Brits among most law abiding and sensible drivers in Europe

As Christmas approaches and the party season gets underway, new research from AXA shows British drivers are less likely to jump behind the wheel while under the influence and are generally more law abiding and safety conscious than almost all its European neighbours.

In its annual survey of driver behaviour among ten European countries, AXA found that British drivers are among the most conscientious in Europe. The research covered eleven different driving behaviours, many that are governed by legal requirements as well as some general courteous or sensible driving habits.

Overall rankings for safe driving based on eleven behaviours
1 Ireland
2 Great Britain
3 Spain
4 Switzerland
5 Italy
5 Belgium
7 France
8 Germany
9 Portugal
10 Luxembourg

Other highlights from the research showed:

4% of British drivers admit to driving while under the influence of alcohol against a European average of 21% and a massive 40% in Luxembourg. Only the Irish come in lower at 3%

Brits are also the least likely to:
drive without a seatbelt – 9% versus an average of 17%. A huge 37% of Italians go unstrapped
use a mobile phone while driving – 12% versus an average of 30%. In Luxembourg, Italy and Portugal, 38% of drivers are still ‘talk and drive’

When it comes to speeding, jumping lights and overtaking on a solid white line, Brits fall below the average rates across Europe

In all but two areas, British drivers performed above the average, however, when it comes to driving for more than two hours without a break and overtaking on the ‘wrong’ side of the motorway it seems we could learn something from some of our European neighbours. Only motorists in Luxembourg and Germany are more likely to drive for long periods without breaks and the Belgians and Portuguese are the only nations to be ‘undertaking’ more often than British drivers.

Chris Voller, Head of Motor Claims at AXA said: “These findings reveal British drivers are generally pretty safe behind the wheel and it is especially pleasing to see, in the run up to Christmas, such a low level of drink driving. It goes against the image of the binge drinking Brit and we are delighted to see that, at least when it comes to driving, we show some abstinence. For the small percentage of people who do drink and drive, they should be aware that once they start driving again, having a conviction will seriously affect their chances of getting cover – and as it is illegal to drive without it, it makes sense not to put yourself in that position in the first place.

“We appreciate that deterrents across Europe do vary and this may have a positive bearing on some of the behaviours – in particular Great Britain has a large number of speed cameras. But it is good to see Brits score so well not just on legal requirements but on behaviours that are simply a matter of safe driving such as tailgating.”

Brits are probably amoung the most law abiding & sensible drivers in Europe due to the driving lessons and driving test they have to go through. Driving instructors must qualify with the DSA to become Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs). Driving instructors will have passed 3 tests to ensure they meet the standards required. Once qualified all driving instructors should display a GREEN licence in their car window. (If they display a PINK licence it is because they are NOT fully qualified).

Driving instructors in Bedford have a huge knowledge about learning to drive & driving lessons. You are advised to contact a driving school in Bedford to learn to drive. Some driving instructors even give ‘refresher lessons’ to those that may lack confidence having passed their driving test.

Posted in Bedford, Driving, Driving Instructors, Driving Lessons, Driving Schools, Road Safety | No Comments »

Pat Driver Training in Bedford registers on Bedford-Driving-Schools.co.uk

Pat Driver Training, a driving instructor in Bedford, registered her details on www.bedford-driving-schools.co.uk.

Pat Driver Training is a driving school in Bedford offering driving lessons & driving instructor training.

Bedford driving lessons are in a Vauxhall Corsa (manual) and are from £21.00 per hour (based on block booking 10 hours).

To book driving lessons in Bedford with the Pat Driver Training driving school please call – Patricia on : 07890 690372.

Pat Driver Training offer a female driving instructor in Bedford & the surrounding areas.

The driving school in Bedford, Pat Driver Training, are available 7 days a week and give driving lessons in Bedford for : 1, 1.5 or 2 hours.

You can visit the Pat Driver Training driving school website : www.patdrivertraining.co.uk

Posted in Bedford, Driving Instructors, Driving Lessons, Driving Schools, New Driving School or Instructor | No Comments »

Would you pass your driving test again?

Posted in Driving, Driving Lessons, Driving Tests, Road Safety | No Comments »

The day Jenson Button passed his driving test

Jenson Button talked endlessly about becoming F1 champion – even before he passed his driving test.

The Grand Prix king’s old driving instructor says he spoke of nothing else, despite the fact he ended up failing his first test for driving too close to a parked car.

Roger Brunt, 63 – who is an old motor racing colleague of Button’s dad John – revealed: “I remember thinking at the time it was a long shot, but Jenson did it. I am so very pleased for him.

“All he talked about was being the world champion, his dreams have come true. He has achieved the ultimate driver’s award.”

Roger, who still runs his own driving school, taught Jenson near the 29-year-old’s home in Frome, Somerset, and recalls him having “efficient and slick driving for someone so young”.

He added: “Jenson had been driving go-karts and motorbikes since he was very young and I knew about his ambition from his father.

“I’d seen him pick up trophies down the years. To be honest, his dedication slowed his progress (for a driving test) as he was flying all over the world racing and it was hard to fit in lessons.

“He had a natural feeling for a car, honed by years of practice, but was just unlucky on his first test.

“I am so proud to have had him as one of my pupils and am thinking of having it painted down the side of my Vauxhall Corsa that I was the driver who taught him.”

And Roger wasn’t the only one who Jenson shared his dreams with.

Pe teacher Elaine Kinnie, who taught the “well behaved, popular and hard-working student” 20 years ago, revealed: “My favourite memory was a school assembly we had on the pupils’ hopes and dreams. I remember Jenson at 10 years old stood on the stage with his go-kart and in his racing gear. He proudly said, ‘One day I’ll be F1 champion.’ He knew exactly what he wanted.”

Jenson was already on the road to success by then, having joined Clay Pigeon Kart Club, in Evershot, Dorset, when he was eight.

Chairman Mike Wellington said: “He won in his first year as a cadet and quickly went on to win British and European championships.

“I’m sure when he first sat in a kart he never thought he’d achieve world champion, it was a dream and good on him for doing it.

“We are very proud of our association with him from his earliest days of racing. He still recognises that he started his career here.”

In Jenson’s hometown locals have already named a pub after the star – the Frome Flyer. And local mayor Damon Hooton added: “We can give him honorary freedom of the town.

“As the Frome Flyer, he has put the town on the map. We just hope he will come back to Frome to celebrate.”

From : Daily Mirror website

Posted in Driving, Driving Lessons, Driving Tests | No Comments »

Toyota iQ – not suitable for the driving test

DSA has carried out a risk assessment on the Toyota iQ, and due to the lack of all round vision it has been decided, with immediate affect, that it is unsuitable for driving tests.

The vast majority of hatchbacks, saloons and estate cars are suitable for driving tests; but increasingly the designers of cars are producing models with sweeping lines. These vehicles have good forward vision but large blind spots to the rear, which present examiners with problems of observation.

Vehicles supplied by motor manufacturers have been through the type approval process, but this focuses on vehicles from the driver’s point of view and, does not necessarily make the vehicle suitable for driving tests.

Vehicles for test must allow examiners all round vision so they can see approaching vehicles, particularly when the vehicle is at an angle to others during reversing manoeuvres and when emerging at a junction with the vehicle at an angle to the major road.

If you want to learn to drive in Bedford in a particular car – you can search for a car on the website www.bedford-driving-schools.co.uk

From : DSA website

Posted in Bedford, Driving, Driving Instructors, Driving Lessons, Driving Schools, Driving Tests, Road Safety | No Comments »

Scheme will monitor young people’s driving safety

AN ELECTRONIC ‘spy-in-the-car’ could save lives and money for young drivers.

Drivers aged between 17 and 21 are being invited to take part in a pilot road safety scheme being launched to help them improve their driving skills and increase road safety.

The scheme, funded by the Cheshire Safer Roads Partnership, involves fitting a small sensor to a vehicle’s dashboard for 12 months.

The device is capable of measuring up to 120 different hazardous driving manoeuvres and transmits the data to a secure website where the drivers and their parents or guardians can review how they are driving using a simple traffic light system – good driving shows in green, bad in amber and red.

The sensor also alerts drivers when they perform a hazardous manoeuvre. For example, an LED flashes red or amber if a driver brakes hard into a bend.

The more green lights a driver obtains, the bigger the rewards, such as possible reductions in car insurance premiums and the opportunity to earn High Street shopping vouchers worth up to £156.

A dedicated advanced driving instructor will coach the driver during the programme, providing follow-up mentoring on how to improve their driving and discuss the errors that may have been made and how to avoid them in the future.

Statistics show that: Nearly 40 per cent of those killed or seriously injured on Cheshire’s roads are aged between 17-25.

One in five drivers will have a crash within 12 months of passing their test.

One in three men will have a collision within the first two years of passing their test.

Sarah Collins, senior road safety officer at Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) said: “By regularly reviewing and assessing driving patterns and behaviours with their families and road safety trainers, young drivers can learn how to develop their driving skills and confidence, and reduce dangerous and inappropriate behaviour.”

CWAC is releasing a limited number of places on the scheme, which will be subsidised by the Cheshire Safer Roads Partnership.

Anyone interested should contact the road safety unit on 01244 976713 or email roadsafety@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk for an application form and further information.

Drivers must be between 17 and 21 years old and live in the Cheshire West and Chester area to qualify.

From : Norwich Guardian

Posted in Car Insurance, Driving, Driving Instructors, Driving Lessons, Road Safety | No Comments »

Making younger drivers safer

You’re never too young to learn to drive, according to Mercedes-Benz World. Its academy aims to cut accidents involving the most vulnerable road users.

My views on driving are directly opposed to those of my children. They want to get behind the wheel of a car at the first opportunity; I don’t want to attend their funerals.

This isn’t just helicopter parenting. I shove them on to public transport and bully them into going to the park unaccompanied. But driving is different, because the statistics are blood-chilling.

Even Anthony Hamilton, Formula One world champion Lewis’s proud father, admits to terror when his son passed his test. “The first time your child leaves the driveway and turns into the road, that’s when the fear comes in,” he says.

As well it might. One in five new drivers has a crash within six months of passing the test, according to Brake, the road safety charity. A further 70 per cent report near misses. In 2006, 300 newly qualified drivers and their passengers were killed and 10 times as many were seriously injured – not to mention the casualties among those they plough into.

The figures are scary enough to make me grateful for the prohibitive £2,000 it would cost me to insure my extremely sensible 17-year-old daughter to drive my tiny electric car, which has a top speed of 40mph. So what on earth am I doing watching my 10-year-old son, George, driving around a circuit? This is no kart track. He’s in a proper car – a Mercedes-Benz A-class – and going horribly fast…

When I next dare look up, I see that the lunatic adult sitting next to my boy is now encouraging him to put his foot down. Then he’s screeching to a sudden stop. Now he’s whirling around in a terrifying skid. And I’m paying £80 an hour for this Driving Experience, which is open to anyone more than 1.5 metres tall. I must be both completely mad and/or awash with money.

Not so, argues Mika Hatakka, a Finnish psychologist and key player in many EU projects designed to improve (make safer) the training of drivers. “The UK is one of the safest countries in Europe to drive,” he says. “Your death rate is the lowest after Malta, the Netherlands and Sweden. But one of the black spots is still 17-year-old drivers. It’s not a problem just for the UK – everywhere the youngest drivers are the most at risk.”

It seems perverse to imagine that the solution is to start children driving at an even younger age, but those behind the Driving Academy at Mercedes-Benz World, near Weybridge in Surrey, argue that this is the case. In the past two years they have given 15,000 lessons to under-17s, some as young as my son. Max Jukes, 12, has had several lessons and loved it. “No one at school could believe I had driven a real car,” he says.

Max’s mother, Jane, believes the lessons have done wonders for his confidence. “You don’t have to be academic or sporty to learn to drive. I treat his lessons like my daughters’ piano lessons. At least I am spending money on a useful skill,” she says.

Jane maintains she’s not just an indulgent parent. Having experienced the pain of knowing a young person who died in an accident, she’s drawn to the Academy’s claim that early training saves lives. The argument is that young drivers are top of the risk table for two reasons: they lack driving experience and they are immature show-offs. Starting lessons at an earlier age gives them more experience before they take their test; it also takes the edge off their idiocy.

“The Swedes,” Hatakka says, “reduced the age at which people could start driving by a year, giving them 18 months to practise before taking the test at 18. The average number of hours they had spent behind the wheel before passing rose from 50 to 120 – and the accident rate dropped by 40 per cent.”

That’s a lot fewer poignant bunches of wilting flowers at the roadside. If 16-year-olds are going to clock up more hours before being let loose on the roads, they will have to do so off-road, in places such as the old Brooklands circuit where the Driving Academy (which teaches pre- and post-licence skills) is based.

The restriction turns out to be an advantage: the learner doesn’t have to deal with other drivers and, off-road, it’s possible to experience speed, skids and emergency stops that learners on the road can’t try before taking the test. “If you know how to control a vehicle before going on the road,” Hatakka says, “when you go into traffic you are less stressed because there is less pressure on the information processing capacity.”

No doubt it is a good thing to have mastered gearchanging before dealing with the vagaries of other drivers, but it still seems extravagant to start a child on driving lessons years before he or she is within sniffing distance of the test. Not so, according to Andrew Catlin, an instructor at the Driving Academy. He has now stopped teaching skid control to my son, and although the experience doesn’t seem to have thrilled him quite as much as his grinning student, his nerves don’t appear to be shattered.

“The funny thing about teaching younger people,” he says, “is that every time an instructor takes a 13-year-old out for the first time, the verdict is: ‘The child is a genius.’ Driving is like learning a musical instrument – the earlier you start the better. Those who learn before the age of 15 or 16 not only learn fast, they are still open to instruction and are respectful.”

Maybe, but it’s expensive. “They don’t forget what they have learned and will need fewer lessons aged 17,” he points out. “It could even work out cheaper for the parent as insurance companies are considering giving a year’s no-claims bonus to young people who have completed our course because it covers many more skills than are needed to pass the driving test.”

Kart racing, of course, can be less expensive and more widely available. Won’t that suffice as a means of acquiring road sense and getting the urge to speed out of the system? Catlin shakes his head. “Karting is about racing. It’s like playing a live video-game. In fact, it’s the opposite of proper driving instruction where you learn precise control, parking and manoeuvring through obstacles,” he says.

The Driving Academy plans to start similar courses for young drivers at off-road facilities all over the country. But, at present, there are precious few opportunities for the under-17s to get behind the wheel for real, despite a number of driving simulators. The British School of Motoring runs courses in 79 locations, the minimum age being 15. An alternative way to make new drivers safer (and reduce insurance premiums) is to enrol those who have passed the test on a Pass Plus course before letting them loose; the BSM, AA and the Institute of Advanced Motorists all run them.

Other precautions would include insisting on a new driver not carrying passengers during the first few months: the crash rate is five times higher when the new driver has the distraction of two or more passengers, according to research in the United States. Even without drink or drugs – obvious no-nos – the risk of a crash is higher when a driver is tired, so night driving is a bad idea, at least to begin with.

But, take heart. Each hour’s experience and near-miss helps. A month after setting out on the roads, the risk of a new driver being involved in an accident is half what it was on that first day. And it keeps on dropping.

* www.mbdrivingacademy.com; 0870 400 4000.

From : Telegraph website

Bedford-Driving-Schools.co.uk allows driving instructors in Bedford and driving schools in Bedford to list their details for free. People wanting to starting Bedford driving lessons can then find their ‘perfect’ driving instructor or driving school in Bedford.

Many driving schools in Bedford such as Txt-Drive (www.Txt-Drive.co.uk) offer the Pass Plus course to new drivers. It develops existing driving skills and teaches new driving skills e.g. motorway driving, all weather driving, night driving etc. The cost of the Pass Plus course in Bedford will usually be covered by the savings made on the reduced car insurance premium.

Posted in Car Insurance, Driving, Driving Lessons, Driving Schools, Pass Plus, Road Safety | No Comments »

Call to make over-70s retake driving test

DRIVING instructors in Swindon are calling for a change in the law to make resitting your driving test compulsory for people over 70 years of age.

Currently there is nothing which requires pensioners to sit their driving test again, even though some people won’t have sat a test in the first place since the exam was only introduced in 1935.

However, some driving instructors are now saying veteran drivers should be made to resit their test, since pensioners often lack awareness of the road rules and are slower to react behind the wheel.

Brendan Whitiskie, of B3 Motoring School, in Rodbourne, said: “Most pensioners do not understand what the road signs are.

“I find I have to explain things a lot slower to them before they grasp the idea.

“It is not that they are bad drivers but they are certainly not the best.

“They are very cautious about what they are doing and get confused really easily.”

Mr Whitiskie believes that everyone, irrespective of age, should have to retake their test every five years because road signs and driving rules are constantly changing.

He said people lose their quality of driving too easily once they pass.

Jeffrey Syed, of Safedrive Motoring School, agreed there was a need to make older people resit their test.

“It would be a great idea to make people over 70 sit another test,” he said.

“A lot of them do not know the rules and regulations. I do not doubt their experience on the road, but their reaction time is a lot slower and we need to assess if they are still capable of being on the road safely.

“There is a risk older people are too set in their ways and not able to adapt to how rules have changed.

However, one instructor believes a refresher course would be sufficient, rather than making older drivers sit a test again.

Richard Griffin, also of Safedrive, said: “So many things have changed since they learned to drive.

“The volume of traffic has increased massively and the Roads“>roads are more complicated.

“It is in everybody’s interest they sit a refresher course and get back up to speed. But making them take their test again is a step too far.”

At present, a driving licence must be renewed at the age of 70 and every three years from then on.

This does not involve re-sitting the driving test, but filling out a form.

There are currently three million licence holders in the UK over the age of 70. It is expected this will rise to 4.5 million by 2014.

But Margaret Hall, 73, of Wolsely Avenue, Park South, has been driving for 52 years.

She said there would be no need for her to resit her test.

“I’m more than capable of still being a good driver despite my age,” she said.

“My grandson took his theory test last week and I would probably fail that now.

“But nothing can beat experience on the road. I have plenty of that.

“If they want me to resit my test then fine, because I would pass it I think. I’m a safe driver and haven’t got those shaky hands just yet.”

From : This Is Wiltshire

Driving schools in Bedford offer driving lessons and refresher courses to anyone who feels that they may need some advice or help with driving in Bedford. Driving instructors in Bedford are fully qualified (ADIs) or partly qualified (PDIs). You may want refresher driving lessons in Bedford to deal with motorways, parking or reversing or just driving in general.

Posted in Bedford, Driving, Driving Instructors, Driving Lessons, Driving Schools, Road Safety | 2 Comments »

Samoa in 6am swap from driving on right to left

Samoa yesterday became the first country ever to switch from driving on the right to the left.

From 6am the South Pacific island nation changed lanes – as locals marked the historic event by honking their horns. The government had already announced a two-day public holiday to reduce the number of initial road users.

And alcohol sales were banned for three days to prevent accidents.

The switch comes so Samoa no longer has to pay the high price of importing left-hand drive cars all the way from Europe and America.

It will be able to bring right-hand vehicles in from Australia and New Zealand, which is much closer to home. Despite predictions of traffic chaos, the changeover went smoothly with no accidents reported in the first hours.

In the capital Apia there were cheers and applause as traffic moved through the streets, watched by policemen at checkpoints.

However angry locals blocked roads for several hours in one village in protest. And a group called People Against Switching Sides failed in a last-minute legal attempt to halt the change.

The last countries to swap sides, going left to right, were Nigeria, Ghana and Yemen in the 70s.

LEFT:

About 76 countries, many former British colonies. They include Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Guyana, Suriname, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.

RIGHT:

Driving on the right is the norm in the United States, Canada, the rest of Europe and about 161 other countries ranging from Afghanistan to Zaire. In China everyone drives on the right – apart from people in Hong Kong and Macau.

History really is on Britain’s side

We drive on the left because our road regulations were originally based on horse transport. Horses historically kept to the left. Some claim it was to allow riders to have their sword hand closest to an approaching enemy.

But it is more likely to be that riders traditionally mount and dismount from the left. Travelling on the right hand side of the road would have forced a rider to dismount into the path of oncoming horses and carriages.

The first legal reference in Britain to an order for traffic to remain on the left was in 1756 on London Bridge.

Napoleon, above, spearheaded the continental move towards riding on the right – possibly because he was left-handed.

This idea might be feasible in a small country like Samoa and could have some benefits.

But converting our roads to make motorists drive on the right rather than the left would be a massive, complex and dangerous process.

It would be a logistical nightmare with every road sign, roundabout and junction having to change. Speed cameras would have to be swapped round. The costs would be huge.

From : Mirror website

Posted in Bedford, Road Safety | No Comments »

Driving lessons

You might think you’re the world’s canniest driver, but do you motor about with a sound knowledge of your fuel consumption and carbon emissions?

Learning to drive in an energy-efficient way helps the environment and makes financial sense, whether your “wheels” constitute a massive off-roader or an eco-friendly runaround. Smart driving techniques are also safer and reduce the wear and tear on your car.

1 No warm-up required
Who hasn’t turned on the car’s engine before getting in on a cold winter’s morning, just to warm it up? It’s worth remembering modern cars are designed to set off straight away, so warming your engine is needless and wastes fuel. It also causes engine wear – as does keeping the engine running when you’re stationary. If you’re stuck in traffic it’s best to turn your engine off completely as most modern cars are designed to use virtually no extra fuel to re-start.

2 Check your revs
Being an energy-efficient driver means being an attentive driver – so keep an eye on your revs. Change gear before your rev counter hits 2,500 rpm in a petrol car, or 2,000 rpm in a diesel.

3 Slow down and keep it smooth
The golden rule of energy-efficient driving is to stick to the national speed limit. You use 25% more fuel driving at 85mph than 70mph, so take it down a notch. Driving smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and braking, also saves fuel and is a safer way to drive.

4 Considerate cooling
As air conditioning can significantly increase your car’s fuel consumption, try to reduce its use as much as possible. At slow speeds, it’s better to drive with the windows rolled down.

5 Off with the rack
When it’s not in use, remove your roof rack, bike carrier or roof box. The air resistance caused by roof accessories tampers with your car’s aerodynamics and elevates fuel consumption. And clear your boot out too – carrying additional weight reduces your miles per gallon.

6 Share it out
Starting a car pool at work, or your child’s school, saves money for all concerned. It’s also a good way of introducing kids to the benefits of being eco-aware as they’ll enjoy the ride to school with their mates in tow.

7 Service time
Regular services enhance your car’s safety and lets you monitor how efficiently your car is performing. Check tyre pressure regularly too; driving on soft tyres increases fuel consumption and tyre wear.

8 Make plans
Plan your journey well ahead, using other forms of transport for short trips if you can. Avoiding congestion and road works also saves fuel – and your temper may be less frayed, to boot.

9 Calculate your MPG
Driving efficiency is measured by your miles per gallon (MPG). You can link to an easy MPG calculator at
guardian.co.uk/ford-econetic. The calculator lets you compare a variety of different makes and models to see which scores more highly for both MPG and CO2 emissions.

10 Contemplate a new car
If it’s time to replace your old gas-guzzler for something with better eco-credentials, you may still be able to take advantage of the UK Scrappage Scheme, a £2,000 discount against a brand new car or van (3.5 tonnes limit). You can find out more at ford.co.uk/scrappageincentive

If you’re in the market for a new car, and are looking to prioritise both cost efficiency and environmental impact, investigate the new Ford ECOnetic range. ECOnetic is a new approach to the way Ford makes its cars, based on the philosophy that it’s possible to have fuel-efficient cars that don’t compromise on driving experience.

The range – which has been developed using clever refinements, rather than relying on different fuels or expensive batteries and bolt-ons – includes the new Fiesta ECOnetic, Focus ECOnetic, Mondeo ECOnetic and new Transit ECOnetic. The MPG figures are outstanding and the CO2 emissions are some of the lowest of any manufacturer. For information, visit fordeconetic.co.uk.

Bedford driving schools and driving instructors in Bedford can offer Eco-Safe driving lessons to drivers wanting to improve their driving. Search for Bedford driving instructors of driving schools in Bedford on www.Bedford-Driving-Schools.co.uk

Posted in Driving, Driving Lessons, Driving Schools, Eco-Driving | No Comments »