Crash Barriers to change?

The IAM is calling the government to redesign crash barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly. While crash barriers have saved the lives of thousands of drivers, hitting a crash barrier is a factor in eight to sixteen per cent of rider deaths.

When they hit a crash barrier, riders are 15 times more likely to be killed than car occupants. In a crash, barrier support posts can worsen injuries by five times.

Most UK crash barriers are designed to protect car drivers and passengers when a car hits a barrier; it will redirect a car away from a hazard and slow it down over a short distance. The car, seat belts and air bags help to minimise injury. For motorcyclists, hitting a crash barrier can mean serious injury or even death as the rider's body takes the full impact.

Writing in the summer issue of the IAM members' magazine Advanced Driving, IAM chairman Alistair Cheyne OBE said: "Roads in general and crash barriers in particular are largely designed with four or more wheels in mind. The needs of more vulnerable motorcyclists must become a priority.

"Britain leads the world on road safety, but lags behind on this issue. Existing standards and guidelines for road infrastructure – and barriers in particular – must be changed so they take proper account of motorcyclists."

Surge in caravanners this summer?

Oh joy – there could be 20% more caravanners on the road this summer, as we all look for cheaper holidays.

This coming weekend is the busiest for people going on holiday, and research by Nissan suggests one in five "towers" will be doing it for the first time. Slightly worryingly, four out of ten of those surveyed and who tow caravans, trailers or boats, admit that they have never had training on how to do so safely.

One of the biggest areas of concern is drivers' lack of knowledge on the towing capabilities of their vehicle, resulting in drivers buying and renting caravans their car doesn't have the sufficient power and torque to tow.

Speaking on the research findings Tim Shallcross, Head of Technical Policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "The results of the Nissan research highlight a key knowledge gap in towing legislation and safety guidelines. We encourage new and experienced 'towers' to ensure they are correctly informed as to their vehicle's towing capabilities and to follow essential safety guidelines which can be found on the Nissan website."

In response to the research findings Nissan has launched a complimentary guide to towing, available at all Nissan dealerships nationwide. A number of free towing courses will also be hosted across the UK. Customers purchasing a Nissan X-Trail or Pathfinder between July 1st and September 30th are entitled to a free towing course, and members of The Caravan Club are being offered 16% discount on its X-Trail and Pathfinder models.

Five key towing tips as recommended by Nissan and the Institute of Advanced Motorists are:

• Check you are legally allowed to tow. Requirements differ according to when your licence was issued.
• Know your towing limit as well as the maximum braked and unbraked towing weights. This can be found in your vehicle handbook
• Know your limits. Speed is limited to 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways (unless otherwise stated)
• Allow more time and space for accelerating and braking, given the extra weight
• When approaching an incline select a lower gear in good time. Going uphill this provides extra power. Going down this reduces the strain on your vehicle's brakes

Beware car criminals targeting Brits on holiday

 

A new type of crime is growing in Spain, and Brits are the prime targets. The criminals have been called the new highway robbers, as they work by getting British drivers to stop and get out of their cars, so they can steal belongings from their car.

So how are they doing it, and how can you protect yourself?

The British embassy in Spain issued a warning to British tourists. It says the hotspot for this kind of crime is the AP7 stretch of motorway - which runs between the French border and the Alicante region of Spain. So far there have been 140 cases reported to British consulates. That's an increase of about 10% on the same time last year.

"We are warning drivers of UK-registered cars and hire cars to be on the alert on motorways in Spain, both while driving and taking a break", says Dave Thomas, Consular Regional Director for Spain. "Be on your guard against anyone who attempts to stop you or ask you for help – they may well be part of a gang operating a scam in which an unseen accomplice will rob you of your things."

 

They find British tourists in a number of ways. They may target those with British licence plates, or branded hire cars. Alternatively, they will look out for those with expensive luggage or computer bags at the airport and tail them until they hit the motorway.

They use a number of techniques to get Brits to stop. These include making a loud bang to alarm the driver and make them pull over - at which stage one gang member pulls over offering help and another takes the chance to steal your belongings. Sometimes they fake a breakdown and wait for tourists to stop - at which point they are robbed.

Alternatively they may puncture your tyre while you are at a service station, and then offer to help. While you are distracted they then steal your bags and valuables.

The embassy highlighted the case of Stephen and Helen Robinson from Leicestershire, who were between Barcelona and Valencia when they stopped at a service area to exercise their dog. Both were at the boot of the car when they were distracted by a man apparently on the phone, asking them how to say something in English. Meanwhile their bag was taken from the front, despite the dog being inside.

"It was quick and slick", says Mrs Robinson. "Remember that on the second day of driving down from the UK, you may be more tired and therefore more vulnerable. Separate your valuables into different places in the car, and when you stop, be aware you may be being watched. You won't see the accomplice of the person who is distracting you."

In another robbery, Joy and Alan Horton from Suffolk were aware of a vehicle close to them on the motorway, then heard a loud bang and pulled over. The other car stopped in front of them and while the driver talked animatedly to them, his passenger accomplice grabbed their belongings unseen.

"Keep all jackets, bags and valuables in a locked boot and not on the back seat where they can be seen", says Mr Horton. "If you think your car may have been in a collision and you pull over, lock the car as soon as you get out and mount a guard on both sides of the vehicle."

These are not new scams, but an intensification of activity has led to growing unease at the British Embassy. As a result it has issued advice on staying safe. It's tips include never leaving any valuables on display (adding that most insurance policies won't cover stolen belongings from cars if they have been left on display).

They also say it's important to be extra careful in car hire collection points, service stations, and rest areas. If you have broken down or stopped because of a problem with the car, they say you should call your breakdown service. If you or other passengers leave the car, you must wear a reflective jacket. You must also display red warning triangles in front of and behind your vehicle.

Finally the advice says: "Be wary of other drivers stopping to help you or people presenting themselves as police officers. It is rare that police will arrive without being called, and traffic police are always in uniform. If you're not sure if someone is a police officer, call 112 to confirm their identity

MP's report on road safety: more training and more action needed

The Transport Select Committee of MPs has criticised the government after the first increase in road deaths for nearly a decade.

1,901 people were killed on Britain's roads last year, which is 51 more than the year before and is the first increase since 2003. Road accidents are the main reason for deaths among the 16-to-24-year-old age group.

The committee calls for action to improve the safety of young drivers and cyclists and to improve the design of roads. Safety bodies have given a cautious welcome to the report, and insist that more needs to be done.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists said the report correctly highlights the potentially lethal combination of reducing investment in road safety while scrapping casualty targets. However, it says. "We would like to see more suggestions on how to bring the worst councils up to the level of the best. It's simply not fair that people are much more likely to die in a road accident in some areas than they are in others."

The Driving Instructors Association also said more needed to be done to educate young drivers. Chief examiner Mike Frisby says: "The transport committee is right to highlight the issue of young drivers, because the system is clearly not working. Road safety education in the UK seems to start and end with the Green Cross Code, and 17 is far too late to start it again."

Genius! Fiat fits in car espresso maker to 500

The next version of the Fiat 500, the 500L due in 2013, will have an optional built-in espresso maker developed with Lavazza.

The clever little gadget uses capsules, as per George Clooney's rival coffee brand, but modified slightly to make it more ergonomic to use in the car. We particularly like the little speedometer-style temperature gauge – useless, but sooo cute. The "coffee experience" kit will also include a spoon holder, pod holder and sugar holder. It is a fantastically neat installation, with no visible cables – the machine clips directly into the power source between the seats.




If you can't afford a Maserati (or indeed the £32,000 Fiat 500 Maserati edition), this gadget has to be the best way to impress on four wheels. In fact we can think of a few people who would be more impressed by the coffee maker than the supercar.

Other features of the 500L which are so 2013 include a new generation UConnect infotainment system. This uses a five-inch colour touchscreen to access all main functions, from the DAB radio to iPod and smartphone. There is also an audio system designed in conjunction with Dr. Dre with two 165 mm mid-woofer speakers, two 38 mm tweeters, two 165 mm diameter full-range speakers, a 165 mm diameter subwoofer in reflex box, and an eight channel amplifier.

What will the 500L be like to drive? Who cares - enjoy the audio system with a good coffee. Driving enjoyment is so last century, it seems

Halfords to offer driving tests

"That will be £2.99 for the L-plates – and would you like a driving test as well?" The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has selected Halfords as a preferred partner to provide venues for driving tests.

Testing from partner premises is expected to start from the autumn, for practical car tests. Other types of practical tests and theory test centres will not be affected. Partners will allow the use of their premises at no cost to the DSA. Tests will still be conducted by DSA examiners.

Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said: "It is vital that public services are as open and accessible as possible. This initiative is a great example of how working with partners in the public and private sectors can help to ensure that we offer people the best possible service wherever they live.

David Wild, Halfords CEO, said: "We want to help motorists wherever we can, so we look forward to working in partnership with the DSA to provide a first class service for drivers taking their tests."

The scheme focuses on 21 locations, centred around 5 different areas across the country:
• Glasgow
• Kettering
• Manchester
• Watford
• Worcestershire

It is certainly a novel way to address the issue of customer satisfaction. Halfords was recently slated as the worst place for customer service, and given that the overall driving test pass rate is only 42%, there could be another reason for lots of people to be negative about the Halfords brand

Car Insurance costs soar

We all know it is happening, but now we have statistical proof.

The Institute And Faculty Of Actuaries has reported that in 2011 there was an 11% drop in the number of accidents – yet an increase of 18% in the number of personal injury claims. The report described the increase as "staggering".

It put the cost of the additional personal injury claims at £400 million – and every penny of that is going to find its way into next year's insurance claims. Interestingly, the report found claim rates are higher in areas in which many claims management companies operate. These "claims clusters" include Liverpool, Oldham, Wigan and Manchester. Either people in the north-west have particularly fragile necks, or local claims management companies are farming their local neighbourhoods for clients and passing the bills on to us.

Quoted in The Sun newspaper, the Actuaries' chairman, David Brown, said: "The increase in costs to insurers is likely to result in a rise in motor insurance premiums for drivers.

"The clear correlation between claims management office locations and the 'hotspots' for bodily injury claims suggests the two are interlinked. We expect to see legislation coming soon which will affect the way these companies do business."

In January, MPs on the Transport Committee blamed rising costs on a surge in dubious whiplash claims.

They recommended that whiplash claimants should be forced to justify their claims and that the whole insurance industry stop its "sharp practices" - such as selling information about customers' accidents to solicitors and claims management firms

Lenient sentences for dangerous drivers

The average sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is just four years – 62 per cent shorter than for manslaughter, according to road safety charity the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

The average sentence length of manslaughter is 6.6 years. Those sentenced to prison for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving are given an average sentence of 1.3 years. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs has an average sentence of 4.35 years.

Fifty-three per cent of those convicted of causing death or bodily harm through driving offences were sentenced to immediate custody (260 people) in 2012. This has dropped from the 83 per cent sentenced to immediate custody in 2001.

Fines for drink driving are also lower in real terms than they were ten years ago. In 2001 the average fine for drink driving was £203 – the average £240 fine in 2011 was equivalent to just £178 in 2001 prices – a 12.3 per cent decrease3.

The average fine for careless driving is £138, 27 per cent less in real terms than it was in 2001. Dangerous driving is the only area with tougher fines. The average fine is £518 – 30 per cent more in real terms than in 2001.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "We recently discovered that the number of prosecutions for motoring offences have fallen. Now it is clear that drivers are also receiving short sentences for some of the most serious driving offences.

"Magistrates are handing out fines for drink driving that are less than five per cent of the maximum amount possible, giving the message that drink driving only warrants a slap on the wrist. Only sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crime will act as a proper deterrent"

Another MKG success story from Gerald Clark

Terry Friday asked me to contact you to let you know I have passed my test today  Yippeee!

 

I will be at the August meeting and I would like to talk to someone about volunteering as a trainee observer.

 

I have found the course extremely helpful, and hopefully I have managed to shed some of the bad habits I managed to pick up over the years. Terry has given me plenty more to think about, and I appreciate that. All the observers I met have been excellent with their advice and tact, and I can't praise the Institute highly enough.

 

If you ever feel you could use a Town Crier for promotion of the

Institute I would be more than happy to oblige.

 

Best wishes, see you next month,

Gez Clark.