Tag: road safety

Driving in the dark – drivers urged to adopt defensive driving techniques

Motorists must adopt ‘defensive driving’ techniques this autumn as the clocks go back

Road safety expert, TTC Group is urging motorists to be extra vigilant from Sunday 27th October when the clocks go back.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) there is a surge in the number of vulnerable road users killed or seriously injured as daylight hours shorten. To help motorists stay safe TTC calls upon them to use ‘defensive driving’ techniques, which can be adopted through the winter months. 

TTC says that those most at risk are fearful of driving in low light, including older motorists and young drivers with low mileage under their belt. Knowing the dangers of night driving and what to do to mitigate those risks is essential.

Andy Wheeler, Training Manager for TTC Group, said: “As the days get shorter it’s worth reminding ourselves of the simple techniques which can make a difference to staying safe while night driving. 

“A higher number of traffic-related fatalities occur at night with fatigue being a significant factor in most cases.  Reduced visibility and inappropriate driving add to that risk, that is why we advise all drivers and riders to embrace defensive driving techniques.”

 DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS

  • Speed: It is safer to reduce your speed when driving in the dark, especially in unlit areas.  This will buy time to observe vulnerable road users and stop accordingly.  
  • Distance: It is harder to spot hazards at night so get into the habit of increasing the two-second time gap from the vehicle in front. Following too close reduces visibility and time and distance to stop.   Headlights could also distract or intimidate the driver in front.
  • Slow down: Take extra time to read the road for signs of other road users by travelling slower than normal. This also allows time for the eyes to adjust when travelling from well-lit to dark roads.
  • Lights: Ensure external lights are clean, in good working order and interior lighting is turned off. Be careful not to dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users by always using dipped headlights in urban areas or when approaching oncoming vehicles. Use full beam on all other roads, particularly unlit rural lanes, when the opportunity arises and you won’t dazzle other road users.
  • Eyes: Routinely have your sight examined. To avoid being dazzled by oncoming headlights, drivers can keep attention on the left-hand kerb. The rear-view mirror should be adjusted to reflect light away from the eyes and above all, let your eyes adjust to different lighting levels
  • Tiredness: Falling asleep when driving overnight accounts for 40 per cent of collisions in the UK. Prevent drowsy driving by ensuring business drivers take regular breaks every two hours.
  • Visibility: A dirty windscreen will increase glare from other vehicles at night and are also prone to steam up. Keep windscreens, windows and mirrors clean with a microfibre cloth, both inside and out
  • Stay alert: Remember other drivers may not be as cautious. Drivers should slow down more than usual at junctions and check side and rear-view mirrors regularly.
View of a pedestrian crossing in the city at night during a heavy downpour. Silhouettes of people with umbrellas in the headlights of the car. People cross the road.

Graduated Driver Licences could save 58 lives annually, says The AA

  • New analysis reveals life-saving potential of scheme
  • Survey shows passenger restrictions top priority among drivers
  • AA launches GDL mini manifesto

At least 58 lives could be saved annually by graduated driver licensing (GDL), estimates The AA as it steps up its calls for the system to be introduced.

Introducing such a system could also see at least 260 serious injuries avoided on UK roads.

The AA’s chief executive Jakob Pfaudler has written to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh to highlight the motoring organisation’s strengthened calls for the introduction of GDL.

It comes as The AA launches its policy on GDL. Among the measures The AA would like to see implemented are:

Passengers New drivers under the age of 21 would not be allowed to carry peer-age passengers, for 6 months after passing their test, with exemptions for parents/carers.

Seatbelts New drivers should face six points for not wearing a seatbelt effectively making new drivers lose their licence for this offence under the New Drivers Act.

‘G’ plate To aid police enforcement, new drivers under 21 should display a ‘G’ plate (denoting Graduate driver) for the first six months after passing their test.

Jakob Pfaudler, CEO of The AA, said: “Graduated Driver Licensing has been proven in other countries to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries.

“Figures show 290 people were killed in young driver crashes last year with more than 4,669 seriously injured*. Not only is this a tragic waste of life, but it contributes to the burden of high insurance premiums for young drivers. These premiums should fall when there is evidence of a reduction of young drivers and passengers killed and seriously injured.

“We are calling on the Transport Secretary to make simple, pragmatic changes to the licensing process so young people are better protected in their first few months of independent driving.”

New AA/Yonder driver research** shows most popular element of the AA’s proposed GDL is passenger restrictions with a third (33%) saying they would implement it over other possible GDL tactics.

The second most popular aspect of GDL to implement, if only one could be chosen, was ‘G plates’ (24%), followed by a logbook (18%) and heavier penalties for not wearing a seatbelt (8%).

Young drivers were considerably more likely to choose heavier seatbelt penalties as the one GDL element they would introduce (20%). In 2023, more than one third (36%) of 17-29-year old drivers who died in a car crash were not wearing their seatbelt.***

Edmund King, director of The AA Charitable Trust, said: “Support for GDL is high among drivers and their top priority would be to introduce passenger restrictions. Parents tell us that this would help them to restrict their teenagers from taking passengers or being passengers with an inexperienced driver.

“The introduction of passenger restrictions, would help mitigate the increased risk young drivers have to manage when they have peer-aged passengers travelling with them. A six month restriction is a small price to pay for saving young lives.

“There is a great swell of support for the introduction of GDL so this Government has a real opportunity to make it happen and save lives.

“The very recent inquest into the tragic deaths of four young men is a stark reminder that action needs to be taken to protect young lives, and it needs to be taken sooner rather than later.”

Sharron Huddleston, who formed the Forget-me-not Families Uniting group from those like herself who have lost loved ones in crashes, said: “Graduated licences are a crucial issue. How many more young people need to die before action is taken?

“Our message is simple – listen to us, listen to the experts, listen to The AA, and learn from other countries, who have seen a huge reduction in young driver and passenger deaths after introducing graduated driving licensing for young novice drivers. My daughter, Caitlin, would be alive today if action had been taken when the concept of graduated licences was floated years ago.”

* In 2023, 290 people were killed in young driver crashes last year with more than 4,669 seriously injured. Reported road casualties in Great Britain: younger driver factsheet, 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

In other countries, the introduction of GDL has reduced death and serious injury from 20 per cent and up to 40 per cent. Hence if the UK scheme saw similar reductions we estimate at least 58 deaths and 265 serious injuries could be prevented each year.

**Yonder received 10,556 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 10th to 17th September 2024 Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

***Reported road collisions, vehicles and casualties tables for Great Britain – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

**** Gwynedd crash inquest: Shrewsbury teens drowned in river – BBC News

Campaign urges drivers in Edinburgh to slow down as 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads caused by speeding

The Scottish Government, including the Scottish Safety Camera Programme, is tackling speeding on Scotland’s roads with a new road safety campaign, asking drivers in Edinburgh to slow down to help reduce collisions and casualties.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan launched the campaign at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre in South Queensferry.

With speeding contributing to 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads1, safety cameras play a crucial role in reducing speed and casualties, ultimately saving lives.

Global research shows that camera sites led to 42% less fatal or serious injuries over a four-year period, while fixed camera sites reduced the number of speeders by 70% in the same time period.2

Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of collisions and casualties. In 2022, there were 615 fatalities or casualties on roads in Edinburgh.

Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said: “This is a really important campaign to ensure drivers here in Edinburgh and across the country properly consider their driving behaviour. By slowing down and driving more carefully we can reduce collisions and casualties on our roads.

“All drivers need to respect speed limits and always consider how weather and road conditions can impact their driving. 

“We want Edinburgh to be as safe a city as possible for all road users and pedestrians and this campaign is a good step forward.”

Nearly half (44%) of reported casualties on Scotland’s roads take place on rural roads, however because speeds are higher on these roads, they account for almost three-quarters (74%) of road deaths.3 

Research shows fatal collisions caused by drivers travelling at 65mph could be halved if the drivers slowed down by just 5mph.4

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “No matter how experienced you are as a driver, collisions can happen to anyone, and the consequences could be devastating – for you, for other road users, and for loved ones. 

“We’re urging drivers to consider their driving behaviour and reduce their speed, making our roads safer for everyone.”

There are more than 300 safety camera locations across Scotland, placed where there is evidence of injury collisions and speeding and where they have the greatest potential to reduce casualties.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing, said: “Speeding is always a risk. It only takes a split second to lose control and it only has to happen once.

“A collision affects more than just you and your vehicle – it impacts your family, the victim’s family, emergency services and people who witness it.

“Everyone has to take responsibility to save lives on Scotland’s roads.”

Running across TV, radio and digital channels, the campaign delivers a strong message to drivers – You only have to lose control once. The message is brought to life in a thought-provoking TV ad highlighting the split-second moment before a collision from a driver’s point of view.

For more information about the campaign, go to roadsafety.scot.

Follow Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages for more details.

City of Edinburgh Council slammed for allocating just £50K to upgrade ‘Deathtrap’ Junction

​Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are calling on the City of Edinburgh Council to clarify how the funds allocated for improving the junction of Telford Road, Hillhouse Road, and Strachan Road will enhance pedestrian safety.​

Labelled ‘Deathtrap Junction,’ this is one of the busiest junctions in the capital, yet its pedestrian crossing facilities are woefully inadequate. The complex layout, coupled with fast-moving traffic, makes it dangerous and inaccessible for all pedestrians and nearly impossible to navigate for most blind and partially sighted individuals.​

The pedestrian crossings lack audible signals and revolving cones, with many in need of basic repairs. The limited protective barriers at the junction increase the vulnerability of all pedestrians, while Strachan Road is particularly hazardous, as it has no pedestrian crossing facilities at all despite the constant flow of fast-moving traffic.

The charities, along with local Inverleith Ward Councillors, are concerned that the limited budget allocated for improvements will do nothing to enhance pedestrian safety.​

Caroline Hedley, a Rehabilitation and Mobility Worker with Sight Scotland, expressed her concerns: “While we appreciate the Council’s acknowledgment that the junction needs upgrading, I am left very disappointed by the limited funding being allocated.

“I struggle to see how this will significantly improve safety for pedestrians, especially those with vision impairments. We’re talking about people’s lives here. This is a densely populated area where residents need to cross these roads to reach the only local doctor’s and then again to get to the chemist for prescriptions.

“With schools and a mosque nearby, it’s clear that upgrading this junction is essential, even if it’s costly and causes traffic congestion.

“People’s safety should never be compromised, and I worry that the Council is prioritising traffic flow over pedestrian safety. I have clients living close to this junction and I need to explain to them that it’s just not safe for them to cross on their own, which is unacceptable.”​

Local Inverleith Cllr Hal Osler (Lib Dem) expressed appreciation to Sight Scotland for bringing attention to the well-documented issues at the Farmers junction: “The Council must do better and prioritise projects like this, as providing safe, accessible crossings for the most vulnerable benefits everyone in our society.

“The funding allocated for this upgrade is far too low, and more must be done. While the Council claims to prioritise pedestrians over traffic, their actions don’t reflect this commitment.

“Ensuring that everyone can safely navigate this junction shouldn’t be up for debate—it’s a necessity. It’s great the Sight Scotland campaign has made the Council start listening, but it’s not enough, and once again, the most vulnerable are being overlooked.”​

Fellow local councillor Cllr Max Mitchell (Conservative) adds: “I have been proud to support Sight Scotland’s campaign, and while the inclusion of this junction among the prioritised projects is a step in the right direction, it’s also a clear acknowledgment of the significant safety issues here.

“Although I welcome the funding allocated to address some aspects of Strachan Road, I am deeply concerned that the £40-50k budget will barely make a difference given the numerous dangers across the entire junction.

“People with vision impairments cannot cross this junction safely, and by failing to address these issues adequately, we are once again excluding them from our community. Safety must be our top priority, and it cannot be compromised.”​

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We recognise that a full upgrade of the junction will require more funding in the long term, but immediate interim measures—such as installing tactile paving, cones, audible signals, and light boxes, particularly at Strachan Road—are essential and must be implemented as soon as possible.

“There are blind and partially sighted people in the local area who we support who are currently not able to get about independently because of this junction. It is simply too dangerous to cross. Without basic upgrades, we’re risking people being left housebound.”​

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urging people to join their campaign to push the City of Edinburgh Council to upgrade the crossing at Strachan Road, Hillhouse Road, and Telford Road.

You can support this campaign by writing to your local Councillor and calling for urgent action to fix this dangerous junction.

Follow this link to take action: https://sightscotland.eaction.org.uk/Fix-Deathtrap-Junction.

Police Scotland to offer Rider Refinement courses

A motorcyclist course that gives tips on better riding is now available across the country.

Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, are holding courses to help motorcyclists as part of a holistic approach which also includes educating other drivers to reduce the number of collisions.

Motorcyclist deaths are up 80 per cent (18) this year compared to the same period last year (10).

Rider Refinement East and West is a one-day course, with eight sessions between August 2024 and October 2024 in Glenrothes and Glasgow.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides, observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.


Inspector Ally Johnson, head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “The course is about engaging with motorcyclists and helping them make better decisions to improve their riding.

“This isn’t about taking the fun out of riding a bike. The course is run by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.

“On a daily basis we also speak to other road users and highlight campaigns to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists, especially at corners and junctions.

“The harsh reality is people are dying on Scotland’s roads and we need everyone to play their part to help us improve road safety.

“I would encourage people to come along, speak to us and try the course for yourself.”

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist who hold a full cat A or A2 licence; however, priority will be given to those living in central belt of Scotland.

Police Scotland would like to specifically thank Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre and Motorcycle Law Scotland for their continued support with Rider Refinement East and West.

Rider Refinement originally started in the north in 2018, before extending to the East in 2023 and is now rolled out to the West in 2024.

The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch. Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.

Anyone interested in attending the course can email:

operationriderrefinementeast@scotland.police.uk for courses in Glenrothes, or operationriderrefinementwest@scotland.police.uk for courses in the Glasgow area.

The dates the course will be running are:

East, Glenrothes Police Station
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 28th September
Sunday 20th October

West, Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood
Sunday 11th August
Monday 2nd September
Sunday 15th September
Saturday 5th October
Thursday 17th October

Safety checklist when driving with kids this summer

Parents heading on road trips with their kids during summer holidays are being urged to take extra precautions on the road to help keep everyone safe and avoid fines.

Motoring experts from Quotezone.co.uk are reminding parents of common driving issues when travelling with children.

A person and person standing next to a carDescription automatically generated

Photo credit: Pexels.com

As families prepare for summer holidays, the team at Quotezone have compiled a safety checklist to help parents setting off on road trips 

Some of the most common safety issues involve not using the car seat correctly and not fitting it securely.

It’s important to make sure to use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for the child’s age, height, and weight, while also ensuring it is properly installed and compatible with the vehicle – parents could be hit with a fine of up to £500 and points on their licence if the requirements aren’t up to scratch.

Before heading on a road trip it’s also crucial to make the call on whether or not drivers are too tired – driving in a tired state can hamper drivers’ abilities to concentrate, react and navigate the roads. 

If too tired, drivers need to seek out alternative transport, invite other drivers or delay the trip.

Other common issues include leaving loose items in the car, multitasking behind the wheel and forgetting to turn on the child lock.

Quotezone.co.uk car and travel insurance expert Catherine Boyd said: “The summer holidays can be a particularly stressful time for parents, heading off on holidays, juggling childcare and trying to keep children entertained with various road trips.

“Our list of safety tips will hopefully act as a helpful reminder of key checks that need done within the car before setting off on the next adventure.

“Children can also grow a lot over the holidays so it’s important to double check the safety measures in the car are still appropriate for the child’s age, weight and height – cleaning and refitting them regularly to make sure they are working properly.

“Quite a dangerous example, which maybe isn’t as commonly known, is the effect of keeping loose items in the body of the car itself. During a sudden manoeuvre or incident on the road, these items can become projectiles, injuring passengers, so keeping bottles of water or electronic devices stored safely in specific holders will help reduce the risk of issues.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s top safety tips when driving with children:

  1. Car seat double check

The Highway Code states that children need to be in car seats until they reach the age of 12 or are at least 135 centimetres tall. For babies younger than 15 months, it’s essential to place them in a rear-facing car seat, as this is the safest position for them. It’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s manual for installation or seek professional assistance, and carry out regular checks to make sure the seat is not loose. 

  1. Driving when tired

Fatigue significantly slows reaction times and impairs judgement, which makes it very dangerous to get behind the wheel if you haven’t had enough rest. It’s a difficult but important decision to make if you’re too tired to drive – opting instead for public transport or inviting other drivers on the trip.

  1. Loose items

Whether it’s toys, water bottles, tablets or phones, loose items should be secured in the car to prevent serious injuries in the event of a sudden stop or collision – loose items can increase their weight by up to forty times at just 30mph.  Make sure to store loose items in specialist holders or use the boot or glovebox compartments, place phones in a mount and use drink holders for any beverages.  

  1. Phones

It’s illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, if you need to make calls you need the appropriate hands-free equipment.  If not needed it’s sensible to store your phone in the boot to avoid temptation.

  1.  Child locks

It is important to always activate the child lock when driving with children in the car, children love to press buttons and might accidentally open the car door while the vehicle is moving, it also gives the driver time to open the door when it is safe to do so, avoiding issues when parking on busy roads or car parks.  Failing to activate the child lock can be considered careless driving and may lead to fines and points on your driver’s licence. 

  1. Multitasking

Children’s behaviour in the car can sometimes be demanding, it’s important to try and remain calm and wait for a safe spot to pull over and address the children’s needs or any issues. 

D Mains parents call for council to speed up road safety improvements

An emergency meeting following the death of an Edinburgh school boy in a road traffic accident was held by concerned parents last night (Thursday).

The meeting was called after an Edinburgh child died on 1 March as he cycled to school. On the same day, there was a serious road incident involving a Davidson’s Main Primary School pupil. 

The parents from Davidson’s Mains Primary School organised the meeting to call on the city council to speed up road safety improvements for children coming to and from the school.

The meeting was attended by Scott Arthur, Chair of City of Edinburgh Council Transport and Environment Committee, local Councillor Norman Work and Dave Sinclair, Local Traffic and Road Safety Manager at the council. 

At the meeting, the Council Transport team committed to make small scale improvements as soon as possible.

Parents were told that the current city-wide backlog of road safety plans would take 10 years for the Council to act on and that, in general, cases would only be considered in chronological order.

Kim Pratt, vice chair of the Davidson’s Mains Primary School Parent Council, said: “Parents are deeply concerned that our children are forced to navigate dangerous roads to and from school every day because Edinburgh Council are dragging their feet to improve road safety.

“At the rate that Edinburgh Council is acting, our children are growing up and leaving school before the surrounding roads are made safe. 

“The Council have told us we must have a travel plan before they will act but the process is unclear and bureaucratic. Very few schools in Edinburgh have managed to complete the process. It feels like another excuse for the Council to delay.

“The Council have the power to make our roads safer and they must act faster and more decisively to protect our children travelling to and from school, not just in Davidson’s Mains, but across all of Edinburgh.” 

Felicity Neyme, from the Davidson’s Mains School Road Safety Team said: “As a parent, seeing Edinburgh strive for net zero by 2030 fills me with hope. But that future can’t be achieved without clean air and safe streets for our children. That’s why it is important that Parent Councils collaborate with local leaders. 

“Together, we can work to deliver tangible goals like improved pedestrian crossings and a reduction in car dependency around schools. This is about protecting our kids on their journey to school but it’s also about creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all of Edinburgh, aligned with the city’s inspiring net zero vision.”

Rod Alexander, from the Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes Association said: “The Association is fully supportive of the actions by the Primary School Parent Council to improve safety on the routes to school following the tragic death of a school child at Barnton and the serious accident involving a Davidson’s Mains school pupil on Main Street.

“We are concerned that the planned upgrade to the roundabout and crossings at the west end of Main Street have still not been completed a full seven years after a fatal accident on one of the crossings, and believe that priority should also be given to upgrading the crossing on Main Street at Silverknowes Road.

“We want to work with both schools in our local area to ensure priority is given to these and other projects to improve pupil safety, particularly recognising that children are being encouraged to walk and cycle to school to reduce car use.”

A recent survey conducted by the Parent Council found that 98% of parents responding to the survey thought that road safety for pupils could be improved. 

In June 2019, the Council’s traffic survey showed that the average speed limit on Silverknowes Road East was 28.7 mph, despite being a 20 mph zone.

This is a main route to school for some pupils and there are no crossings. A crossing patrol assistant helps children cross safely at pick up and drop off times but is not present on every school day.

Despite the Council promising to investigate in 2023/24, no improvements have been made.

Drivers warned of German road laws ahead of the Euros

Football fans planning a trip to Germany for the Euros have been warned about major driving laws and regulations. 

Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched the eight crucial driving differences in Germany, so Brits avoid being caught out on the road trip of a lifetime.

Over 2.7 million tickets will be available to the fans of participating teams and the general public, and it is estimated 800,000 British fans could head across the channel for the competition. 

Fans planning to hire a vehicle to make the most of their trip have been warned to research the local driving laws and motoring etiquette.  

Motorists risk penalties such as large fines, penalty points and even driving bans for breaking the law while in Germany. 

Drivers need to be aware of the higher driving age, they must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to drive there legally. 

Greg Wilson, CEO and motoring insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Excitement is building amongst football fans, with an estimated 800,000 Brits planning to travel overseas to watch the tournament. 

“There will be venues over ten of the main regions of Germany, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg.  Many fans will likely want to travel across the country to experience the tournament in the different cities and will be looking to hire a car to make the most of the trip. 

“The tournament will be an incredible experience for football fans worldwide, but anyone choosing to drive while in Germany must be aware of the wide range of driving differences. 

“Roads across Germany have varying speed limits and a high volume of speed cameras, so it’s crucial to stick to the speed limit and approach unfamiliar aspects with caution because travelling just 1km over the limit could result in a fine. 

“Other important motoring rules to understand with the Euros commencing include the strict drink-drive limit which bans anyone under 21 driving with any alcohol in their system.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s six laws you must know before driving in Germany:

1.Driving on the correct side of the road

 In Germany, drivers must remain on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left, a tricky change for Brits, especially if they’ve driven over in their own right-hand drive vehicle.  

2.Road signs 

German maximum speed limit signs are identical to those in the UK, the only difference being the limits are given in kilometres per hour rather than miles per hour. In extreme cases, ignoring road signs can lead to imprisonment. German roads also have a minimum speed limit – marked by blue round signs with the minimum speed displayed in white font.

 3.Legal driving age 

The legal driving age in Germany is slightly older than the UK at 18. Drivers need to check their itinerary beforehand as many countries have a different minimum driving age.  In Germany, visitors must also be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive.  It’s also sensible to check the age and requirements of hiring a car per country as there are variations in the restrictions.

4.Honking your horn 

In Germany, drivers can only honk their horns if they or someone else is in immediate danger. Unnecessary or incorrect use of a horn can result in a fine, so visitors must avoid beeping their horns to celebrate football wins. 

5.Be aware of speed limits

The German traffic code has strict regulations and high fines for drivers who exceed the speed limit, and they have plenty of speed cameras to monitor the roads. As a general rule of thumb, Germany has a speed limit of 50 km/h within built-up areas and 100 km/h outside built-up areas which is 31 and 62 mph respectively.

6.Drinking limits

Like most countries drunk driving is a traffic violation and will be seen as a criminal offence. However in Germany, the general limit for motorists is 0.5 % but drivers under 21 or with a new licence are not allowed any alcohol. Fines go from €500 to €1500.**

Quotezone.co.uk helps travellers find savings using travel insurance comparison, covering all sorts of travel insurance quotes such as European travel and backpacker travel insurance

E-Bikes: Nine charged in Leith road safety crackdown

Nine people have been charged in connection with road traffic offences in Leith during a day of action to target illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.

Officers visited the Leith Walk area on Friday, 10 May, 2024 following concerns from local residents.

Six riders were charged in connection with road traffic offences relating to the illegal use of the electric bikes and scooters resulting in their vehicles being seized.

Three drivers were charged in connection with using mobile phones while driving.

Constable Allan MacDonald, Leith Community Policing Team, said: “The safety of all road users is a priority for us and we’ll continue to tackle illegal, dangerous acts which put others at risk.

“Unregistered electric scooters and non-compliant electric bikes should not be used on public paths or roads. They can only be used on private land with the owner’s permission. They are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are subject to the same legal requirements as any other motor vehicle, meaning that they must be insured and drivers must have a valid driving licence.

“Anyone purchasing an e-scooter or e-bike should be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place.”

Hay fever suffering drivers at risk this bank holiday weekend

Drivers are at risk of an unlimited fine and driving ban for taking over-the-counter hay fever medication

Spring allergies have arrived weeks early in the UK, and the first pollen warning of 2024 has already been issued.

Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK, with reports that 10 million people in England alone suffer from pollen allergies. 

Symptoms of hay fever, which include anything from itchy eyes and a runny nose to sneezing and headaches, are usually treated with antihistamines.

However, many motorists are unaware that a normal dose of the tablets can impair driving abilities, causing drowsiness, reduced reaction times, decreased coordination and judgement as well as blurred vision.

The laws surrounding drug driving mean taking over-the-counter medication to treat summer allergies could land drivers with serious charges. 

In the UK, the law doesn’t distinguish between drug driving caused by illicit drugs, over-the-counter or prescribed medication. 

This means that if hay fever medication affects driving ability, it could lead to drug driving convictions.

The penalties for drug driving are severe, even if the driver has innocently taken drowsy-prone hay fever medication.

If convicted, motorists could receive a one-year driving ban, unlimited fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. 

Additionally, for 11 years afterwards, drivers found guilty will have the conviction displayed on their licences. 

The NHS strongly advises those who take medications prone to drowsiness – such as chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine – avoid driving.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “It may be hard to believe taking your hay fever tablets could land you a criminal conviction, which is why we wanted to issue an urgent warning to those who suffer with seasonal allergies.

“If you are one of the millions of Brits who suffer from hay fever, it is imperative you check the side effects of any medicines you are taking.  

“Blurred vision, slow reaction times and drowsiness behind the wheel can all cause serious issues on the roads, putting yourself and other road users in serious danger.

“Driving in an impaired state under the influence is a very serious matter, meaning the penalties for doing so can be life-changing.

“We’re urging drivers who suffer from summer allergies to check the details of their medication to avoid potentially serious charges.  Any medication that says do not operate heavy machinery includes the use of a car, so drivers need to be on the lookout for such warnings and read all instructions carefully.  If in doubt, ask the pharmacist and err on the side of caution.”

Five driving tips for hay fever sufferers

1.Keep your car as pollen-free as possible – clean your car regularly to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, changing the pollen filters in your car’s ventilation system when necessary and try to keep windows closed. 

2.Plan your journeys – check the Met Office Pollen warnings or download the weather app, which gives a 5-day forecast, for high pollen counts – if your symptoms are particularly bad try additional travel options or ask someone else to drive, don’t take the risk.

3.Check your medication – antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with your doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label – the warning, ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is commonly found and applies to cars, forklifts and any other heavy machinery.

4.Get stocked up – keep your car stocked with fresh tissues, hay fever medicine, a bottle of water, eye drops, anything used to ease the symptoms, should they strike unexpectedly.

5.Drive safely – be extra careful on the roads, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start to play up.  If you don’t feel well or the pollen count is too high, play it safe and don’t take non-urgent journeys.

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