Apparently, recent research has shown that motorist who write text messages while driving are more dangerous than those who drink or take drugs then get behind the wheel.  Reaction times went down by 35 percent for those who sent texts – to be honest I would have imagined that it would be lower (but that’s not an endorsement of this illegal activity).

Drivers who were at the alcohol limit permissible by law saw a 12 percent drop in their reactions, whilst those who had recently indulged in cannabis were 21 percent slower than normal.  Amazingly, only those who were talking on a mobile and holding it in their hand(s) were worse affected than a person writing a text.

Using a simulator, motorists aged 17 to 24 carried out driving skills while writing, reading and ignoring text messages.  They all showed the impact of these activities and seemingly even ignoring a text is enough to snatch concentration from a driver – critical when there may be difficult road conditions.

The RAC Foundation, who completed the research, had their director make the following statement:
“No responsible motorist would drink and drive” – so I think it’s fair to add to that no sensible motorist will therefore text behind the wheel either.  It’s in the culture of course, it is ingrained in us that it is very simple to pick up a phone and send a message.  It’s also very easy to forget how, when your concentration wavers, a car is in effect a deadly weapon.

This all means that texting while driving, or perhaps even having your phone on (or on with volume at least) simply shouldn’t be done.  It should be consigned to the waste bin that includes driving whilst excessively tired, driving with annoying passengers (that one isn’t a joke), drink-driving, drug-driving and anything else that takes your mind off the matter at hand – completing your journey in a safe and effective way.

Well, don’t say that we don’t care about you all, dear readers. This is especially the case when our cars disengage their handbrakes and simply smash into inanimate objects. To get an idea of how bad the damage can be, check out the photos below from one reader.

Naturally, I couldn’t just let this lie. So, I decided to find out what those at Vauxhall had to say. I didn’t get a response at first, but a little perseverance can go a long way. After a little while, I decided to take it further. To General Motor’s credit, I got a reply from Denis Chick, who is none other than the Director of Communications for GMUK (that’s the brands Hummer, Vauxhall, Saab, Cadillac, Corvette and Opel).

Here’s what he had to say:
“The Vauxhall handbrake story is well documented having been featured on Watchdog and in Which? magazine a number of times. The summary up front of the thread is rather ‘old news’ by now and contains errors.

Vectra has been dealt with as below.

On the Corsa, Watchdog informed us of every case that was brought to their attention so that we could investigate each one. They have informed us of less than 10 cases so to suggest that the Watchdog Corsa number is in triple figures is wrong. On Vectra there was a more significant number which enabled a much more detailed investigation. The consistency of the Vectra test results concluded that a service action was necessary on that model.

Attached are the statements relating to Vectra and Corsa. The Vauxhall retail network is well aware of the status on both models (clearly so on Vectra where the service action is in hand) so there is no need for a ’stoney silence’, although again this may be historic and relating to the period before the company made the first formal statement.

On Vectra, the modification programme, which includes a new spring in the mechanism, is still underway but well through the bulk of the volume. On all Corsa investigations to date (on a relatively small number of vehicles) have found no fault with the handbrake mechanism. Long term tests are ongoing on this model.

You will note that we continue to suggest that when the vehicle is parked, along with the handbrake application, a gear should be selected.”

In reference to the Corsa handbrake statement from Watchdog, I have included this below. Bear in mind that this is only a statement of intent based on the cases that Watchdog have raised – which to my knowledge is not that many.

CORSA D HANDBRAKES – WATCHDOG STATEMENT APRIL 2008

The Safety and Quality of Vauxhall products remains our highest priority. The action that we have taken on Vectra/Signum handbrakes demonstrates that we care about any potential issues arising with our products.
We will investigate the cases that Watchdog has raised on Corsa D.

Vauxhall also reconfirms that, at all times, when parking their vehicle on a slope, customers should continue to engage a gear when the vehicle is stationary, the handbrake is applied without depressing the release button and the engine is switched off, in line with the recommendations referenced in the owner’s manual and in the official Highway Code.
Vauxhall Motors Limited
April 2008

Let’s move on to the Vectra/Signum shall we? Once again, we have another statement. This time we’re looking at information from the Customer Satisfaction Programme. So, let’s take a look:

Statement on Vectra/Signum Handbrake Customer Satisfaction Programme – January 2008

Following a small number of complaints of Vectra and Signum vehicles rolling away due to allegedly ineffective handbrakes, Vauxhall Motors Limited engineers, along with consultant engineers, suppliers and other bodies, have conducted rigorous technical tests on those vehicles.

During its extensive test programme, Vauxhall reviewed a number of handbrake mechanisms and found that when the handbrake is applied by depressing the release button, it is possible to manipulate the handbrake mechanism so as to cause it to release partially.

Vauxhall advised customers in October 2007 that when parking their vehicle, customers should always apply the handbrake and engage a gear in line with the recommendations referenced in the owner’s manual and in the official Highway Code, especially when parking on a slope.

Vauxhall believes that the handbrake system used in the Vectra and Signum is safe, however, Vauxhall treats all matters relating to the safety of its products as its highest priority. In line with this priority and that of continuous improvement, Vauxhall has decided to implement, as a Customer Satisfaction Programme, a modification to the handbrake mechanism to reduce the possibility of a partial release when incorrectly setting the handbrake.

Owners of c250,000 manual transmission Vectra and Signum models (produced from 2002) will receive a letter from the company requesting that they contact their nearest retailer to arrange for the modification, at no cost to the customer. Vauxhall Motors Limited is launching this Customer Satisfaction Programme in agreement with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), an executive agency of the Department of Transport. Note that this is not a safety recall.

Vauxhall reconfirms that, at all times, irrespective of the modification, when parking their vehicle on a slope, customers should continue to engage a gear when the vehicle is stationary, the handbrake is applied without depressing the release button and the engine is switched off, in line with the recommendations referenced in the owner’s manual and in the official Highway Code.

This Customer Satisfaction Programme will be carried out on a phased basis. Exact start timing will be based upon parts availability. Vectra and Signum owners who have concerns about their car should call Vauxhall Customer Service on 0845 090 2044 or via email at vauxhall.customerassistance@uk.gm.com.

Vauxhall Motors Limited
January 2008

So there we have it. Does this mean that there are endemic problems with Vauxhall handbrakes in a number of their vehicles? Well, I don’t think that you can say that. Then again, perhaps there are enough complaints here alone for Vauxhall to take another look. Bear in mind that long term tests are ongoing, so there is still a chance for Vauxhall to hear your complaint. Please keep the comments coming in regards to this issue and I’ll provide more updates as and when we receive them.

There are few things that annoy me more than people taking completely unnecessary safety risks when driving their cars.  It annoys me because not only does it put them at risk (a selfless act as we all have someone to care about us) but of course it also puts other road users at risk, some of who are very vulnerable indeed.

I’m sure that if you’re reading this article then you are not one of the people above, who would put others at risk.  However, I feel compelled, after recently seeing it not happening, to give information how to properly ensure that your young child is safely secured in their seat.  Here are my top tips:

* Be shown, if at all possible, how to fit not only the car seat but your child into the seat.  This will be safer for everyone in the vehicle and will be less stressful for your child
* Keep the manufacturer instructions in your car and refer to them whenever you get stuck on how to position/use the car seat for your child
* Don’t position a child in a seat with an active airbag – this is dangerous
* Position the seatbelt and ensure the buckle is away from the frame.  This is to ensure that, should the worst happen, the buckle doesn’t collapse under pressure against the seat
* Make sure there is the absolute minimum of slack – this is to make sure that the seat remains in place for every journey

* Babies who can’t yet hold their heads up should be in a rear facing seat – or better yet transported as little as possible

Remember, anything in a vehicle that is unrestrained that goes flying through the air can take on 30 to 60 times its own body weight when in a crash of only 30mph.  Bear that in mind when fitting your child next time.  If you have ISOFIX systems in your car then obviously it is better to use those to be even safer.  I’d also advice to be extra cautious when driving your vehicle when a child is in it.  Granted, you can’t account for the behaviour of others but you can try to be alert behind the wheel or your own car.

The picture is (obviously) a mobile phone.  What I can never understand is why it’s always someone in a new Merc, Porsche or BMW that is behind the wheel nattering away with the handset cradled to their ear.  Perhaps they think they’re above the law, like the woman with a 206 who lives near my mother.  She does the same.  So, I guess it’s less about what you drive and more about your attitude to safety.  So, here’s a few recommendations for you regarding your mobile and driving:

Can I use my earpiece and wire with my mobile?
A hands free kit consisting of a wire and earpiece would only be legal if you did not have to touch the phone to dial a number or take a call. If your phone has voice recognition or Bluetooth capabilities you should use these and pre-programme numbers into your phone. Remember that trailing wires may cause a hazard whilst driving.

What about fully installed car kits?
A properly installed car kit fixed to the dashboard or ventilators is the safest way to take calls on the move. These kits should be fitted by a professional to ensure that all the wires are hidden, that the radio mutes automatically and (so that you don’t invalidate the car’s warranty) that the kit is not installed in front of an airbag.

Is it safe to talk on a mobile at all while driving?
Pressing buttons and talking on your phone will be legal if the phone is held in a secured cradle affixed to the dashboard and that there are no wires connected to an earpiece (see above). However, you could still be prosecuted for driving dangerously or without due care and attention and you should avoid making or taking calls at all times whilst driving.

How can I make safer calls?

• Turn off your phone before starting your journey and take any messages only when you are parked safely.
• Save any numbers you may need to a short dial number in your phone before starting your journey.
• Keep calls short and simple. Never enter into an argument or negotiation whilst on the move.
• If you do take a call tell the caller that you are driving and may need to break off your conversation suddenly if driving conditions become hazardous in any way.

Sometimes, it can be quite tempting to just sneak a quick look at your phone - but remember even at 30mph your car is a potentially lethal weapon should an incident occur with a pedestrian.  The real truth is that just about anything that is a distraction from driving when you’re behind the wheel should really be avoided, such as eating, drinking, smoking or fiddling with gadgets like mobiles and GPS systems.

Apparently, the most dangerous road in the UK has been listed as the A537 in the Peak District. You’re more likely to be killed there – in fact thirty times more likely – than you if you’re on a standard motorway. The road goes from Macclesfield to Buxton (though I’m sure that is a matter of perspective) and it comes in at the most dangerous in a list of accident blackspots from that famous road safety governing body (ha ha) Police, Camera, Action!

Perhaps more viable a source of information for this particular topic is the expert body EuroRAP – though forgiven yourself if you thought you were an idiot because you hadn’t heard of them. I hadn’t either. But they are about. In 10 regions, each of the most dangerous road types proved to be the ‘rural’ A road. Scary? Yes, given the perceptions that some people have.

Of course I’m talking about the idea that generally speaking, most people will consider built up areas to be more dangerous. They think because there are more cars the risk is greater. The risk is greater, but only to have a minor collision. A major one? Well, look to the A roads for those. Ironically, you’re more likely to even suffer from a minor injury from a crash there.

New road ratings have given the A537 a ‘black’ listing, meaning it is the most dangerous category of road. This can be for a range of reasons, such as a lack of adequate barriers or even road markings being unkempt. Nonetheless, the real reason for the danger of the A537 apparently comes from people blatantly ignoring the speed restrictions.

The road has gone down to a 50mph limit – but the locals are reporting that people are still whizzing past in excess of 70mph. I personally think this comes down to a little bit of psychology. If you know of a ‘good driving’ country road – let’s face it what you mean by that is somewhere you can cane it a little and have a bit of fun throwing the car around – then you will probably drive over the speed limit.

Therefore, in order to combat this problem and lower the likelihood of a crash in that area, maybe there should be highly visible road traffic officers in the lay bys. I would never condone the use of a speed camera unless vital (I saw a report suggesting that some forces have been known to put them up in order to garner more cash from the public), so I’d suggest an actual police presence. This should be enough to deter speed demons.

Unfortunately, there are some drivers that will drive far too fast, whatever the conditions. Perhaps for them there is no salvation. You know the type, hurtling around, trying to impress their friends, ending up spearing off the road and into a ditch. Perhaps the government should publish a list of the most dangerous roads, rather than spending £500 per sign, to quote Top Gear, “that shows a picture of a squirrel with antlers”?

The ultimate arbitrator of road safety always comes down to the driver. You wouldn’t tear past a school crossing at 60mph (unless you’re criminally insane), so why would you take a clearly dangerous turn at that? Perhaps that’s the answer in a nutshell. We have a government who desperately tries to wrap us in cotton wool but fail to give us the real protection we need, where we need it. If they are aware we speed in particular places, let’s try to make those places more safe, as well as educating road users. Or is that just too much of a common sense approach? Answers on a postcard Mr Brown…

To learn more about road safety Brake has plenty of information and resources.

N.B. I do actually quite like country roads - but I also hope I (and none of you out there for that matter) become a needless statistic.

What on Earth am I saying?  Well, if the government has its own way, we’ll all be only allowed to park on our own driveways, and only just.  Of course, this is only just an over-dramatisation, when in fact I’m leading into telling you all about the new parking rules and regulations.

From today, April 1st 2008, new regulations come into force governing where you can park, or rather what people can do about it if you park in the wrong place.  Namely, you’ll now have to consider (if parking in a naughty way and where you shouldn’t be) that CCTV cameras can be used to enforce parking restrictions and issue tickets.

As part of the Traffic Management Act 2004 it has been deemed that local councils across the nation will be given the power to use video footage to provide fines where traffic wardens may not have done so in person.  You’ll also find that your local (friendly I’m sure) traffic warden is going to change his/her name.  They’ll now be known as a Civil Enforcement Officer to you and I.

Of course, the government has been at least partially rational in all this.  To be fair, they have said that the system shouldn’t be used anywhere where badge parking is in operation.  This means if you need to park in a street that uses badges and you don’t live there (but still have a badge) - don’t worry, you won’t get nicked.

Fines have now been changed too.  Whether this is for better or worse really depends on how much your local council is trying to charge for this.  Apparently, from now on, you’ll get £40 or £50 taken from your bank account if you are a less serious offender, or if you have your BMW X-5 on double yellows that’s going to cost you more - somewhere in the region of £60 or £70.

Unfortunately, the new regulations give powers of PCN (Penalty Charge Notices), which means that any CEO (see, I’m learning the new lingo) can give you a ticket, without putting a funny little sticker on your windscreen.  Apparently, too many people just drive off very fast when they threaten this.

Brilliantly though, all of this should ensure the fact that the levels of car clamping goes down in the UK.  It is frankly an abhorrent practice of taking away your prized vehicle and I’m not surprised that Scotland (they seem quite sensible up there don’t they?) has banned it as a form of extortion.

Finally, the Traffic Management Act 2004 might actually put things your way.  Okay, so now there’s a higher chance of getting a rogue ticket from out of nowhere.  But did you know that you can appeal this, and many do?  Many are successful in getting an appeal each year.  My top tip is just to make sure you have evidence to back up what you’re saying if you really feel that the ticket is unjust.

Above all, safe motoring as always - and don’t park over my drive or you’ll get a ticket!

Vauxhall has been hit by fresh claims that it is producing cars with faulty handbrakes and its vehicles have the capacity to roll away when parked.

A Report by the BBC’s watchdog programme said owners of the latest Vauxhall Corsa with a D Model variant, which is less that a year old, had reported instances of their car rolling away after being left stationary with the handbrake on, similar to other models earlier last year.

Complaints to the programme have now reached triple figures. Watchdog reported that Vauxhall was ‘surprised’ to learn of the problems with the new corsa but was now looking into the problem.

Watchdog expert Mark Brown said: “even though the design on the teeth of the handbrake is different from the Vectra, it has still presented the same symptoms that we found with the Vauxhall Vectras and Sigums.”

Vauxhall responded by saying it was investigating the cases raised, and insisted that as per the Highway code, when parking on a slope motorists should ‘engage a gear’, and ensure the handbrake is applied without depressing the release button.

The latest blow for Vauxhall comes just months after Which?, the consumer pressure group, reported that owners of Signum and Vectra models also suffered from the same fault.

Arround 250,000 Sigum and Vectra models are being recalled by the manufacturer in order to fit new springs in the handbrake. Vauxhall described the move as a “customer satisfaction programme”. There are no plans to roll out the scheme to Corsa owners.

The recent development is a further embarrassment to Vauxhall, which issued a massive 355,000 Corsa recall in December after a problem with the vehicles braking system was not fixed properly. Despite an initial recall of last generation Corsas in March 2006 and a further recall of 250,000 models in August 2007, the brake fault still affects newer models.

If you’re confused, let me allay that sensation of not quite knowing what I’m talking about.  A couple claim to have taken a photograph of the (in)famous Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame whilst he’s chatting away on his mobile.  Adam Blake and Hayley Byford say that they saw Clarkson the phone as he travelled along the M40.

Clarkson’s vehicle of choice for this potential driving misdemeanour was a 1970’s 6.3 litre green Grosser Mercedes.  A rare vehicle indeed, apparently.  I certainly couldn’t find one for sale after hearing about it.  Apparently, Ms Byford took a picture of Clarkson, who later when questioned by the The Mirror said “Er, that isn’t a phone”.  I would like to add that I hope she wasn’t the driver out of the two of them…

To give some idea of the penalty for this sort of dangerous driving, it comes with a £60 fine and three points, only twelve of which will see your license revoked.  Of course, it is now proven that talking (or texting) on a mobile is a dangerous activity in that it distracts you from the road.  It’s more dangerous apparently than eating an apple or smoking, though you might not be exempt from a fine by doing those either.

I decided to write this article as I’m a fan of Clarkson - big JC is a highlight of my Sunday night when Top Gear is on (even if James May is my favourite) but I can’t help but be concerned that he’s legitimising bad behaviour behind the wheel.  Of course there’s a place for speeding and that’s the track.  However, there’s no place for dangerous driving.

I’m sure we’re all guilty of general motoring misdemeanour charges now and then - whether it’s speeding or parking where you shouldn’t.  I would certainly recommend however that you don’t do what Clarkson looks like he has done here - it would only take a momentary slip and someone to drift in front of you to have a very serious accident indeed.

Returning to the crime for the last time, I guess what really annoys me is that I hold Clarkson up as a bit of a hero, not least because he hates poor driving and has previously ridiculed those on mobiles in cars.  We’re all guilty of something of some time, but one can only hope that it isn’t true and that Clarkson is returning soon to shout “Powerrrrr!” from a fast car on the TG track.

There has been a lot about the benefits of car sharing recently and in fact there are two schemes already operating in the UK in Bristol and Leeds, with other due to start a car sharing scheme in Birmingham, West Yorkshire and Hertfordshire. This means that a whole lane is needed to remain empty in order to encourage drivers to use it, but it also means that in places where there is serious congestion and minimal take up of the car sharing scheme that these lanes are going to either stay empty or be used by drivers, causing chaos.

The motoring organisation the AA, have said that these schemes will not work because they are wasting the capacity of the UK’s roads. The AA’s Edmund King said: ‘In theory, car-sharing lanes make sense, but in practice they are used and abused, so they waste road capacity and are a nightmare to enforce.’

With new cameras becoming available too, it will be difficult for a driver to use the car share lane, as these cameras are supposed to be able to confirm if there is more than one real person in the car, so there are bound to be a surge in more fines for drivers who accidentally use the wrong lane when visit a different place.

Source [What Car]

With wet and icy conditions sweeping across the UK, new research has revealed that one-in-ten cars – the equivalent to 2.7 million nationwide – have a tyre fitted with tread that is below the current 1.6mm legal threshold. The survey also showed that 19 per cent of cars are being driven on tyres with tread that is below 2mm the depth at which a number of leading national car fleet owners change their tyres. Research by the Motor Industry research association showed that in wet conditions it takes nearly eight meters more to stop from 50 mph when tyres are worn down to the legal minimum of 1.6mm.

“Driving on excessively worn tyres is dangerous at any time of the year” said ford parts representative. “But in icy conditions it really is gambling with yours and other road users lives”.

AA Warranty recommends you get your car checked out regularly while under warranty as this can save a fortune in replacement parts. AA Warranty is also urging motorists to consider mechanical breakdown cover and take it more seriously. According to the AA research, the most likely car part to fail during winter is the ignition coil pack – costing on average £180 to replace. This is closely followed by the cylinder head gasket, where a replacement can cost up to £390. Among other car parts in the top 10 list of probable failures are engines, gear box car parts, ECU’s, alternators and starter motors.

When most cars are four years old, the manufacturers warranty has long expired, replacement parts should be obtained from Genuine parts suppliers to ensure the new parts are covered under warranty and are and exact replacement.

Guest Article by www.fordsparts.co.uk