Mind on Driving

Speed Cameras

2011-02-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Many councils are ending the speed camera regime, mainly because they have to fund and maintain the cameras whilst Central Government receive the fines. Many drivers will welcome this probably for all the wrong reasons.

In my opinion Gatzo speed cameras only slow speeding drivers down for the length of the measured white paint anyway, causing them to brake suddenly, because they don't generally see them until the last minute, and then accelerate at a great rate of knots as soon as they are clear. So the fact that these cameras will not be operating will hopefully remove this hazard anyway.

The most effective speed cameras i feel are those recording average speed between 2 points. Drivers seem to respect these much more, keeping to the speed limit. I think it would be more financially beneficial to increase this method of speed regulation, even if the cameras are not actively operating it would act as a deterrent in high risk areas, reducing the risk of drivers braking suddenly.

At the end of the day if drivers were to drive at the recommended speed limits the flow of traffic would improve allowing us all to reach our destination quicker and more safely.

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The Old Chestnut

2010-11-04T04:12:00.001-07:00

During my career there have been many discussions with trainees, both learner drivers and driving instructors about overall stopping distances. The argument being that they were calculated when cars were in the early stages of development and surely these distances can be reduced now. In theory they probably can.

It was in 1946, not that i was alive then contrary to belief, that a table of overall stopping distances were included in the 'Highway Code'. These were given as a guide based on ideal road and weather conditions and a vehicle that was performing perfectly. From 50mph it was estimated that a competent driver's speed of reaction would give him/her a 'thinking distance' of 50ft added to a 'braking distance' of 125ft. The same figures are quoted in the 2010 edition of the 'Highway Code'.

While it could be argued that a modern driver does not react any faster, modern cars with servo assisted brakes, better tyres, traction control and ABS (although ABS does not stop a car any quicker, in fact it is proven that you will stop over a longer distance due to the pulsating of the brakes), can stop far more quickly than their 1940's counterparts.

All these things taken into account in 'theory' stopping distances should be shorter in modern day vehicles. But in practice modern day distractions such as loud music, sat nav etc. will increase the 'thinking time', drivers not fully understanding modern day technology and its purpose who rely on it too much will brake later. Also these overall stopping distances were based on a 'vehicle that was performing perfectly' how many drivers do we personally know who try to reduce costs by extending service periods. Also the drivers state of health must be taken into consideration as if feeling unwell, reaction times will also be slower.

Therefore in my opinion i believe it is right to err on the side of caution, surely it is better to be safe than sorry.

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Theory Questions no longer being published

2010-11-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

The following is a statement from the DSA:

DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests
Candidates need to understand theory
End to memorising answers
Unpublished questions used from 1 January 2012
The Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning announced today.
This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.
The move follows the introduction of independent driving into the driving test and the DSA's decision to stop publishing test routes in October 2010, to make sure the test assesses a learner's ability to drive and not their capacity to memorise routes.
Mike Penning said:
“The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road - good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.
“No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.
“I believe that this - along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime - will lead to better drivers and safer roads.”
In September 2011 DSA will change the format of books and other learning materials available to help people prepare for theory tests. This will take place at the same time as more challenging case studies are introduced to car and motorcycle theory tests.
Then, from 1 January 2012, DSA will create theory tests using questions which will not be published.
Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available to help candidates with revision.
Other companies which publish products containing DSA theory test questions will also no longer have access to the questions used in the tests.

I am personally very pleased that the DSA has made this announcement. In my opinion it is very important not only for students learning to drive but also students training to become driving instructors, as by learning questions and answers by rote does not demonstrate an understanding as to an answer being right or wrong. A candidate will now have to have a much better overall understanding of a broader aspect of driving and all motoring matters and are less likely to be able to 'wing it'. Also because of the deeper understanding acheived the knowledge gained will stay with the student for much longer as it makes more sense.

Do you agree? I would be interested to hear your views.

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Rumours of DTC Closures

2010-10-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

There are disturbing rumours emerging about DTC closures, an article has been written on the Daily Mirror website. Basically what is being said is that Tory sources have said that hundreds of DTC's are to be shut down. A senior transport source has revealed that the present 400 centres are to be closed down and that driving examiners will be sent to the candidates home instead. This is to address the cut backs and to save money apparently!!
I am sure as well as you the implications of this, the logistics of this just as the start. They would need to recruit many more driving examiners to not only facilitate these tests but to also find suitable routes. How can a driving test be deemed to be 'standard' when candidates live in such diverse areas? e.g one may live out in the sticks and one in the centre of a city. Where will examiners leave their car whilst conducting these tests?
It goes without saying of course that the cost of a driving test will increase to cover mileage and parking costs accrued by the examiners.
Although this is just a rumour at present, there is no smoke without fire. Is this another snippet of information that the DSA will deem to be not important enough to let us know about until the last minute? Does anyone else have any thoughts about this?
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Is Ireland Leading the Way?

2010-09-27T04:24:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article about new legislation by the RSA - the Irish Road Safety Authority- in Ireland regarding driver training. They are designing a graduated driving licensing system to maximise the safety of inexperienced drivers and those whom they share the road with while seeking to avoid penalising responsible, compliant novice drivers.
They are introducing 9 new measures:

All new first time learner permit holders with effect from 6th December 2010 for motorcycles and 4th April 2011 for cars will be required to undertake mandatory initial basic training (IBT) with an approved driving instructor (ADI). The course will be 16 hours for motorcycles and 12 hours for car licences.
The role of the supervising driver accompanying learner drivers will be strengthened and they will introduce a requirement for learner drivers to keep a log to be signed by their driving instructor and their accompanying driver.
The drink driving limits for learners and those on the first 2 years on a full driving licence will be reduced to 20mg/100ml. This will come into effect on September 2011.
The penalty points for specified offences will be increased for learner and novice drivers so that accumulation of penalty points during the learning phase and in the first 2 years on a full licence will pose a real threat of disqualification and will impact positively on risk taking driver behaviour.
A standard hazard perception test will be developed and carried out during the novice driver phase. The test will specifically address risk taking and perception of risk amongst novice drivers.
The current driving test will be modernised to more effectively reflect driver competencies and to influence the learning undertaken by learners. A new externally accredited driving test format in the last quarter of 2011.
Novice drivers will be required to display an R (restricted) plate during the first two years of their full driving licence.

Hooray!! At least somebody is taking road safety seriously instead of playing at it in a very wishy washy style. These are real positive steps to making our roads safer. Come on No.10 stop talking about it and get on on with it!!

Cheap Driving Lessons?

2010-09-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Why is it that a client will always ask as a first question "How much is an hours driving lesson?". Are they really interested or is it a way of opening the conversation? Lets face it we all love a bargain but can a price be put on road safety?
Many driving schools drive down the price of driving lessons trying to get their share of the market but are the clients getting the best deal? If a driving instructor wants to earn an average wage (i am not talking about the £30,000 quoted by some salesmen), use a decent car as a work tool, get the best car insurance available and work an average 39 hours a week how can they charge as little as, and in some cases less than, £10 an hour? Not forgetting road tax, fuel, accountants fees, pension, national insurance, sickness insurance etc. etc. Surely these instructors must be cutting costs somewhere, so which shall it be? Buy an old banger?, shorter lessons to save fuel?, miss a service now and again? Sell the pupil more hours than are required to recoup losses?
Surely if a driving instructor gives a great service, a full hour, is reliable and punctual, keeps their car clean and well maintained, gives quality tuition at the clients pace, and makes learning to drive fun instead of an ordeal, a client will pay what the instructor is worth?
Thankfully most people learning to drive are not stupid and know that if they want quality they must pay a little extra for it and most instructors who give an excellent service are not afraid to charge a little more, therefore everyone is happy. So where is the problem? So come on if your are 'ringing round' for prices and are quoted a very low price you need to ask the question "why"? You will pay for it in the end. http://www.zodiacdrivertraining.co.uk/pricelist.php

Night Driving Restrictions?

2010-09-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

In the national news today those who think they know best have decided that a 17-24 year old should not be allowed to drive when it's dark, the reasoning behind this is that they believe it will reduce the number of accidents caused by inexperienced drivers at night.
Although it is fact that 10% of full licence holders are within this age group, and that 20% of all accidents are caused by them (so who causes the other 80%?) i believe that training is the answer not banning them. It is inexperienced drivers that are a problem not a particular age group.
The 'Pass Plus' course only deals with the tip of the iceberg, learners should have a number (possibly as many as 20 hours) mandatory driving lessons at night and even take a night time driving test as they do in places like Sweden. OK, maybe even delay not just youngsters but ALL inexperienced drivers from driving at night until the specific training has taken place, but ban them? It is attitudes that should be dealt with as much as experience, but that's another subject.
How much is this going to cost the government to implement and police. I wish that a government would have the balls to go 'that step further' and really take driver training seriously if they are that concerned about road safety as they try to make out. Surely the time has come for professional driving tuition to become compulsory and not optional? Is it a coincidence that the most vulnerable age group are also the group most likely to have received 'practice' lessons from their family and friends?
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Refresher Driving Lessons or Retest?

2010-09-20T01:54:00.000-07:00

Should it be obligatory for older drivers 70+ to take refresher driving lessons or should they be retested? My view is that they should have some form of retest, maybe a hazard perception test to measure thier reaction time, this could be done annually after the age of 70. Lets face it we all know someone that we fear for each time they get in thier car, not just for them but the other road users that they share the road with. Many of these drivers have not taken any form of retesting for up to 50 years and our roads have changed immensely since they learnt to drive, volume of traffic being the main change but vehicle technology has changed too making the way we actually control the car to be outdated. Our civilisation is moving into a stage where senior citizens will be huge in numbers and if something isn't done now our roads will soon become carnage.
The younger generation 17-24 year olds have had to step up to the mark with continuous changes made to the standard of driving needed in order for them to pass a driving test, post test training and continuous updating thereafter and they are now becoming some of the best drivers on our roads. But older drivers are now beginning to stand out as the high risk.
If a pilot were to continue to fly without testing would this be acceptable? Or if they had not flown for many years, would it be seen as o.k for them just to get back in the pilot's seat without refresher lessons?
Now is the time to address this problem before more people than necessary are killed or injured on our roads.
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When did overtaking on the left become acceptable?

2010-09-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

I have been driving and in the driving instruction business for too many years to remember and have seen many things change over the years. But when did it become acceptable to flout the basic 'Highway Code' rules about overtaking on the left particularly on dual carraigeways/motorways. Don't these people know how much danger they and those around them are in? http://www.zodiacdrivertraining.co.uk/courses.php