Are you safe to drive the 'Morning After"?

According to the Department of Transport's THINK! campaign, you could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it's the 'morning after'.
Sleep, coffee and cold showers don't help to sober you up - time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system.

It takes a lot longer than most people think for alcohol to pass through the body.
On average it takes around one hour per unit of alcohol, though this can vary depending on a number of factors.

Because of this, there is a real risk that people who would not dream of driving after drinking may still be unwittingly over the drink drive limit the morning after.

This includes people going about everyday activities such as driving to work, doing the school run, popping to the shops or going to see friends.

According to THINK! approximately 5,500 people fail a breath test in the morning each year.

If you are planning to drink alcohol, plan how to get home without driving.

• Agree on a designated driver
• Save a taxi number to your phone
• Download an Uber app
• Find ou about public transport routes and running times before you go out

For more information visit the following links:
http://think.direct.gov.uk/index.html
http://morning-after.org.uk/?page_id=82

The Good Garage Scheme would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year, with thanks THINK! for sharing this advice and information.

New smartphone or tablet for Christmas?

If you are one of the many lucky ones who received a new smartphone or tablet device in your Christmas stocking, you may be downloading new apps and learning how easy it is to access your favourite games, social media, news and useful websites at the touch of a button.

What is an "app"?

For those who are still new to the world of apps, it is not complicated. "App" is short for application software that is designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers and other mobile devices such as iPods. They can be downloaded either free of charge or for a listed price from app stores such as iTunes or Google Play.

The Good Garage Scheme created its free app for iPhone in 2010 and then for Android smartphones the following year. So far over 12,000 users have downloaded the app and The Sunday Times even voted it one of the World's Top Apps in 2011 and 2012.

It is a handy app to have on your phone when you are driving in the UK. You never know when you will need to find a trustworthy garage, and there are also some handy tips on how to check your oil so that you can keep your car maintained between services.

To download your free app, simply click here.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year from the Good Garage Scheme.

Happy Holidays from the Good Garage Scheme

The Good Garage Scheme wishes you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Travel safely and don't forget to download the Good Garage Scheme App for peace of mind
wherever you travel this Christmas. Locate a garage you can trust no matter where you travel in the UK. 

Resolutionary Road

New Year is a time when we consider our goals for the next twelve months, whether that is to start using the unused gym membership, quit drinking alcohol in the afternoon or stop not winning the lottery. Perhaps you have resolved to change some of your driving habits.

No matter what, you must always be able to stop your vehicle within the distance you can see to be clear. This is inevitably shortened in the dark. During hours of darkness use your lights to improve your view, using full beam whenever possible without dazzling other road users.

It's your responsibility to ensure that you're fit to drive. The NHS recommends having an eye test every two years. Many people are entitled to free examinations.

Adverse weather conditions are the cause of thousands of road accidents every year. Make sure you check the weather forecast before embarking upon a long journey and heed any weather warnings. If the weather is really bad, consider whether your journey is necessary. If it is, it may be worth taking public transport or walking if it's a short distance.

It's important to ensure your vehicle is well maintained whatever the weather. Check fluid levels, lights, windscreen wipers, tyre pressures and depths weekly. Windows, mirrors, number plates and lights should be kept clean at all times.

Anticipation is key to staying safe on the roads. Never assume that another motorist has seen you, just because you have spotted them. Expect the unexpected – particularly at junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts.

The IAM has a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter, including various types of weather. Check it out before you travel.

Happy Christmas wishes from the Good Garage Scheme

The Good Garage Scheme wishes you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

 Travel safely and don't forget to download the
Good Garage Scheme App for peace of mind
wherever you travel this Christmas. Locate a garage you can
trust no matter where you travel in the UK.