University study finds technology to blame for driver distractions
Distracted drivers might be responsible for up to 75% of the accidents on Britain’s roads, according to a study from Herriot-Watt University which looked into the main factors responsible for causing accidents.

Using an anonymous questionnaire, the Herriot-Watt researchers asked a sample of motorists about things that distracted them whilst they were driving.  At the top of the list, some… read more

Big cities worst for uninsured drivers in the UK
Drivers in London, Merseyside and Greater Manchester have been named the worst offenders when it comes to driving without motor insurance, according to new research from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.  In total it is estimated that more than 1.7 million drivers on the UK’s roads have no vehicle insurance.

A new campaign is being launched to encourage drivers to renew… read more

76-year old escapes prosecution in tragic accident case
A 76-year old mobility scooter driver has avoided being prosecuted over the death of a 90-year old woman he knocked down and seriously injured with his scooter after it emerged that mobility scooter users are exempt from laws covering careless or dangerous driving.

This particular accident happened in a town on the Isle of Wight.  As the 76-year old male drove… read more

Cyclists to be allowed to go wrong way down one-way streets
Under a plan to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and cycle more, cyclists will soon be permitted to cycle the wrong way down thousands of one way streets across the country.

As reported in the Times, a trial is being run in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea where small plates will be… read more

New initiative to swap old work equipment for new
In a bid to reduce the number of serious accidents in the workplace, the Health and Safety Executive is launching a Ladder Exchange initiative designed to get businesses and tradesmen to trade in their old and damaged ladders for new ones.  The initiative forms part of the wider Shattered Lives campaign which targets all areas of workplace safety, not just injuries… read more

80,000 miners to receive money wrongfully deducted from their compensation claims
Solicitors who represented hundreds of miners under the coal health compensation scheme are to repay £1.5 million after wrongfully deducting it from their client’s settlements.  The Legal Complaints Service has instigated a process involving seven law firms which has seen them write to over 33,000 former miners or their families who might be eligible to claim back some of… read more

eCall technology could save 2,500 lives a year across Europe
All new cars made in Europe could soon be fitted with a new safety device designed to send out an automatic call for help in the event of an accident.  The project, known as eCall, has just received the backing of the global body which represents hundreds of telecommunications companies.  Currently the system is optional, but the European Telecommunication Commission… read more