A recent report by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) focuses on Legionnaires Disease Risk for Drivers and a simple step to reduce that risk.

The Guardian newspaper and the BBC, among others have reported on the HPA’s findings following their recent research.

The HPA’s finding show that using Screen Wash in the Windscreen Washer Reservoir of vehicles, as directed by the Screenwash manufacturers, can dramatically reduce the risk of Legionnaires Disease being contracted.

Some of the media reports can be found here and here

We hope that sharing this important information proves useful for people. It certainly appears, from the HPA’s research, that this simple step can greatly reduce the risk of falling ill with an ailment that none of us would wish to contract.

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

Results of the Christmas crackdown on drink driving show that drink and drug driving is still a problem, despite hard hitting advertising and increased enforcement activity. Provisional figures show that 430 people were killed in drink-drive accidents in Britain in 2008.

Source:  www.rospa.com

Figures published by the Association of Chief Police Officers, show 223,423 drivers were breath tested during the month-long blitz “ a rise of 21.82 per cent on the previous year.

Although only three per cent of all drivers breath tested were over the limit, the percentage rose to four per cent for drivers under the age of 25 and to seven per cent for drivers involved in an accident.

Commenting on these figures, RoadSafe advisory panel member Kevin Clinton of RoSPA said: “The Christmas figures once again show action is needed to change the behaviour of a stubborn minority who continue to drink and drive despite years of education and enforcement campaigns”

RoSPA has for many years called for a reduction in the legal alcohol limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

Sir Peter North will advise UK Ministers on the merit of specific proposals for changes to the legislative regime for drink and drug driving, reporting by the end of March 2010.
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The European Commission has adopted its first Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Alcohol Strategy of 2006. This includes an overview of drink driving related activities taking in EU level action on legislation and project support from the transport and health perspective.

The ETSC Drink Driving Monitor brings news from across the EU of steps to further improve drink driving legislation and the seasonal campaigns linked to increased drink driving enforcement.

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

This is to remind any motorists who may have forgotten that the Law requires us all to keep our vehicle windows and windsreens, lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates clean and clear.

The consequences of not doing so clearly increases risk exposure, such as rear end collision risk, from the driver of the vehicle following not seeing obscured brake lights and indicators.  An all too common and avoidable crash in the Present weather conditions.

So as well as allowing extra time and space and using the vehicle controls smoothly in normal driving, remember to grab the old bucket and sponge, or similar, between journeys and use them on the external parts that assist your vehicle in being visible to others.

Supporting information can be found here and here in the relevant sections of the highway code.

 

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

 

Hampshire County Councils Village 30 project, is an ongoing community scheme to reduce speed.

Source:   http://www.roadsafe.com/

Revised Department for Transport (DfT) guidance (Setting Local Speed Limits DfT Circular 01/2006) makes it clear that ‘villages should have comparable speed limits to similar roads in urban areas’ meaning that a 30mph limit should be the norm in villages.

Community evidence was required and many residents outlined reasons including the strength of feeling expressed for reduced limits, particular dangers that exist for the village due to the nature of the road, their fears and concerns as a community.

A Choose 30 high profile publicity campaign has been created to support the programme.

The only real indicator of its’ effectiveness at this stage has been speed monitoring, initial results show there has been a 9% reduction in mean speeds. A study by the Transport Research Laboratory shows that for every 1 mph reduction in average speed there will be a 5% reduction in injury accidents.

Ultimately Hampshire’s drivers are likely to live in villages which are part of the scheme, and over time with education and publicity they’ll understand and enjoy the benefits of reduced limits on roads that were once faster, and drive accordingly boosting the success of Village 30.

 

 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 worryingly high number of company car drivers may be driving illegally and risking serious injury after a survey by TyreSafe, a partner to the Driving for Better Business campaign.

Source:  www.roadsafe.com

It found that an alarming 25% of company car drivers had never checked the depth of their tyre tread and a further 41% had not checked them within the last six months.

Both companies and employees have responsibility for tyre safety on fleet vehicles and those not making the necessary checks face fines and other penalties.

“As part of their health and safety obligations, companies should make sure that drivers understand their own individual responsibility towards tyre checks,” said Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman.

“Company car drivers typically cover around 20,000 miles per year, almost double that of private motorists so it is particularly important that they pay attention to their tyres.

Our 20p lifesaver here is a really quick and simple way of seeing if your tyres have enough tread to be safe and legal. By performing these checks just once a month, we believe the number of work-related accidents and cost to UK businesses can be dramatically reduced.”

Current UK law states that tread on car tyres must be a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread, around its entire circumference. Drivers found in breach of this law face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

Company car drivers accumulating enough points may have their licences withdrawn, and therefore face the prospect of losing their job as well.

 

BADDIA wish to further remind drivers that other research shows that vehicles are at much greater risk of aquaplaning when tyre tread depth wears down to 3mm.  The rate of tyre wear also accelerates from this point in a tyre’s life cycle.

 

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

 

 

Guidance from BADDIA now available.

The BADDIA web site now includes a new piece of work containing guidance for drivers, by giving an example of how this roundabout can be negotiated, following changes to the layout and road markings made by the highways authority.

The scenario decribed is where drivers would be heading west on the A421, leaving the A421 via the slip road then negotiating the Cardington roundabout with the intention of heading toward Bedford on the A603.  It can be found here on the BADDIA home page under the heading:

Having trouble with the 
Cardington roundabout?

BADDIA members felt this would be a useful contribution for all drivers, at all the various stages of their driving development, to be able to refer to; particularly given the confusion that multiple lane spiral roundabouts can sometimes create even for the most experienced.

Clearly the skills of effective all round observation and forward planning, taking account of the the road and traffic conditions road signs and markings, are key ingredients for success in this type of situation.

BADDIA make this information available for guidance only, on the understanding that the reader must ensure it is used sensibly and safely.  Since they have no control over how this information is used BADDIA and its members make this article available on the condition that they can accept no liability for actual events.

 

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

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

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.

 Picture from Open Road website

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 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.”

Source: This is Wiltshire 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