Has the car become a mobile home?

As we become increasingly mobile through having to travel further a field for work and finding that friends and family are more and more dispersed, it comes as no suprise that 1 in 10 motorists are now spending more time in their cars than at home.

The survey of 3000 people conducted by Admiral car insurance made this discovery and in addition revealed some interesting differences in the amount of time people spend in their cars by region.

London came out on top as the place where more people spend more of their time behind the wheel than on their sofa- 1 in 5, whereas just 1 in 25 people in Wales find themselves in this situation.

 

When it came to looking at differences between the sexes, men were found to be a staggering 3 times more likely to spend more time on the road to women, and this comes in spite of a growth in women drivers.

The Admiral survey also looked into the social element of driving, by asking respondents whether they preffered to drive alone or with a passenger. In this instance it was the Scots who preffered the solo driving experience most (67%) and drivers in Northern Ireland who favoured some company getting from a to b.

The DfT’s 2008 Regional Transport Statistics also indicate that Londoners like to drive alone as the difference in the number of trips made as the car driver as opposed to car passenger was largest in London, suggesting that when the car is used, having a passenger is not so common in the capial.

 

Source: The Scotsman 27th March 2009 ‘When the car is home from home’

* DfT’s 2008 Regional Transport Statistics

Smelly Parking

Apparently it’s not just the cost of parking that puts some motorists off car parks but how they smell as well.

A recent poll conducted by car park firm NCP revealed that a third of drivers stay clear of multi- story car parks which cause them to turn their noses up due to smelling of urine. Lovely.

So how does the firm in question plan to reel back such customers? By infusing more forgiving scents such as flowers and fresh bread!

A whole new dinension to the parking experience awaits!

Source: The Mirror 27th Match ‘Park for a few scents’

“Clunk, click every trip” is back

The latest in a string of breath- taking adverts desperately trying to promote safe and sensible driving, features a car crash at 30mph where the driver has neglected to wear his seat belt.

It is shame such a graphic advert is required to bring home to people such a simple message- wear your seat belt.  This message must be taken on board by not only drivers, but passengers too- as a previous advert highlighted the dangers of a back seat passenger not wearing their seatbelt, mainly that they can crush those in the front seat.

In a further attempt to encourage people to “clunk, click every trip” the Government is considering doubling the fine for not wearing a seat belt from £30 to £60.

1 in 6 road deaths could be avoided if seat belts are worn.

The RAC Foundation urges motorists and passengers to wear their seat belts for all journeys, which includes a 2 minute trip to the local shops as well as a 2 hour motorway journey.  As seat belt wearing advocate Sir Jimmy Savile says:

“It takes 2 seconds to be thrown through a window, but 2 years to put your face back together.” 

Harsh but true.

Source: The Scotsman, Shocking TV ad scares us into belting up in the car, 4/11/08

‘Twas the morning after Christmas when the driver forgot his nous

With Advent here once again, one Police force in particular has taken note that the festive season, whilst bringing cheer, shopping sprees, mince pies and family time, also triggers foolish driving behaviour as people become consumed by the Christmas rush and all the fun to be had.

Leicestershire Police have launched their festive campaign to tackle drink and drug driving to remind motorists that the clock striking midnight does not mean that alcohol consumed the evening before has left your system, and that many people remain over the legal limit well into the next day.

The campaign’s slogan: ”Think about the mourning after” hopes to get drivers thinking about the consequences of getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking.

In Leicestershire, checks are to be carried out on drivers involved in a collision or who police believe may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Inspector Viv Brenchley said: “Drivers should always be aware that alcohol takes effect quickly but wears off slowly – so even if you don’t drive until the next morning after a night out, your driving can still be impaired.”

The RAC Foundation urges drivers to plan their journeys this Christmas in a way which means they are not ‘having to’ drive the morning after drinking and instead keep to the rule that if you need to drive the next day don’t drink.

Fiona Coyne, Research Assistant for the RAC Foundation says: ” Many people find themselves under pressure to visit family and friends spread all across the country in a matter of days over Christmas.  If you know that you have to drive to see your in-laws the next day, stay on the soft drinks the evening before and if you must indulge, do so on the chocolates and mince pies instead. Sharing driving responsibility with a partner or friend, or if feasible walking or using public transport, are the only road safe options for ensuring your Christmas is one to remember with a smile and not regret.”

 Source: BBC News Monday 1st Dec 2008 Festive drink- drive blitz starts

Heart to Heart on the Highway

Do you see your car as a vehicle for gossip? Recent research from Edinburgh University indicates just that- the car fosters a degree of intimacy between occupants leading them to feel comfortable having meaningful conversations.

The research was discussed on BBC Radio 4, where a female cab driver reinforced this message by saying that cab passengers feel at ease and often so much so that they feel they can offload their problems. 

The idea of a captive audience is guaranteed in a car since there is nowhere to run- you’re sitting side by side with relatively few other distractions compared with the office or home.

With the absence of eavesdroppers and the exucse for no eye contact with your converser- since drivers should be keeping their eye on the road- people supposedly feel comfortable enough to air grievances and discuss deep feelings that in other situations, or rather locations, they do not feel able to express. How distracting having a deep and meaningful conversation is however, remains unsolved.

Source: BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour 14th November 2008

Fungi Fuel

A fungus found in a rainforest in Patagonia, South America, could prove to be the answer to our green fuel prayers.

The fungus- Gliocladium roseum, which grows inside the ulmo tree, produces a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules that a practically identical to diesel. Other organisms such as algae, also make chemicals similar to those found in the fungus, however none produce such high energy density.

The hydrocarbon mixture is so spot-on in fact, that it is believed it could be used in a diesel engine without any modification!

This discovery, despite requiring more research to the definite costs and benefits, provides hope for a truely green fuel, in the midst of concerns over the sustainability of biofuels.  Biofuels have come under criticism in recent months regarding the competition they cause for arable land, which affects food production and raises food prices, and also as to whether they proivide net savings in greenhouse gases.

Source: The Guardian, Scientists discover Patagonian diesel that grows on trees, 4/11/08

TVs for drivers. Not a safe idea.

Last week Sky and JCDecaux announced that they would be providing ‘breaking news’ for drivers via screens in London. The RAC Foundation were surprised- another potential driver distraction?  Surely not?

The partnership has perceived a gap in the market for a visual, up-to-date news source for London’s driving commuters. This has led them to construct 16 digital billboards in the capital, which will provide motorists and other road uers with information about world events, sports, showbiz, business, weather and news.

This TV content, although of interest to drivers, just as it is to pedestrians and shopkeepers, is a potential distraction. It is vitally important that drivers focus their attention on the road and arriving at their destination safely.

The RAC Foundation has previously run a campaign entitled Too Much Information, revealing that drivers are unable to decipher too many information sources at one time.  These TV screens are likely to have the same effect that signage clutter, mobile phones and sat navs have on drivers- reduced focus on the road ahead because of divided attention.

The RAC Foundation would encourage drivers to focus their concerns on staying safe rather than keeping “up to the minute” with the latest football results or stock exchange figures.

Source: http://www.jcdecaux.co.uk/news/?id=252&fmn=true

Road Safety ‘Major public health problem of our age’

A bolder strategy is need to address road safety according to the Transport Select Committee Report ‘Ending the Scandal of Complacency: Road Safety beyond 2010′ published today.

The report calls for, amongst other initiatives, the need for:

• Greater power to be given to local authorities to introduce 20mph limits
• Increased enforcement to tackle drink driving
• The creation of a road safety commission

The report rightly points out that road safety is a ‘major public health problem of our age’. Every 6 seconds someone is killed or seriously injured on the world’s roads and as a public health issue it is on the scale of malaria and tuberculosis. Reducing death and injury on all roads is undoubtedly of central importance. 
 
Many of the committee recommendations are sound and timely. The Foundation has long called for greater police presence and enforcement, and the issue of unlicensed and uninsured driving needs greater attention. 20mph zones have a role to play, but more research is needed before blanket 20mph zones are widely implemented in urban areas. Policy development in this area should not speed ahead of understanding, local considerations or public acceptance. As we move towards future policy we must also not forget the importance of ‘getting the basics’ right such as enforcing mobile phone and seatbelt laws.

Hubble, bubble, road safety trouble

This Hallowe’en has the potential to be a very scary night indeed. According to the RAC Foundation, a dangerous concoction of darker evenings and ‘trick or treaters’ running around in black cloaks and witches hats could spell out a nightmare for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Fatal Fridays

This year Hallowe’en falls on a Friday – the worst day of the week for road accidents across Great Britain.  In 2007, 51,792 accidents were recorded on Fridays- almost 4,000 more than on the next most dangerous day for accidents involving motor vehicles – Wednesday. * Late afternoon to early evening (4-6pm), the most popular time for children’s trick or treating outings, covers the peak time on Fridays for serious accidents involving car users. 

Devilishly dark

The end of British Summer Time further aggravates the ‘fatal Friday phenomenon,’ in late October.  In 2007, the pedestrian KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) figure rose by 109 between September and October and by a further 32 between October and November. *

Trick or tree-eat?

Cats, bats and hats.  The colour of this spooky day is undoubtedly black.  This wardrobe choice makes ‘trick or treaters’ a menace to spot on dark evenings whilst the excitement of the occasion means that many children will not be thinking about the Green Cross Code.

The RAC Foundation recommends the following measures to make sure your Hallowe’en is spellbindingly safe:

1. Parents, make sure your coven of witches is close by at all times;
2. Accessorise! No trick or treating outfit is complete, or visible, without a Hallowe’en lantern or flashing accessory;
3. Drivers, make sure you are extra vigilant this dark Friday evening, as excited tweens and teens focus on their next sweetie fix; not road safety. And…….
4. Check, your vehicle lights. This is a good time of year to do routine checks on all vehicle lights

Source: * Road Casulaties Great Britain 2007, Department for Transport

A Green Start to the Week for Gordon’s Government

Two big green announcements this week shows that the Government is taking environmental concerns seriously. 

Firstly, the Government has caved in to public pressure and the more green- inclined MPs and decided to include shipping and aviation sources in emission targets.  This amendment to the Climate Change Bill, due to become law next month, will outline Britain’s commitment to curb its carbon footprint by 80% by 2050.  Tackling shipping and aviation emissions is therefore a step in the right direction, as they account for 7.5% of all emissions.

Second up, the Government has announced that millions of pounds of public money is to spent be on environmentally friendly vehicles.  This investment, which will encompass both the research and manufacture of electric cars, will lead to some hands on trials for local authorities and the public. 

1. Some local authorities and other public bodies will be given money to purchase and run electric vans;
2. 100 electric cars will be distributed across the UK for people to try out and charging points will put in place.

This is certainly a step in the right direction – but there is the argument that being less technologically prescriptive and leaving the industry to come up with the right solutions might have been a more suitable way forwards. Time will tell…