Drivers, Know Your Limits

There are not too many drivers who can say that they have never exceeded the speed limit.

The rules are there to keep everyone safe, and it is astonishing how many drivers are unsure of the speed limit rules.

According to The Highway Code (available in most bookshops as a paperback at a cost of approximately £2:50 or available free online),  Rules 124
states:

You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle. The presence of street lights generally means that there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit unless otherwise specified. 

Rule 125 continues to advise:

The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when:

• the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends
• sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, particularly children, and motorcyclists
• weather conditions make it safer to do so
• driving at night as it is more difficult to see other road users

The National Speed Limit for cars and motorcycles (including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes max laden weight) are as follows:

• Built-up areas*                  30 mph

• Single carriageways          60 mph 

• Dual carriageways            70 mph 

• Motorways                        70 mph  

* The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.

The Good Garage Scheme advises all motorists to drive safely and if in any doubt about the braking system on their vehicle, visit a local member garage soon.

It's like having a friend in the know.

 

Back to School - Drivers Take Care

Many schools will start their new academic year again after this week and the lighter traffic that motorists have enjoyed over the summer will change dramatically. In fact, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM),the school run brings with it approximately 20 per cent more rush hour traffic.


The Good Garage Scheme would like to remind all drivers to plan for extra journey times from Monday and take extra care when driving near schools.

Children can be easily excited and distracted when crossing roads and it is advisable to show extra attention, especially during drop-off and pick-up times of the day.

In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the “School” warning sign which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area.
According to the Highway Code, you MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a “Stop for children" sign.
When passing a stationary bus showing a ‘School Bus’ sign, please drive carefully as children may be getting on or off.

Is your car ready for school?
Why not have your car checked before the school year begins to ensure it is in tip-top shape and less likely to break down and make the family late for school and work?
Visit GoodGarageScheme.com and find a local garage you can trust.

Warning to motorists about new fraud tactic

A new car insurance scam tactic, dubbed "flash for cash" has been devised by organised gangs of criminals, again targeting innocent motorists.

The gangs lie in wait near exits for fuel stations, shops and car parks. The innocent motorist is given the impression they are being offered a way back on to the main road, only for the driver of the other vehicle to accelerate into the side of it and claim no such signal was given, which is very difficult to prove in a court of law. This shifts the blame to the victim for seemingly cutting off the other motorist's right of way.

The Asset Protection Unit (APU), a specialist anti-fraud firm that work closely with the police and insurance companies warned those most at risk are the more vulnerable such as mothers on the school run and elderly motorists. Others targeted have included those driving new, expensive vehicles.

The Highway Code says: "Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully."

Unfortunately, what was once seen as a rare, friendly gesture,  is now being abused by criminals and will now be viewed with scepticism and caution.

The Metropolitan Police's Traffic Command Detective Inspector David Hindmarsh told Sky News: "Organised criminal groups can set up claim management companies with the sole purpose of defrauding the industry. Insurance costs would then be claimed for recovery of the damaged vehicle, storage while awaiting repairs and car rental during the period. The advice would be if someone flashes you, make sure they are either stopped or don't risk pulling out. Always make sure it is safe to move before you do so."

Four days of bad weather result in claims exceeding £3 million

The snow encountered by the motoring public which began toward the end of last week was predicted to have a costly economic effect. 

Millions of workers were unable to reach their workplaces on time (if at all) due to the resultant road congestion. Public transport services were stifled. Those reliant on them for their commute to work plus those who drive were badly affected with many motorists experiencing car breakdowns or road blockages due to cars being stuck in the snow.

It led motoring organisations such as The Highways Agency and the RAC to advise motorists to avoid any non-essential travel but not all motorists were fazed by the poor weather and braved the elements.

Few could have predicted how many accidents and car insurance claims would result from it however. The AA’s car insurance team have released claims figures measured in a four day period from18th-21st January, a staggering 45% of which were as a result of the inclement weather at that time. In total, several hundred claims were received by the organisation with the total value of those claims being in excess of £3 million and affecting an estimated seven thousand vehicles.

Causes blamed for this include poor visibility from cars whose drivers have not removed insufficient amounts of ice and snow before starting journeys.
 
The AA’s car insurance director, Simon Douglas advised: “Good visibility is important at all times and especially so when the weather is poor. Pedestrians can slip off icy pavements while other vehicles can make unpredictable movements. You need the greatest opportunity to see what’s happening around you. People who drive around in cars that could be mistaken for an igloo are accidents waiting to happen. Not only can they see little of their surroundings but chunks of snow and ice fly off as they drive, posing a serious risk to pedestrians and other drivers.”

This was highlighted by the recent example of the Audi-driving motorist pictured driving down the M4 motorway with only a small section of the windscreen cleared. For the article containing an image of the vehicle, by Alistair Potter of Metro.co.uk please see here.

Rule 229 of The Highway Code states:

Before you set off
•    You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
•    You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
•    Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly
•    Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
•    Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted

Emergency? Keep calm and pull over

Drivers need to be alert and ready for anything, whether it is a football rolling into the road, confused animal or emergency services vehicle. The sudden sounds of sirens and the flashing lights in the rear view mirror can cause your heart to race. It’s easy to panic, but the key is to tackle the situation calmly.

If you are not sure of what to do when you see approaching flashing lights, you are not alone. In the latest survey by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), thirty-five per cent of respondents admitted that they did not know the rules on how to deal with an approaching emergency service vehicle.

According to The Highway Code, "When it comes to Emergency and Incident Support vehicles, drivers should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. 

When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you."

Here's a reminder of what to do when you see an approaching emergency vehicle:

• Keep calm.
• Consider the route of the emergency vehicle and take appropriate action to allow it to pass.
• When moving out of the way, ensure you continue to observe all traffic signs.
• Don’t pull over on kerbs, verges and pavements. This may endanger pedestrians or other road users.  
• Avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of a road.
• Do not endanger yourself.
• Do not brake harshly on approach to a roundabout or junction as the driver behind may not see what you can.
  
• There may be more than one emergency service vehicle that needs to pass.  Take your time to check before moving off safely and indicate your intention to drivers around you.

Download the free Good Garage Scheme app so that you are able to contact a garage you can trust no matter where you are in the UK.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) for sharing research for this blog.