There are now more than seven million drivers over the age of 65 on the UK’s roads, according to road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). The number of drivers over 65 reached 7,191,192 in November 2013.
Goodyear Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) published the findings of a new research project it undertook with the European Driving Schools Association (EFA) on 27 November. Alongside the research, Goodyear EMEA published a Road Safety White Paper – “Driving Safety First: Improving Road Safety For Novice Drivers”. The White Paper was introduced and discussed at a panel debate of the European Transport Safety Council in Brussels today.
From April next year UK driving test candidates will no longer be able to use foreign language voiceovers and interpreters on test. The move, announced today by Road Safety Minister Robert Goodwill, follows a public consultation.
The most dangerous drink drivers will now have to pass a medical before they are allowed back on the roads under a change in the law announced by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond. The changes, which come into force from 1 June 2013, mean that High Risk Offenders will need to pass a medical confirming they are no longer alcohol dependent at the end of their disqualification and before they start driving.
The number of drivers over the age of 80 in the UK has now topped one million according to information obtained by the Institute of Advanced Motorists following a freedom of information request to the DVLA at the end of January.
At the start of February it was announced that Pirelli Tyre Ltd has joined up as a sponsor for the ‘Young Driver’ training initiative, also sponsored by Seat and Admiral Insurance. At the time, managing director Dominic Sandivasci commented “we’re delighted to be able to demonstrate our commitment to improving road safety through our involvement in the Young Driver initiative. The Pirelli name is synonymous with the high performance and safety characteristics of its products, and as part of our extensive corporate social responsibility programme we are keen to support organisations that share our goal of making the road a safer place.”
If you are reading this in India, the opportunity to be more than an “armchair rally driver” beckons. Apollo Tyres, in collaboration with the National Geographic Channel, is producing a seven episode driving adventure series in which motorists throughout the subcontinent have the chance to participate. The programme is titled “Apollo Flight of the Hawkz”, a name that takes its cues from the tyremaker’s Hawkz 4×4 tyre range. Indian nationals over the age of 18 that hold a valid driving licence can register their interest online at www.msnindia.com/natgeohawkz.
If your idea of ‘proper’ transport involves acres of chrome, a displacement measured in cubic inches and plenty of cylinders, then Santa Pod Raceway UK reckons you’ll love the Wheels USA show, held at the circuit between May 1 and 4. For an entire weekend, the Northamptonshire countryside will echo to the blissful sound of big block Hemis and flathead Fords as the cream of the UK’s American car (or should we say automobile?) fleet and their enthusiastic owners descend on the venue for a weekend of racing, dancing, and enjoyment. And although it’s a Yank-tank lovers paradise, the event is open to all genres of custom, classic and retro cars – and even motorcycles. So if you can’t afford a couple of tonnes of Detroit Iron, there’s no need to borrow or peculate the cash: Santa Pod says you’ll be made very welcome, regardless of whether you show up in a Chevy – or a Chevette.
An opportunity for tyre outlets offering a mobile fitting and repair service beckons. According to Elizabeth Dainton, research development manager for the Royal Automobile Club Foundation, car use contributes significantly to wellbeing in old age, and the number of older drivers on our roads is set to mushroom during the next decade.
Last year, Kwik-Fit Fleet carried out more than 220,000 vehicle inspections – up from 188,000 in 2006 – and this year the company expects its mobile technicians to undertake more than 250,000 tyre safety checks in company car parks or at a driver’s location of choice.
Initial tyre checks result in about 25 per cent of vehicles inspected requiring attention, usually tyres being replaced because they are illegal. Extrapolated across the UK’s three million-strong company car and approximately one million van parc it means that up to 800,000 vehicles could be running on at least one unsafe tyre.
With wild weather forecast for the UK this week, both TyreSafe and independent tyre fitting network ProTyre have urged motorists to pay special attention to their tyres. “The latest findings from our retail tyre centres and confirmed by TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, have revealed that almost a quarter of cars on the road are driving on defective tyres which presents a major risk as standing water builds up on the roads significantly reducing levels of grip and increasing the risk of skidding and the chance of an accident,“ commented Phil Brookes of ProTyre. He added “It is therefore imperative that drivers spend a few minutes checking their tyres before setting off on their journey. It could make all the difference.”
Workplace safety is increasingly a high profile issue, and this is no less the case for professional drivers and those using company or fleet owned vehicles. Kwik-Fit Fleet reports carrying out more than 220,000 vehicle inspections during 2007, a total markedly up from the previous year’s 188,000. To cope with a growing demand to ensure at-work driver safety, Kwik-Fit Fleet is preparing to add an additional 30 units to its mobile fleet this year.
It is likely that the April 6 introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act will place added pressure upon businesses to comply with workplace health and safety legislation. Thus this year the company expects even stronger demand for its mobile service, and anticipates its mobile technicians to undertake more than 250,000 tyre safety checks in company car parks or at a driver’s location of choice.
ATS Euromaster has introduced an innovative “Safe2Drive” scheme for all employees who drive while at work. The move is designed to ensure 4,000 employees will have their driving skills individually assessed and, where necessary, improved to ensure they become more advanced and safer drivers technically, practically and behaviourally.
Concerned at the risk of its employees being involved in road incidents while behind the wheel on business, ATS Euromaster recruited DriveTech (UK) Limited, a company that specialises in reducing occupational road risk and improving driving standards. DriveTech’s role is to define and deliver assessment and training to ensure ATS Euromaster employees can minimise the risk of collisions and other incidents happening.
A survey of fleet decision makers and company car drivers, carried out by Kwik-Fit Fleet, has revealed a lack of basic maintenance among car drivers. The survey questioned 183 company car drivers nationwide and found that one third checked their tyre pressures and tread depths only quarterly, while 21 per cent never undertook checks. 45 per cent checked tread and pressures monthly.
Rather than just admire new car models on exhibitors’ stands, visitors to the Sunday Times Motor Show Live (May 27 to June 6 2004 in Birmingham) will be able to put them to the test on a specially-designed outdoor circuit. The course simulates city driving, with tight turns and junctions, and drivers will be accompanied by a co-driver to answer questions and give advice. To take part in the free Taster Test Drive, visitors need to show a current driving licence when booking their slot. Latest vehicles from the following seven manufacturers will be available to drive: Daihatsu, Honda, Hyundai, MG Rover, Nissan, Subaru and Vauxhall.
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