The issue of driver licencing requirements when towing a trailer is an issue that can cause confusion for motorists.

The Driving Standards Agency reminder points to information here

A key point is the change in driving entitlements that came into effect for drivers who passed their tests from early 1997 onward.

Some BADDIA members offer specialist trailer towing training for those wishing to take the B+E test.  Relevant information can be found 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

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

Major road safety milestone as driving test clocks up 75 years of success

The British driving test marks three-quarters of a century of helping keep people safe on the road when it turns 75 on Tuesday 1 June.

The first car and driving licences were introduced in Britain in 1903. But it was not until 1 June 1935 – amid rising numbers of deaths as the popularity of the car increased – that a compulsory driving test was introduced.

The first driver to pass was Mr J Beene and within a year, the number of deaths on the road had fallen by 1,000.

In 1934, 7,343 people were killed on the roads and there were 1.5 million cars. The latest figures show there were 2,538 deaths on the roads in 2008 when there were around 34 million cars.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: “The driving test is not just a rite of passage, it has helped save thousands of lives on our roads.

“The test and the learning needed to pass it are a vital part of giving drivers the skills they need to drive efficiently and safely.

“High standards of driver training and assessment are an essential contribution to helping Britain’s roads remain among the safest in the world.”

Trevor Wedge, Chief Driving Examiner at the Driving Standards Agency, said: “The driving test still retains some of the original elements included in 1935, such as turning in the road and reversing, but it is updated regularly. We continue to make sure that the test properly prepares drivers for the demands of modern roads.

“This year will see the introduction of independent driving into the test, to help candidates demonstrate their ability to drive without step-by-step instruction. We believe that this added element will lead to better and safer drivers.”

Facts and figures:

• the test became compulsory on 1 June 1935, after being introduced on a voluntary basis on 16 March the same year
•  the test was suspended during World War II and the Suez Crisis – examiners were put in charge of fuel rationing instead until 1975, candidates still had to demonstrate hand signals
• the theory test was introduced in July 1996

Drving Instructors in Bedford would like to wish the Driving Test a Happy 75th Birthday!

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

 

 

18 year-old Scott Brooks has become the third and final winner of the Coventry and Warwickshire Young Driver of the Year competition, and has won a Peugeot 107 for his efforts.

Source:  www.carkeys.co.uk

As in previous years, the competition has been organised by Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) and the Institute of Advanced Motorists, and sponsored by Peugeot, whose UK base is in Coventry. Fifty drivers were short-listed, from hundreds of entrants, and asked to attend a driving day at MIRA’s test facility which involved a theory test, an assessed drive and car control activities.

The top twelve were asked back for a further day of challenges at MIRA, and Scott – who recently passed the IAM’s advanced driving test – was judged to be the winner.

“I’m so pleased I entered the competition,” he said afterwards. “I’ve won a fabulous brand new Peugeot 107, had a lot of fun on the driving days and got some really useful advice and feedback on my driving from the MIRA and IAM instructors. It’s been a great experience.

“I’d recommend all drivers to take some form of further or advanced driver training. I don’t think you are ever too young or too old to learn more and become a safer and better driver.”

 

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

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

IN A CAR PARK, do you reverse into a parking space and drive out, or drive in and reverse out?.

 Picture from IAM website

The next time you are in a car park, have a look around and see how many people reverse into the space. You will probably find that most people actually drive in and reverse out. There is no doubt this may be safer/more convenient if the spaces are angled, when you have to load/unload items from the boot or if it would cause inconvenience to other road users.

On the other hand, reversing into the space provides you with several advantages. The first of these is that it is safer to reverse into somewhere you can see into (the parking space), rather than reverse out, into somewhere you can’t (the line of moving traffic). Many people find that it takes them a few minutes to settle into “driving mode” when they start their journey. Therefore it doesn’t make sense to undertake a potentially high risk manoeuvre such as reversing when you are not concentrating fully. It is also easier to control a car going forwards, rather than backwards when the car is first started and the automatic choke is activated. The reduction in wear and tear on you and the car is useful too – plus the fact you can pull away immediately while the engine is cold, rather than labour it doing a reversing manoeuvre.

From a security point of view, reversing close to an object such as a wall can make it more difficult for thieves to access your boot. If you need to exit a parking space quickly for personal security, driving out provides you with better acceleration and improved vision.

Over the next week why don’t you try reversing into a parking space? You may find it helpful if you have electric mirrors, to lower your left (nearside) mirror as this will provide you with a guide to your lateral position. Another option where all the spaces run in parallel rows is to line your car up with the space in front and reverse back in a straight line. This should automatically position you in the centre of the space.

Source: The IAM Newsletter and website

If you always find it hard reversing into a space, why not have a refresher lesson with a local approved driving instructor who is a BADDIA member?  You can find one on this website who will show you how to reverse with accuracy!  Just click on your nearest town for a list of members.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCIDENT sites along the M1 will soon be hidden by giant screens to prevent passing motorists becoming distracted.

 Pictures from Nothing To Do With Arbroath website

DRIVING for pleasure and/or for work is the highest risk activity that most people are exposed to.

  Logos from RoSPA

Better Driving Courses are run by many RoADAR Groups around the country to assist members of the public to gain a sound theoretical understanding of advanced or defensive driving skills which, if applied consistently, would enable them to be safer drivers and less likely to be involved in road accidents.

 

By running Better Driving Courses, Groups hope that at least some of those attending the courses will then be stimulated to join the Group and undertake practical training (which is provided free to Associate Members) in preparation for the RoADAR Advanced Driving Test.

 

The topics covered by the course will include:

Observation and anticipation                                 Overtaking safely

Driver attitude                                                       Coping with adverse conditions

Hazard identification                                             Motorway driving

The system of car control                                      Night driving

Vehicle balance & use of main controls                 Accidents and breakdown

Dealing with corners & bends                                Personal safety for women drivers

Correct positioning                                                Drive commentaries

Effective signalling                                                 Assessment drives

 

On the final Sunday morning before the end of the course there will be an opportunity to have an ‘assessment drive’, where a member of the Group accompanies you on a 20 – 30 minute drive in your own vehicle and offers you an assessment of your driving against advanced standards.  After your drive you will be given a demonstration drive by one of us over the same route.

 

The next course being run by the Bedford Group will take place on six consecutive Wednesday evenings, 8.00pm – 9.30pm, commencing on 9th September 2009 at facilities kindly made available by St. John Ambulance in Bedford.    The course fee is £25 payable in advance.

 

Enquiries to Stan Jones on 01234 782071.

Source: RoSPA Bedford website and Newsletter

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