Monthly Archives: August 2022

August 24, 2022
New strict rules may be forced upon Cyclists

Highway Code revised: Cyclists given priority in new rules as drivers ordered to keep 1.5-metres distance when overtaking | UK News | Sky NewsThe Mirror initiates this discussion, presenting the idea that Cyclists may need to employ number plates upon their bikes and may also be required to have insurance under new road laws currently being considered by Government. This would ensure a whole new dimension of cycling will be ushered in as a cyclist can no longer just sporadically decide to ride their bike, many factors must be considered, similar to the factors a driver must consider before using their vehicle.

Recent changes to the highway code emphasis the importance of making motorists more aware of cyclists and also increasing their safety. This highlights the attempt to alter the entire road and ensure the safety of all users including cyclists. In the same breath it must also be ensured that cyclists are safe as they can also reach dangerous speeds which could cause damage to others if negligence is presence. The transport secretary Grant Shapps is pushing for a death by Cycling law to be introduced which will ensure a gap in the law is closed which previously only allowed a Cyclist to be jailed for two years if they killed a pedestrian.

Throughout the country more cycling lanes have been introduced which coincides with the attempt to ensure the safety of all road users. Furthermore, with an increase in 20MPH zones there has been a shift to ensure all road users respect the speed limits including cyclists. The Daily mail highlights that cyclists may be given points or fines for speeding or jumping red lights. This will ensure a more transparent and equal road, ultimately promoting safety for all.

Charlie from Britannia purports that these possible changes could benefit the road overall and ensure that responsibility is present. For instance many cyclists may be reckless due to the fact many cyclists can escape liability due to lacking a number plates, and also due to the less strict rules. The only outcome of these changes is less accidents and a more safe road for all users, which is a huge goal for any transport system to strive for.

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August 15, 2022
Driving during a thunderstorm and heavy rain

 

Driving during thunderstorms here in the UK is not normally a threat for us here in the UK, but given the current extreme temperatures most of the UK have been experiencing the past couple of weeks it is a possibility we could now expect some thunderstorms or at least heavy downpours considering we have had such little rain during the summer months. July 22 is the second driest July since records began in 1836.

So what could be some tips to staying safe during storms and heavy rain?

  • If you are caught our during a storm or need to drive during one be prepared to pull over if it becomes hazardous and wait for it to become safe to continue
  • If you have to drive give yourself more time to get to your destination so you can drive slower and more carefully
  • Always keep both hands on the wheel to ensure you remain in full control of the vehicle winds and rain can be persistent and can cause your car to drift or veer without warning
  • Driving at a slower pace will make it easier to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front as you may lose full visibility
  • Always reduce your speed slowly and avoid breaking harshly
  • When breaking is essential keep it smooth and gentle
  • Being aware and anticipating up and coming roads is key

Currently there is a yellow weather warning for some of this week

While some places stay dry, areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue during Monday, bringing possible disruption.

What to expect

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

Before the thunderstorm

  • Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
  • Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the center of a storm.

During the thunderstorm

  • Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency
  • If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
  • Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
  • Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
  • If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground
  • If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately

After the thunderstorm

  • Avoid downed power lines or broken cables
  • If someone is struck by lightning, they often suffer severe burns. The strike also affects the heart, so check if they have a pulse.

Driving in a thunderstorm

If you are caught out in thunder and lightning it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car. This is because in the vast majority of cars with a metal roof and frame, the frame will act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and on to the ground.

  • Soft-top convertibles, with their fabric roofs, are the most at risk and could catch fire if struck by lightning
  • Be aware that current can travel through other parts of many modern cars, including GPS and radio systems. Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current
  • Cars can be damaged both internally and externally by lightning strikes

Thunderstorms can also bring a risk of sudden gusty winds, those most at risk would include cyclists, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.

  • Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
  • Keep your speed down, lowering your speed will lower the distance you travel when buffeted around by the wind.

Hail storms can be extremely dangerous to drive in reducing your ability to see and be seen, as well as causing damage to your vehicle. If hail is severe, stop and pull over to a safe place and remain inside the vehicle

From all of us here at Britannia drive safe and cautiously.

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August 12, 2022
Heatwave and driving

We are all currently experiencing the effects of the recent heatwave throughout the UK. With highs of 35 degrees and a longer duration than the prior heatwave. It is important to ensure drivers are as cool and hydrated as possible to ensure that any possibles dangers to drivers are mitigated. However, it is important to highlight that a few standard practices must be maintained even throughout this heatwave. For instance, the Express declares that drivers can receive on the spot £100 fines for improper footwear while driving or any other clothes that may restrict driving ability. This is important to bear in mind when deciding the outfit to wear before driving.How to stay safe while driving in the hot weather as temperatures soar - Independent.ie

Rod Dennis from the RAC suggests that it is important to ‘check the engine coolant and oil levels and to ensure the car is kept in optimum conditions.’ This highlights the importance of looking after you car during a heatwave, a possible overheating car can cause multiple implications which result in a danger for all drivers on the road. If you possibly suspect your car may be overheating ensure you pull over at the next possible place to stop and thoroughly check your vehicle.

Charlie from Britannia suggests a few ways for drivers to cope during this heatwave. He states ‘ it is important to ensure all drivers are hydrated and have eaten enough throughout the day to ensure energy levels are maintained and provide a safer roads for all the users.’ And he also states ‘ if a driver feels unwell it is not worth risking and they should not attempt to drive throughout this weather.’ This highlights the importance in ensuring that all measures are taken to provide safer roads throughout the heatwave we are all experiencing.

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August 4, 2022
Fraudulent driver takes over 100 driving tests for others !

According to the Evening Standard a woman who sat the driving tests of 100 different people has been jailed. It is estimated she performed driving tests throughout England and Wales from cities such as Swansea and Birmingham. The Defendant was offering her services to Learners who experience difficulties with the English language.Indian-Origin Woman Jailed For Driving Test Fraud in United Kingdom - Indiaahead News

Detective chief inspector Steven Maloney stated that ‘safety on our roads has always been a priority and arresting those that flaunt the law ensures that we can keep unqualified drivers off the road.’ This highlights the danger in allowing others to drive without legitimately passing a practical driving tests, and portrays that the Defendant may be doing more harm then she initially realized

The Daily Mail reported that the Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced for 8-Months. Furthermore, drivers who secured their license fraudulently are also expected to have them revoked. The sentencing in this case portrays the seriousness of the act the Defendant performed and highlights that there is no tolerance for fraudulence when obtaining a driving license.

Charlie from Britannia suggests that it is important to go through the typical procedure to obtain a driving license as this is the most just and vital part of becoming a driver. It is significant to ensure that a driver can pass the standards set in a UK practical test to ensure a particular standard of driving is maintained throughout the UK’s roads. Even though, our practical tests are held to a high standard this serves a particular purpose in upholding the values mentioned prior. Here at Britannia none of our pupils will ever need someone else to sit their driving test, as we ensure all of our pupils are thoroughly prepared and test standard before taking their practical test.

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