DRIVERS have been urged to watch their speed limit while going through roadworks to ensure the safety of workers.

The Highways Agency has urged drivers to slow down in roadworks to protect workers

The Highways Agency said limits must be observed to prevent accidents and injuries.

Eleven roadworkers were killed, and 104 injured while working on roads in England between 2003 and 2008, according to the Agency.

Derek Turner, Director for Network Operations, said drivers should respect the job done by roadworkers, who carried out their duty in a “dangerous environment”.

He said: “Driving through half a mile of roadworks at 70mph takes just 10 seconds less than at 50mph – 10 seconds which can put lives at risk.”

Mr Turner added that cones, barriers, signs and speed restrictions were put in place “for a reason”.

In a bid to improve safety measures, the Highways Agency has invested £80,000 in two mobile training vehicles, which allow other employers to keep workers up to date with safety information.

Source: Rac News website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

THE PROPOSAL that candidates should be required to take an observer with

them on their practical car driving test from October 2010 has generated a

great deal of debate.

DSA has received comments from a variety of

stakeholders and has met with the ADI Consultative Groups and the Public

and Commercial Services Union (PCS). We have listened carefully to all the

views expressed. We remain convinced that an observer sitting in on test will

enhance the learning process, which, in turn, will provide road safety benefits.

We recognise, however, that there are valid reasons why an approach based

on education and incentivisation might be preferable to mandating through

regulation at this stage.

will ask all candidates if they would like their driving instructor (or another

observer, such as a parent, guardian or friend who has taught the candidate

to drive) to sit in on their test. The examiner will then ask the candidate if they

would like their instructor be present for the test result and de-brief. This will

allow candidates to take advantage of the opportunities available to support

their ongoing learning and development, but will leave the final decision with

them.

From the feedback received on this issue we also recognise that a full review

of the minimum test vehicle (MTV) for Cat B tests should be carried out.

However, a mandatory change to the MTV would be a long process and we

want you to work with us on this. In the meantime, we will seek to develop a

set of guidelines to help to deal with the health and safety issues raised by

some of the vehicles now in use. This will ensure that we can continue to

maintain the integrity of the test through quality assurance and check testing.

We want to work in partnership with the driver training profession to help

candidates get the most from their training and from their practical test

experience. We want candidates to understand that driving instructors and

driving examiners are professional experts working together to help them to

be safe and responsible drivers with the overall aim of improving road safety.

We hope that you will work with us to support and promote this approach by,

encouraging your members to always:

 

•

 

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learning and development

 

 

Source: Smart Driving website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE THEME of Road Safety Week 2009 organised by Brake, the road safety charity.

 Road Safety Week, 23-29 November 2009

You can choose to run a Road Safety Week event promoting any road safety issue relevant to you and your community. However, every year Brake chooses a theme we particularly promote to the media, using research, case studies and media launches. We choose topics that are the biggest killers on our roads. The theme for 2009’s Road Safety Week is:

Not a drop, Not a drag – Stay Sober, Save Lives

Given that there have been so many awareness-raising campaigns about the dangers of drink driving, it is a scandal that some people still drink and drive, both after drinking and also the morning after drinking, and the deaths continue. It is equally scandalous that some drivers drive after taking illegal drugs. Illegal drugs can stay in your system for weeks or even months – it just isn’t possible to have driving and illegal drugs in your life at the same time.

In Road Safety Week 09, Brake is calling on all drivers to commit to not drink even a drop of alcohol before driving, nor take even a drag on a joint or any other illegal drug. We are also calling on communities to inform the police of known drunk and drugged drivers and help save a life.

CLICK HERE for facts and figures about this theme.

CLICK HERE for information for driving instructors.

Source: Brake website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

MEN with long ring fingers are more likely to drive too fast, overtake on dangerous roads and park illegally, according to new research.

 

The left hand of a BADDIA driving instructor who wishes to remain anonymous!

The study suggests bad driving may be programmed from birth because finger length is directly associated with exposure to the hormone testosterone in the womb.

Numerous studies have shown that a long wedding ring finger compared to the index finger in men can have a powerful effect on health and behaviour.

Research suggests it is linked with increased male aggression and risk-taking.
But it also means men are better at sports such as athletics and football, more likely to succeed in the cut-throat world of high finance and may even be more fertile than those with shorter ring fingers.

Scientists believe exposure to greater levels of testosterone in the womb affects the way the brain works later in life.

The hormone appears to promote more masculine behaviour. But it also seems to activate growth of the wedding ring finger by stimulating testosterone receptors in bone.

In the latest study, researchers at the University of Mainz, in Germany, recruited 77 male drivers at an average age of 38.

Each volunteer had their left hand scanned to measure the difference in length between the ring and index fingers.

They then had to provide details of all driving offences within the previous five years.
Just over a third of the drivers reported having penalty points on their licences, ranging from one to 20, for offences ranging from speeding to drink driving.

The results, published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, showed men with longer ring fingers were more likely to have offended.

In a report on their findings the researchers said: ‘A longer ring finger than index finger was related to more traffic violations.  ‘Hormone exposure in the womb might increase traffic violations in later life.’ But the results do not necessarily mean women are better drivers.

Research carried out in 2005 at the University of Giessen, also in Germany, found low testosterone levels in women drivers, who tend to have shorter ring fingers, affected their spatial skills, such as map reading and ability to park properly.

Source: Mail Online website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

Campaign materials for Octobers tyre safety month, which will focus on tread depth and will encourage drivers to check and replace any illegal tyres on their vehicle, are now available.

The campaign, backed by RoadSafe, will use the theme of a ‘life saver in your pocket’ and will give motorists advice on how to check to see if their tyres may be illegal, by using a 20p coin.

 

“Tyre safety month provides the entire garage and tyre industry with a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of tyre safety,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe and a RoadSafe partner.

“There are still far too many accidents and fatalities in the UK that occur as a result of illegal or unsafe tyres. By taking part in this month of concentrated activity, garages, tyre dealers and other organisations can help spread this vital safety message and help reduce the number of casualties and accidents on our roads.”

Current UK law stipulates that tyres on passenger cars must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its whole circumference. As well as significantly increasing the likelihood of being involved in an accident, drivers who flout these laws face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

As well as working with garages and tyre retailers, TyreSafe will be working closely with other organisations such as the Highways Agency, insurers and breakdown organisations to help spread tyre safety messages to their own staff, customers and stakeholders.

More detail on how to carry out this check, which we recommend you read, is available here and

Further information is available at www.tyresafe.org or by calling 0845 301 6852

Source:  Roadsafe Web site and TyreSafe Web site

 

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

AN ECOlogical driving test, establishing a motorist’s fuel ECOnomy and crash avoidance skills, was recently launched in the UK.

This is the first-ever ‘cash-saving at the wheel’ qualification and toughest ever test of vehicle control for experienced car and van drivers.

Privately developed and operated – with a major insurer’s blessing and closely watched by Whitehall – it is set to become an employment qualification.

The voluntary 90-minute test provides a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Only truly safe-defensive environmentally-friendly drivers will pass.

Costing £160 the Eco-Advanced Driving Test includes every type of road situation to prove a driver:

• CUTS fuel consumption to at least 15% below his/her vehicle’s official average

• REDUCES damage incident risks and vehicle wear-tear by up to 60%

• MERITS maximum vehicle insurance discount

Setting a new 21st century level of advanced driving, the test is targeting over 20m UK business / vocational car-van drivers – and their employers. For Eco-qualified drivers will be an employers’ attraction to minimise business vehicle running costs. Already a major supermarket chain is ‘keenly interested’ and quickly many employers could demand that their work drivers be Eco Certified.

The £160 test cost ‘will be amortised in weeks to then be permanently profitable for all successful candidates’, say test creators the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (HQ Stafford, Staffs) and Driver Education Research Foundation (DERF – Croydon, Surrey).

Professor Peter Russell, DERF Director, adds: “Successful candidates will be the top 10% of Britain’s business drivers. The test could spread abroad.”

Source: Smart Driving website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

A short educational film made by gwent police in conjunction with members of the local community is being viewed all over the world.

The film contains a very powerful message about the unacceptable risks created , for themselves and others, by drivers who continue to use mobile phones whilst driving a moving vehicle.

We would urge anybody who still considers it acceptable behaviour to use a mobile phone when in control of a moving vehicle to view this film.

People who do not use a mobile phone whilst driving or riding because they have understood the risks involved, particularly those who may already have been affected by an actual tragedy like the one shown, may not wish to view the film due to the very real nature of the scenes depicted.

The film can be viewed at  http://www.gwent.police.uk/leadnews.php?a=2172 

The Independent newspaper also ran a piece on this film in their 4th September issue of the paper.  Their article can be viewed here:

 

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

THE GOVERNMENT has recently launched a campaign against drug driving, here is a shortened version from their website.

This shows the effects of drugs like cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy on the eye

It is an offence to drive whilst unfit through drugs. Many people think that if they drive under the influence of drugs a vehicle search and a potential charge of possession is all they have to be worried about.

The law states that is illegal to operate a motor vehicle whilst unfit through drugs.

DO DRUGS IMPAIR YOUR DRIVING?

Taking drugs will impair driving skills. Driving whilst under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect driving in numerous ways.

Drug drivers can suffer from slower reaction times, erratic and aggressive behaviour, an inability to concentrate properly, nausea, hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia, tremors (or ‘the shakes’) dizziness and fatigue. In such a condition, it is a bad idea to be behind the wheel of a car, for the driver and their passengers.

CAN THE POLICE SPOT A DRUG DRIVER?

The police are on the look out now more than ever and aside from just the erratic driving behaviour, know all the signs to spot a drug driver.

Even if someone is pulled over for a reason such as a broken rear light, the police have every right to assess their capability to drive and if required, may make them undergo a Field Impairment Assessment.

“People need to be aware that police officers are easily able to recognise and identify the signs of drug impairment in drivers. If an officer stops a motor vehicle they will take into account the way it is being driven, and the appearance and behaviour of the driver will be examined for the obvious tell tale signs of drug use.”

CAN THE POLICE TEST FOR DRUGS?

Drug drivers may think that just because they pass a test for alcohol they will be off the hook. This is not the case because the police can also prosecute a driver who is unfit through drugs and there are various ways they can detect and prove the offence.

One specific test the police may use is the Field Impairment Assessment. It can be administered by trained officers at the roadside and is based on an observation of impairment, rather than a biological test. Police use five field impairment tests which are simple to complete if the person is not affected by any substance – but difficult if they are.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU GET CAUGHT?

The consequences of a drug drive conviction are devastating and far reaching. The penalties are the same as for drink driving.

They will receive:

Furthermore:

• There will be a specific record on the driving licence for eleven years that details a conviction for drug driving
• If the driver is convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, they will receive a prison sentence of up to fourteen years
• If they drive for work their employer will see the conviction when they have to produce their licence
• Car insurance will increase significantly
• Any drug-related conviction may mean encountering difficulties getting permission to enter countries such as the USA

WHAT ABOUT LEGAL DRUGS?

Prescription or over the counter medicines should always be taken properly. Advice about this is provided on the packaging and in the patient information leaflet supplied and packed in with the medicine. Advice can also be obtained from whoever has prescribed the medicine, or from the pharmacist who dispenses it.

Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines can have an effect on the skills needed to drive safely. These effects include drowsiness, impaired judgement and a lack of self-confidence. These effects can be more profound if medicine is not taken properly – for example, if doses are varied or medicine is taken at the wrong time or too frequently. The effects can be short term and temporary, so it should be possible to avoid any risk of driving unsafely.

Source: The Government Think Drug Drive website

Visit the website for more information and VIDEOS

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

Case-study style questions are being Introduced into the Driving Theory Test from 28th September 2009.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) are introducing this change as one of the early initiatives emerging from their Learning to Drive Consultation, the results of which were published earlier this year.

The DSA have stated that the Theory Test will remain in its present two part form of 50 multiple choice quesions followed by the Hazard Perception test.

The Case Study will be included in the multiple choice element of the theory test.  The Case study will ask five questions, some multiple choice, some multiple response, based around a single scenario that the learner drivers and riders may well encounter when driving on the road.

The purpose of the Case study questions is to help bring the theory to life for novice drivers and riders.  It will be introduced into the Theory test for Learner car drivers and the Theory test for Learner motorcycle and moped riders.

The time allowed, the pass marks and the cost of the theory test remain unchanged at this time.

As part of the same initiative the DSA have also announced that they are aiming to introduce an abridged version of the theory test at the same time.

The aim is that students who have successfully completed the voluntary ‘Pre-Driver Qualification in Safe Road use’, introduced in January 2009 by the DSA and currently available in 10 locations in England and Scotland, will be eligable to take an abridged version of the Theory Test.

Further information is available, on this and other planned changes to the Driver Training and Testing process, at the Driving Standards Agency web site.

 

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area