A new qualification for MOT testers and managers is being introduced to help improve the skills of those who work in the MOT testing industry. Each year around 42 million car MOT tests are carried out. While the vast majority are conducted to the correct standard, errors can and have occurred. The new qualification and training regime is intended to improve standards and consistency across the … [Read more...]
Education: Road Safety
Global safety standards will be better and cheaper
Global agreements on vehicle safety by individual countries could save billions of dollars for businesses and help motorists as well, say ACEA. Divergent auto safety regulations in the United States and the European Union drive up costs by as much as $2.3 billion annually on a bilateral basis, according to a new Center for Automotive Research (CAR) study, entitled ‘Potential Cost Savings and … [Read more...]
Buyers put safety in the back seat
Co-op Insurance revealed that the safety is not on the shopping list for the majority of car buyers across the UK, with only 4% placing it at the top of their criteria. However, despite this over three quarters (77%) of drivers are calling on the motor industry to be more proactive when it comes to highlighting both new and used vehicle safety features. The research has revealed that whilst … [Read more...]
Litter louts are biggest bugbear for drivers
More than one quarter of drivers (28%) think that people throwing rubbish out the window is the most annoying habit in the summer, according to a new AA Populus poll of 21,877 members. Only 17% of 18-24 year olds thought throwing rubbish out the window is annoying which suggests they might throw rubbish out the window themselves. One third (32%) of 45-54 year olds think throwing rubbish out … [Read more...]
RAC & MPs voice motoring concerns
A new Prime Minister and changes to the Cabinet could mean a change of motoring priorities. Motorists have in recent years benefitted from a prolonged fuel duty freeze and a focus on upgrading the strategic road network. But what motorists need in this era of uncertainty is clarity that the Government will continue to be on their side. This means helping motorists, businesses and the economy … [Read more...]
Road safety concerns after Brexit
IAM RoadSmart members have a pessimistic view of how the country’s exit from the European Union will affect them as drivers. The road safety charity conducted a poll of over 1,000 members and visitors to its website between 27 June and 12 July, asking how the decision by UK voters to leave the EU would affect them. Of the 1,093 respondents, when asked if they thought the exit would have an … [Read more...]
Driving test to change up a gear
Millions of newly qualified drivers will be better prepared for life on the road under changes to the driving test that will better reflect real life driving. The proposals announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads, and ensure safer drivers and journeys. The changes are: increase the … [Read more...]
Business drivers give blessing to autonomous cars
Research suggests that 43% of UK businesses believe their drivers will accept using autonomous cars. Also, findings by vehicle leasing and fleet management company Arval shows that 38% believe that autonomous cars will have a positive impact on existing road safety issues. Shaun Sadlier, Head of Consultancy at Arval, said, “Clearly, autonomous cars will represent a huge change in … [Read more...]
Killer drivers face proposed manslaughter charge
A study to mark the launch of Brake’s new “Roads to justice” campaign shows there is huge support for strengthening both the charges and sentences faced by criminal drivers. About 91% of people questioned agreed that if someone causes a fatal crash when they get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, they should be charged with manslaughter. That carries a possible life … [Read more...]