According to research by Kwik Fit, young drivers are ‘failing their oil levels’. The research identified that less than half of 18-24-year-olds get their oil changed at least every 12 months, with some even leaving it for three years.

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The government has been called to tighten up requirements for motor insurance by the parliamentary transport committee. Louise Ellman MP, committee chair, says that whiplash injuries can be debilitating for genuine claimants but a greater burden of proof should be required.

She argues that the government should consider requiring claimants to provide proof of having been seen by a doctor or attended A&E shortly after the accident. There should be a presumption of not accepting claims where adequate proof has not been provided.

Ellman said that she was concerned that current proposed changes from the government would put genuine claimants off and that genuine claimants whose condition cannot be picked up on a scan should not be demonised.

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We all know the annoyance of wearing a seatbelt. It is uncomfortable, unflattering, and a downright nuisance when getting in and out of the car. But seatbelts are a compulsory part of being a driver or a passenger in the car, and they have been since 1991.

The Seat Belt Legislation states that one must wear a seatbelt if one has been provided for their seat.

The only exceptions to this rule are:

– If you are a driver who is reversing, or supervising a reversing driver.

– If you are in an emergency vehicle.

– If you are a passenger in a trade vehicle and investigating a problem

– A licensed taxi driver who is carrying passengers.

There are very few medical exemptions from wearing a seatbelt. Even if disabled or pregnant, it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt unless your doctor has provided you with a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’. This must be kept in your vehicle at all times, and shown to Police if requested, and you must also inform your insurance company.

We know no-one likes wearing seat belts, but remember; one day it could save your life.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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It has been revealed that traffic police numbers have been cut by 12% across the country in the past five years with cuts of as much as 30-40% in some areas. Bedfordshire has seen the largest cut with numbers of traffic police being reduced by 44%.

Brake says that these cuts in traffic police are putting lives at risk and are in particular undermining progress being made by the government to tackle drug driving. Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, says that cutting traffic police is a false economy because the accidents that traffic police help prevent would be a significant drain on public services were they not prevented.

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Getting older is a part of life; but it needn’t mean the end of your driving life. Here are some of Britannia’s top tips for ageing drivers:

– Be aware of your limits. With age, other factors become more prominent, such as an increased susceptibility to fatigue. Avoid driving long distances if you are not sure if you are up to it.

– Check up on your health and fitness regularly. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are safe behind the wheel. If a new condition is diagnosed or a new treatment is begun, always ensure to ask if and how this may affect your ability to drive.

– Linking to this previous point, once over the age of 70 you will have to declare any medical conditions that may limit your ability to drive to the DVLA. While this may sound daunting, in most cases there are safety measures that can be taken to enable you to remain a driver as long as possible.

– Reapply for your licence – After your 70^th birthday, you will have to reapply for your licence every 3 years. This is merely a formality in most cases, as there is no test to retake or any medical, however you will have to make a medical declaration at this point to determine your fitness to drive.

Statistics show that drivers over 80 are still better drivers than those in their teenage years – so don’t let driving become an issue as you get older… you are simply enjoying the ride for longer!

Safe driving from Britannia!

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It has been shown that it is becoming increasingly difficult for drivers to be ‘hands-on’ with their cars with even the most simple tasks on modern cars requiring specialist tools. Previously, it was commonplace for most drivers to carry out such work themselves on their cars to save money. However, these once do-it-yourself tasks, such as changing a light bulb, have now become garage tasks as many modern cars require the whole headlamp assembly to be replaced.

In addition, labour prices are also on the rise adding to the expense of work on modern cars. Simon Bush of Britannia Driving School adds: ‘Gone are the days where drivers themselves with change the oil and replace the light bulbs of their own cars. The new and complicated technologies on modern cars are placing even greater strain on household budgets.’

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Japanese car Manufacturers Nissan has become the latest in the race to get their self-driving cars onto the road.

The motoring giant – famed for their groundbreaking electric car the Nissan Leaf – have joined the stream of competitors, which includes Detroit-based General Motors Company, multinational conglomerate Google, and even the US Military, who each have placed a stake in the market to create the first fully self-operational automobile.

The US State of Nevada has passed a law allowing the driving of autonomous cars within its jurisdiction. With Nissan joining the race for fully driver-less cars, perhaps driving as we know it will become a thing of the past much sooner than we all think.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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