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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
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’
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
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
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.
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
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…
With the Government seeking public sector spending programmes to be initiated ahead of schedule as recession looms, Lord Jones backs calls for short term rather than long-term measures, and said the focus should be on infrastructure and not employment.
Lord Jones suggested ” productive spending on infrastructure programmes” which will enable enhanced productivity of airports, ports, railways, roads and public sector workers whom the country relies on like nurses and teachers.
However, he also advises caution on channelling too much money into big projects, which could end up damaging the economy further. The Foundation would certainly agree that transport infrastructure has an important role in keeping the economy moving and mobility a possibility. We await the pre-budget announcement with interest…
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for the UK to reduce its dependency on oil, feeling the industry to be a “dictatorship” that we’re better off clear from.
This comment comes amidst discussions within OPEC who are considering cutting oil production as a way to justify increased prices at the pump- where we have only just witnessed a much welcomed drop to below £1.
Brown said there needs to be a focus on nuclear and renewables, as well as increased investment in the development of technology such as hybrid cars – a welcome call, but it should be recognised that oil usage will remain important for many years to come.
Source: www.number10.gov.uk 17th October 2008
This weekend the clocks go back, which means that the evenings will be darker earlier. Not only can this be a tad depressing on the journey home from work if you haven’t managed to catch any daylight before work or at lunch, but this premature darkness can also pose problems for road safety.
High- visibility clothing provides one option for reducing your safety risk on the roads this autumn/winter, and although once only sported by workmen, cyclists and learner motorcyclists, fashion designer Karl Largerfeld may be responsible for making it the “must have” accessory for road users, pedestrians and fashionistas alike.
Lagerfeld, wearing a high- vis vest as part of the French Government’s high- visibility campaign, says
“It’s yellow, it’s ugly. It doesn’t match anything, but it might save your life.”
In July this year, France joined the list of EU countries that require the carrying of high- visibility vests in the car boot as a safety precaution in the event of a breakdown.
So, as you set your clocks back this Saturday night to enjoy an additional hour to your Sunday lie-in, give a thought to your wardrobe choice for the winter evenings, and contemplate going against the well- known piece of advice “play safe and go with a little black dress” and instead consider luminous yellow… It’s the “in thing” don’t you know…
Source: “It’s simply the vest” by Andrew Martin, The Times 2, 22nd October 2008
