay £628, while the average price in the Highlands and Islands reached £640 this past quarter.

It’s a similar picture across the rest of UK, with all regions facing increases year-on-year. Overall, the average premium for UK drivers increased by £47 (6%) to now sit at £809. Although, in the past three months alone, prices dipped by £6 (1%), on average.

However, despite a slight drop in price, the cost of car insurance is still at one of the highest points in more than two years. But what can drivers do to bring their price down? It can be easy for drivers to feel overwhelmed by the news of increasing car insurance costs and thinking there isn’t anything they can do to help bring them down.

However, this isn’t the case. According to Confused.com’s expert guide, there are several things drivers can do to reduce the price they pay for car insurance.

For example, drivers can cut back on their cost by paying annually where they can. While paying monthly is more convenient, it’s like taking out a small loan, which will usually carry interest on top of the initial price. And according to Confused.com data this can cost as much as 16% more than the annual price.

Another way for drivers to cut back on their car insurance costs is to more accurately estimate their mileage. While some may believe that opting for a lower annual mileage could offer a lower price, data suggests this isn’t always the case.

According the car insurance price index data from Confsued.com, motorists who drive between 10,000 and 11,000 miles per year pay £678 for their car insurance, on average. Meanwhile, those who drive between 8,00 and 9,000 pay £748, in comparison.

And the price increases as the mileage gets smaller. For example, motorist who claim to drive between 4,000 and 5,000 miles per year pay £860, on average. This is because, in the eyes of insurers, drivers who spend less time on the road could be considered as less experienced, and therefore a higher risk.

However, the key to benefitting from these savings is to make sure the information is accurate and correct, or drivers risk voiding their policy.

Confused.com’s expert advice also suggests that adding extra security devices or opting for black box insurance could also result in saving some money on car insurance policies.

And choosing the right type of cover could be key to cutting costs. While many drivers might be drawn to take out third party, fire and theft cover, believing it may be the cheapest option, this may not always be the case. In fact, the average price of these policies tends to be pushed up. This is because higher risk drivers are more likely to opt for this type of cover.

Some drivers across Scotland may feel more inclined to find ways to cut their costs, as some bear the brunt of the recent price increases more so than others.

Annual increases in prices in Edinburgh, Dumfries, and Kirkcaldy means drivers in these areas are now paying the most expensive on record.

A steep £75 (13%) rise in prices for drivers in Dumfries brings the average price of car insurance in the area to £650. Meanwhile, prices Kirkcaldy climbed by £50 (9%) to £614 in Kirkcaldy, and £48 (8%) to £655 in Edinburgh, on average.

However, drivers in Glasgow face the most expensive car insurance costs, with prices now £784, following a £60 (8%) increase year-on-year. While motorists in the Hebrides saw the steepest annual increases, with prices accelerating by £85 (13%) in 12 months to now stand at £732, on average.

Meanwhile, female drivers across all Scottish regions saw the biggest changes to their car insurance costs. In particular, prices for female drivers in Central Scotland increased by £59 (9%) to £684, while men saw a £48 (7%) increase, in comparison. This means they’re now paying £741, on average, bringing the gap between the two to £57.

Younger, female drivers across all regions saw the biggest increases in particular, with prices for 17-20-year olds increasing as much as £101 (7%) year-on-year.

Female drivers of this age pay as much as £1,576 for their car insurance, while male drivers of the same age pay as much as £2,043 in comparison, on average. However, the only winners this quarter is 17-20-year-old male drivers in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, who are the only age group to see their price drop year-on-year.

Prices for these drivers are now -£2 (0%) cheaper than one year ago, standing at £1,980, on average.

Meanwhile, older drivers saw less dramatic increase in prices. Male motorists aged 71 and over in the Scottish Highlands and Islands saw their cost of car insurance increase just £15 (4%) over the past year to £370, on average.

However, the cheapest car insurance cost is rewarded to 66 to 70-year-old female drivers in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, who pay just £278, on average. Meanwhile, the cheapest price paid for men across Scotland is £312 for 66 to 70-year olds in East and North East Scotland.

But, while car insurance prices are on the up, drivers are offered some respite in other motoring costs. The cost of fuel across the UK has dropped significantly over the past four months.

According to Confused.com’s fuel price index, the average price of petrol this month is 116p per litre, compared to 127p in January. Similarly, diesel costs have dropped, with prices now 119p per litre, compared to 132p four months ago.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com comments: “The fact that car insurance costs have increased in Scotland is not the news we need especially right now.  Year on year prices are up, but over the past few months they haven’t changed that much.  

“However, as a result of the lockdown the majority of people are using their cars less, it is therefore likely that we will see some change to prices in the coming months as insurers adjust to reflect this.  We are constantly monitoring the situation so that we can update our customers on any changes that happen.

“Automatically renewing with your insurer might seem like the easiest, stress-free option, but it could be costly.

“Even if your renewal price is cheaper, or the same, it’s likely there will be another insurer out there willing to offer a better price.  At Confused.com we’re so certain drivers will be able to find a better price than their current insurer that we’re offering to beat their renewal quote or give them the difference, plus £20.

“Please don’t pay more than you have to – take a few minutes to check your renewal letter and get a cheaper price because now, more than ever, it’s so important to shop around.”

Tax It Or Lose It!

DVLA is back on the road targeting motorists across the UK with a communications campaign that has a clear message for those who take a chance on not taxing their vehicle – tax it or lose it.

The campaign is targeting the 20 regions of the UK where vehicle tax evasion is higher:

Area Total enforcement actions in 2019
Belfast 78,501
Birmingham 61,531
Bristol 24,747
Cardiff 28,857
Coventry 23,739
Doncaster 17,885
East London 26,005
Edinburgh 24,779
Glasgow 34,375
Leicester 23,174
Manchester 34,106
Newcastle 22,996
Northampton 18,729
North London 24,766
Nottingham 26,134
Peterborough 23,271
Romford 18,325
Sheffield 30,467
South London 29,336
Swansea 18,237

During 2019, DVLA took nearly 590,000 enforcement actions in these 20 regions against the keepers of untaxed vehicles.

The campaign will focus on showing the real consequences to those who don’t tax their vehicles – from penalties and fines to clamping, and ultimately losing their vehicle.

A giant clamp is at the centre of the campaign images, making it clear that DVLA takes action against untaxed vehicles on streets across the country every day, just like those in the image.

DVLA doesn’t need to spot an untaxed vehicle on the road to take action, but any vehicle spotted on the road that isn’t taxed, or is wrongly declared SORN, risks being clamped or impounded by one of DVLA’s enforcement teams. These teams travel in vehicles equipped with number plate recognition cameras, and are based around the UK to take action against untaxed vehicles.

DVLA’s Chief Executive, Julie Lennard, said: “The number of untaxed vehicles on the road is falling, but we are determined to reduce this even further. We operate a range of measures to make vehicle tax easy to pay and hard to avoid, so there really is no excuse if you fail to tax your vehicle.

“While the vast majority of motorists do the right thing and tax correctly, this campaign highlights the real consequences that motorists face if they don’t tax their vehicles.”

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “While the vast majority of motorists abide by the law and tax their vehicles correctly, high-profile enforcement campaigns like this are needed to make sure the consequences of not doing so are fully understood.

“This DVLA campaign gives a very clear warning of the action that will be taken on untaxed vehicles. Having your vehicle clamped is expensive and inconvenient so it’s far simpler to make sure you tax it.

You can easily check when your tax is due using DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service on GOV.UK: all you need is your vehicle registration. It’s also really important to tell DVLA straightaway if you move house, so you don’t risk missing the reminder letters that DVLA sends to all vehicle keepers.

When DVLA clamps an untaxed vehicle the motorist is charged a £100 release fee. If they cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed when it is released the motorist will have to pay a surety fee of £160. This is refunded if the motorists can show the vehicle has been taxed within 15 days.

If the release fee is not paid within 24 hours DVLA impounds the vehicle and the fee rises to £200. There is also a storage charge of £21 per day. Again, a surety fee of £160 must be paid if the motorist cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed.

Half of Scots fear losing their independence when retiring from driving

Half of Scots fear the loss of their independence if they could no longer drive, a survey has revealed as RoSPA launches a new road safety campaign that aims to keep people behind the wheel safely for longer.

This figure rose to one in three of those aged 65 and over. However, this age group is disproportionately vulnerable to death and serious injury on Scotland’s roads, and is more likely to have to retire from driving for health reasons.

In 2018, more than two in five drivers who were killed on Scotland’s roads were 60+ (22)*, and more than a quarter of those seriously injured were in that bracket. In all, in the same year, 43 car drivers in this age group were involved in crashes in which someone died.

Life on the Road aims to enable drivers aged 65 and over to stay on the road safely for as long as possible, by encouraging take-up of further training in later life, and by providing key information around age-related health issues.

A new website, www.LifeOnTheRoad.org.uk, has been created to deliver a raft of information, while RoSPA is also running three assessment days in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow to offer the over-65s a chance to take free experienced driver training.

The campaign also encourages younger family members to speak to their parents and grandparents if they are concerned about their driving. The survey revealed two-thirds of Scots said they would talk to relatives if they had concerns, and encourage them to get professional advice.

Steve Whitehouse, RoSPA’s road safety manager in Scotland, said: “We know those who are over 65 are disproportionately susceptible to being killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads, and what’s worse, the number of casualties in this age group is reducing more slowly than for all other ages.

“Although people aged 65 or over do more to self-regulate their driving behaviours than anyone else – for example, by sticking to roads they know or reducing the amount of night-time driving they do – there are a range of age-related conditions that could lead to safety issues on the road. But, that needn’t mean losing your licence, and by keeping an eye on these conditions and taking further training, more people will be able to drive safely for longer.

“Driving, and the independence it brings, is so vital for so many people, and we want to keep everyone on the road, safely, for longer.”

The survey also revealed attitudes about who Scots feel are the best and worst drivers; 17 to 24-year-olds are rated as the worst, with 37 per cent rating them as “poor”. More than a quarter of people (29 per cent) label those aged 65+ as “poor” drivers.

Only 23 per cent rate those in the oldest age band as being “good” or “very good”, and surprisingly, only 4 per cent of those aged 65+ rank people of their own age as being “very good” drivers.

The survey, of 1,002 adults in Scotland, revealed that those aged 35-44 and 45-54 are thought to be the best drivers, with nearly 77 per cent of people rating them as “good” or “very good” in each case.Steve added: “We’d encourage everyone, of any age, to take further driver training, as it will refresh your skills, reassure you of your ability, and enable you to prove to your relatives – and everyone else – just how good a driver you are.

“You can do this by attending one of our assessment days, booking a RoSPA experienced driver assessment, or joining the RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders network.

“There’s a lot of great work being done in the young and inexperienced-driver arena to help them become safer motorists, so we want to help those aged 65 and over to add to their skill and knowledge base too, and support the self-regulation they already undertake.”

For more on the Life on the Road campaign, see www.LifeOnTheRoad.org.uk.

The assessment days are taking place in Aberdeen on Monday February 24, in Edinburgh on Tuesday February 25, and in Glasgow on Wednesday February 26.

For more information, or to book, call 0121 248 2099.

270 caught during motor insurance sweep

Over 270 drivers were detected driving without insurance across Scotland as part of the national Operation Drive Insured campaign.

The campaign saw a week of enhanced enforcement action between 20 January and 26 January to detect and, where appropriate, seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles and tackle associated offences.

In 2019, over 7,000 uninsured vehicles were seized in Scotland. During January’s week of action, 271 uninsured vehicles were detected which resulted in 113 vehicles being seized. The 271 drivers who were detected without insurance were reported to the Procurator Fiscal /received a Fixed Penalty Notice with a £300 fine and six penalty points.

Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, said: “Driving without insurance is not a victimless crime as law-abiding drivers are at risk of paying out if they are hit by an uninsured driver.

“Additionally, uninsured motorists are more likely to have links to wider crime and often drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, posing an even greater risk to other road users.

“We will continue to take action against those who flout the law. If you have no valid insurance, you have no legal right to be on the road. I would ask the public to continue to report drivers so we can take action.”

Daren Courtenay, Motor Insurers` Bureau Police Support Officer for Scotland said: “MIB is committed to assisting the police in their continued effort of tackling uninsured driving.

“The fantastic results that Police Scotland achieved during their week of action demonstrates the need to continue this work. The vast majority of motorists are law-abiding and deserve to be protected from the increased risks posed by uninsured drivers.”

Sun setting 73 minutes earlier sees 36% increase in evening rush-hour accidents

Scotland, the West and Northern counties see the biggest increase in risk of accidents in the evening rush hour  

The latest data from insurethebox, the UK pioneer of telematics insurance, reveals the true cost motorists pay for an extra hour in bed, with an overall 14% increase in accidents across the UK.

And the loss in daylight in the evening appears to have a particularly marked impact with a 36% increase in accidents between 5.00pm and 8.00pm.  Continue reading Sun setting 73 minutes earlier sees 36% increase in evening rush-hour accidents

MPs call for tougher restrictions on phone use in cars

The Government should consider tougher restrictions on driving while using a mobile phone and stricter enforcement of the law to prevent the ‘entirely avoidable’ tragedy of deaths and serious injuries from related crashes on the roads, MPs say.

‘Receiving and sending data equally dangerous’

In Road Safety: driving while using a mobile phone, the Transport Committee says the evidence is clear: using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

MPs call on Government to overhaul current laws on using hand-held mobile devices while driving, to cover use irrespective of whether this involves sending or receiving data.

As evidence shows that using a hands-free device creates the same risks of crashing, the Committee also recommends that Government explores options for extending the ban on hand-held devices to hands-free phones.

In 2017, there were 773 casualties, including 43 deaths and 135 serious injuries, in collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was a contributory factor. The number of people killed or seriously injured has risen steadily since 2011.

Tougher enforcement needed

However, the rate of enforcement has plunged by more than two thirds since 2011. Enforcing the law is essential to ensuring that motorists do not illegally use their mobile phone while driving.  While the Committee welcomes the Government’s review of roads policing and traffic enforcement, the report calls on the Government to work with police to boost enforcement and make better use of technology.

The penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving were increased in 2017 but still do not appear to be commensurate with the risk created and should be reviewed and potentially increased so that it is clear there are serious consequences to being caught, says the Report.

Chair of the Committee, Lilian Greenwood MP, said: “Despite the real risk of catastrophic consequences for themselves, their passengers and other road users, far too many drivers continue to break the law by using hand-held mobile phones.

“If mobile phone use while driving is to become as socially unacceptable as drink driving much more effort needs to go into educating drivers about the risks and consequences of using a phone behind the wheel. Offenders also need to know there is a credible risk of being caught, and that there are serious consequences for being caught.

“There is also a misleading impression that hands-free use is safe. The reality is that any use of a phone distracts from a driver’s ability to pay full attention and the Government should consider extending the ban to reflect this.

“Each death and serious injury which results from a driver using a mobile phone is a tragedy that is entirely avoidable. We need tougher restrictions, better enforcement and more education to make our roads safer for all.”