Student Drivers urged to drive when Tired and with overloaded cars

Take Care loading your Car -
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StudentsDrivers are reminded to make sure they have loaded their vehicle correctly and carried out basic vehicle checks before setting off to college or university this Freshers season’ 

Highways England is urging those travelling away to study for the first time to make sure they don’t overload their vehicle and to avoid getting behind the wheel while tired. 

Highways England surveyed more than 1400 students ahead of starting  Freshers season. Highways England is the organisation responsible for running England’s major A-road and motorway network. The survey shows

·         6 out of 10 students would carry on driving, even if they may have overloaded their car.

·         7 out of 10 students have driven while tired. 

With many young people likely to be moving away from home to university accommodation, Highways England is calling on students to ‘check it before driving it’ and says people should avoid packing everything .

Richard Leonard, head of road safety at Highways England, said:  

“We want everyone to get to their destination safely and we can all play a part in that. We know that this is an incredibly exciting time for students with many leaving home for the first time. 

“Our traffic officers are there to help get things moving if there’s a problem. But we’d urge all students to make sure they load their car correctly before setting off as they could be endangering themselves and other road users.” 

Advice for loading vehicles correctly, includes:   

• Place heavy luggage on the boot floor, directly behind the rear seat backrest so that it can’t move or fall over in to the free space.  
• Put light luggage on top of the large cases and cover it with a blanket and secure it all with a strap otherwise loose objects can turn into dangerous projectiles, especially if the luggage exceeds the height of the rear seat. 
• Heavy luggage can be safely stored in the space between the front and rear seats.  
• Store small and light objects that you do not necessarily need while driving behind the front seat or in vacuum bags which fit neatly into the storage space under the seats.  
• Put anything particularly heavy in the boot and not unrestrained on the back seat and secure the load if carrying anything externally on the car eg a roof box or bike. 

• Drivers should still be able to see in their mirrors when driving.  
• If people aren’t sure about the car’s official weight limit they should check their handbook. If they feel they are close to the limit they can go to a weighbridge to check.  
• Drivers should make sure they have the right insurance, especially if using other people’s vehicles and are sharing the driving or towing a trailer 

Highways England traffic officer Kelly Rudge is keen all students take time to make sure their vehicles are loaded properly and are ready to take to the road. 

Kelly said: “It’s really important that students check their vehicle before setting off and to make sure that they don’t overload them as it could cause serious danger to themselves and other motorists.  

“Simple things like putting heavy loads in the boot and keeping loose items inside the car secured can all help to keep the occupants safe if the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. The last thing anyone wants is to be hit by an object that isn’t secure.” 

Yellow Box Kunctions

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Drivers views over Yellow Box Junctions

While some councils are apparently keen to have additional powers to catch drivers who stop in yellow box junctions, new RAC research suggests 80% of motorists struggle to get through them without stopping

RAC survey found, 67% of respondents had difficulty getting through ‘some’ yellow boxes without stopping, while 13% said this is the case for ‘most’ of the junctions they encounter.

78% of those who experienced difficulty said the problem is very often caused by poor sequencing of traffic lights.

32% blame their infringement on the fact so many other drivers break the rules that it forces them to do the same.

However, 13% of respondents said every yellow box junction is ‘easy to negotiate’ without coming to a halt.

At the moment,  only local authorities in London and Cardiff are able to enforce yellow box junctions with cameras, and issue Penalty Charge Notice (PCNs).

However, many more councils in England and Wales would like to use cameras to enforce these road junctions.

The RAC says declining number of roads policing officers means there is currently little or no enforcement of the offence in other areas – leading to calls for a roll-out of camera enforcement.

36% of respondents to the RAC survey believe councils should be able to issue PCNs – while an additional 36% agreed they ought to have the power, but should limit enforcement only to problem junctions.

RAC spokesperson, said: “Our research shows yellow box junctions are a very divisive issue with drivers.

“While the majority are in favour of councils more widely being allowed to use cameras to catch offenders, there is a strong feeling that many junctions are not set up fairly which leads to drivers having no choice but stop in them, whether that’s due to poor traffic light sequencing, poor design or being used in the wrong place.

“The RAC is generally supportive of local authorities having the power to enforce yellow box junctions because of the value of local knowledge, but has concerns that it could lead to local authorities being inconsistent in their application of road traffic law.

“There is also a risk that cash-strapped authorities may see it as a lucrative revenue stream. To prevent this, we think warning letters for a first contravention would be appropriate.

“We therefore believe it is essential that every  yellow Box Junction where a camera is installed is comprehensively tested to ensure it is easy to negotiate without stopping.”

10 Most Common Reasons for failing Driving Test in the UK during 2018 are revealed by DVSA data.

10 Most Common Reasons for failing  Driving Test in the UK  during 2018 are revealed by DVSA data.

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Every year millions of new motorists take the practical driving test to be able to get on the roads. It is estimated that pass rates across the UK dropped to around 46 per cent recently as it became harder with new rules introduced. Now the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has released a top 10 list of reasons why people failed the new driving test in its first year. The motoring body is urging motorists to take more time to practice their deriving techniques and skills before taking their driving test.

There is particular emphasis on focusing on the areas in which drivers are making these common errors which prevent them from passing.

In addition to this the DVSA is stating that learners should gain more experience on the roads in different conditions such a driving in rain and in the dark.

Top 10 common faults made during driving tests between 4 December 2017 and 3 December 2018 were:

·         Junctions – observation.

·         Mirrors – change direction.

·         Control – steering.

·         Junctions – turning right.

·         Move off – safely.

·         Response to signs – traffic lights.

·         Move off – control.

·         Positioning – normal driving.

·         Response to signs – road markings.

·         Reverse park – control.

The data revealed that insufficient observation at junctions and not using mirrors effectively when changing direction accounted for 368,047 test failures.

The faults being made in driving tests reflect the factors that cause accidents on Great Britain’s roads, found the research.

Scarily, 39 per cent of all accidents in Great Britain in 2017 were a result of a driver failing to look properly.

Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner, said: “It’s vital that learners can drive safely and have the skills to drive on all types of roads before taking their test.

“The driving test helps get drivers ready for a lifetime of safe driving and makes our roads safer for all.

“Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain.

“Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn.”

Highway Code changes lay down the law on new Motorway Rules

Highway Code changes lay down the law on new Motorway Rules

Highway  Code is the official guide  to inform all drivers of their legal obligations and best practice for day-to-day driving.

The use of MUST NOT within the Code signifies that this is a legal requirement and drivers can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

The standard penalty for ignoring a red X symbol is a £100 fixed penalty notice.

The new updates have been made to reflect changes to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (2016) legislation, which sets out the appearance and purpose of the country’s road signs.

Smart motorways

The changes have been made to inform drivers about how they should respond to the red X symbol, which appears on central reservation signs and smart motorway, overhead gantries to inform them of lane closures.

Rule 258 of the Code now states:

“Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal and a red “X” is showing, you MUST NOT drive in the lane shown as closed beyond the signal. This applies until you pass another signal indicating that the lane is no longer closed, by displaying the word “End” or a speed limit sign and you are sure that it is safe to proceed.

“Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal in the central reservation or on the side of the road and lane closed sign is showing, you MUST NOT go beyond the signal in any lane.”

******************

The red X signs are used on around 300 miles of smart motorway where there is no hard shoulder or the hard shoulder has been converted into an extra lane for traffic.

They can be activated remotely to shut a lane affected by a breakdown or accident but there are fears many drivers are ignoring them and having to swerve at the last minute to avoid obstructions.

Until recently, police had to catch you in the act to be able to issue an FPN but since June 10, forces have been able to use footage from gantry cameras to identify offenders and automatically issue then with fines.

Controversy                             

Smart motorways have caused controversy since they were introduced.

On some the hard shoulder has been turned into an extra regular lane either at peak times or permanently. Supporters say this helps add road capacity and ease congestion with relatively little cost.

Matt Pates, who manages the East Midlands division of Highways England, recently argued that hard shoulders were no longer necessary as modern cars were far more reliable than older vehicles.

He also claimed motorways are “as safe, if not safer” without hard shoulders as they are “inhospitable” places for drivers, most of whom now get advanced warning if their car is developing a fault.

Critics, however, argue that removing the Emergency Lane would leaves drivers without somewhere safe to stop should their car develop a sudden fault and puts recovery crews at greater risk. They also argue that not having a clear hard shoulder makes it harder for emergency vehicles to get through traffic when called to an incident.

Government looks at steps to make New Drivers Safer

Government looks at steps to make New Drivers Safer

Road safety action plan to explore if Graduated Driver Licences should be introduced in England.

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·         Graduated Driver Licensing is to be  explored further in a bid to cut new driver crashes

New drivers could face limits on what they can do on the road, to ease them into a lifetime of safe driving.

The government will publish road safety action plan, later this week.

These new schemes could put restrictions on new drivers, such as a minimum learning period, not driving at night, or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car.

One in 5 new drivers crashes within their first year on the road, and so any changes would be designed to help reduce this number and improve road safety.

Graduated Licensing Schemes already operate in New Zealand; New South Wales and Victoria in Australia; New York and California in the USA; Ontario and British Columbia in Canada and in Sweden.

Previously these schemes have been rejected due to concerns that it would adversely affect the ability of young people to get on in life — potentially restricting education and jobs.

However, conducting further research means the Department for Transport can build an evidence base to fully understand how graduated driver might work.

Currently, new drivers have their Driving Licence revoked if they accumulate 6 points within the first 2 years — equivalent to points for using a handheld mobile phone while driving or 2 speeding offences.

The government changed the driving test in December 2017 to reflect modern-world driving conditions, including adding a satellite navigation section.

Learner drivers are now also allowed to travel on motorways with an approved driving instructor to climatise new drivers to these roads.

Any changes to licensing will be consulted on before being introduced.

What Does Flashing Headlights Mean When Driving

Driving here in UK you can come across flashing in different situations. Many drivers flash their headlights to alert other road users of their presence, so it is important that you take care when you interpret flashing , remembering that you are responsible for your action regardless of what the flashing driver meant.

 use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.·The Highway code states : Rule 114.You MUST NOT

Having said that lets have a look at situations where people use Flash lights.

1. Drivers on main road, sometimes flash at pedestrians waiting to cross road. This sort of situation arises when driver is some distance away from pedestrian and he/she feel that if they slow down, there would be enough time for pedestrian to cross road and they will be able to continue driving without having to stop.
2. A driver approaches slowly and is waiting at middle of junction, looking for safe gap in on coming vehicles before turning right or waiting near central line wanting to turn right. On coming vehicles may flash, alerting you that you may cross.
3. Waiting in queue behind another driver who is not responding to moving traffic or signal change and here Flashing your headlamp to alert driver ahead to move on.
4. You are overtaking another vehicle and often drivers flash their light to alert the vehicle you are overtaking.
5. Sometime driver on dual carriageway, motorway, who are driving fast, would flash at cars in right lane so that they can move over to left lane.
6. You are approaching meet situation on road, ie road narrows due other vehicles parking or road work. Here those driving often flash to on coming traffic to alert them that you have seen them, and they can continue to deal with this narrow road, while you will hold back. This situation requires extra CARE because sometimes drivers will flash to warn you that they are already committed and they want you to slow down so that everyone is safe driving .

Sometimes when you are waiting at a junction to emerge on to main road, Those driving on main road will flash at you, telling you to join main road. This is normally happens when there is heavy traffic, moving slowly

DVLA Now Requiring Autistic People to Disclose Their Diagnosis even if Driving Not Affected

Autistic people angry at having to disclose diagnosis to DVLA even if driving not affected

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is challenging a decision by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) asking people to inform them of their diagnosis even if it does not affect their driving.

The DVSA  did not communicate this change  to any autistic person, charities or medical professionals, instead it came to light when a  person with autism contacted the NAS and told them the DVLA website said drivers must disclose if they have an autistic spectrum disorder.

Until recently, the website has simply said that drivers must tell the DVLA if they have an autistic spectrum disorder “and it affects your driving”. This is standard for many conditions. The final clause has been removed and is now in a separate paragraph warning of the risk of a £1,000 fine or possible prosecution if these drivers are involved in an accident.

The Labour MP Jess Phillips criticised the decision and said  "  I will be asking the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to look into this.”

An EHRC spokesperson said the body would expect any change in policy affecting people with an impairment to be clearly consulted on and communicated. “Failure to do so may be a breach of the public sector equality duty,” they said.

 “Autism is a lifelong disability and if someone has passed their driving test we can’t see how an autism diagnosis would change their ability to drive.

The DVLA said: “There have been no changes to autism spectrum disorder being a notifiable condition – this has been the case for a number of years. We have recently aligned the advice on our A–Z guide for the public with the advice for medical professionals.

“Notifying DVLA of a medical condition doesn’t mean a driver will automatically lose their licence. In fact more often than not they can continue to drive.

“We always keep our advice under review and work with our independent medical panels to do so.”

Despite that reassurance the change in policy has caused a great deal of anxiety in the autistic community.

UK driving licences will not be valid in Ireland under no-deal Brexit

Laura James, ambassador for the NAS, said: “We’re upset on a number of levels, but the lack of communication is horrifying as we’ve all potentially been driving illegally since they changed the rules.

“Also, we were all autistic when we passed our tests, which are obviously designed to test people’s skills and ensure they are safe to drive, so this change seems nonsensical.”

Informing the DVLA is not a simple process. The form asks questions that relate to substance abuse and psychiatric treatment but nothing about autism itself.

Drivers have to give information on their GP and specialist and, said James, “as most GPs have a very vague understanding of autism and most autistic adults don’t have a specialist, it is hugely worrying as many of us could lose our driving licences for essentially being different”.