Revamped test to encourage navigation skills
Learner drivers in the UK will be expected to think for themselves more than ever before later this year, as a new section of the practical driving test designed to encourage independent thinking is being introduced.  The new section, will involve candidates driving to a pre-determined location decided upon by their examiner.  The journey, which will take learners about 10 minutes, is designed to… read more

3 weeks of freezing weather leaves many roads in poor condition
Now that the snow and ice has gone from many of the roads in England and Wales, they have left behind another potential hazard for motorists – potholes.  With temperatures hovering around freezing for much of the past three weeks, the conditions have been just right to allow many potholes to form.

Potholes are caused when water gets… read more

Ice and snow cause widespread disruption on UK roads
It really has been a winter of discontent as far as weather conditions are concerned and as the majority of the population returns to work today, for some there will be no let-up in the wintery weather.  With temperatures in some areas dropping as low as -12C, widespread frosts and snowfall has meant that some roads, especially those over higher ground… read more

Berkshire town tops list of accident hot spots
It might be most famous as the setting for TV’s “The Office”, but now the town of Slough in Berkshire, often regarded as one of the most average places in Britain, has topped a survey. 

Unfortunately the survey in question was looking into road accident rates across Britain, and Slough was revealed to have an accident rate 41.3% higher than the… read more

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

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

From today motorists and passengers face fines of £60 as a deterrent for minor safety offences
In the latest safety initiative by the government, the penalty fines for not wearing a seatbelt will rise from £30 to £60 from today.  The penalty for motorists who have deliberately disguised or altered their number plates has also doubled to £60, as a reaction to concerns from the police that their warnings are… read more