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Posts Tagged ‘Car Safety’

Car safety gadgets entering a new era

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Although the main aim of motor manufacturers over the last decade appears to have been to be the first producer of a successful mass produced zero emission car, there have been other developments going on, mainly involving safety.

Message not getting across

Consumers across the UK have been swamped by advertisers telling them their next motor insurance quote should be for a car with zero or low emissions but however hard the media men try and push this, consumers are not yet falling in love with the new breed of vehicles.

Technology focussing on before and not after

Survey after survey reveals that motorists are looking for value for money, comfort and reliability in a new car, and of course safety. The advances in safety have been a triumph over the last decade and almost every country in the western world can boast of falling major accident casualties because of the new technology built into our cars. In the past, safety features on cars have been “secondary”. Air bags and metal technology have been designed to protect the driver and passengers after an accident has occurred; today’s technology is focussing on stopping the accident happening in the first place.

Who will be driving?

In the near future car insurance brokers will be offering deals on vehicles that automatically dip their headlights when another car is approaching, that have inflatable rear seat belts and insist on the driver indicating when he wants to change lanes. And that is not the end by any means. Sensors and cameras in the cars will make the car stop if it anticipates a collision and laser technology will once and for all get rid of the blind spot every car driver fears.

Cost implications

Of course all these features will add cost to a car, those offered by major manufacturers at the moment put about £2,000 on the cost of a model but this may well prove more attractive to consumers than forking out an extra £10,000 for a car with no exhaust and no track record to compare it by.

Safety groups not convinced-yet

Not everyone is impressed by the new safety gadgets and many motoring and road safety groups observe that the new technology will make the modern day driver even lazier in his warm, gadget packed cocoon. They believe the emphasis should be on better driving skills and closer traffic management, however, the safety track record of motor manufacturers is getting better and not many will argue with that.

Tags: car insurance brokers, Car Safety, Gadgets, motor insurance quote, technology
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Road safety group call for more funding to stop the carnage on UK roads

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

The tragic loss of life statistics on the roads of the United Kingdom have long been a source of discomfort for those who plan our highway system, a tracking survey carried out by the Road Safety Foundation has shown what a tragic waste it really is.

The survey followed the accident statistics of just fifteen of the country’s major highways after simple road safety measures were put in place. By adopting plain ordinary safety procedures such as strategic signage, road layouts and central reservation barriers the incidence of fatal and serious injury accidents dropped by an amazing 62% in one year. The RSF say that is the equivalent of 300 lives saved.

The foundation believes that the money spent on the improvements was recouped in less than three months if the cost to emergency services, NHS departments, vehicle insurance, local business and of course families affected by the accident is all factored in. Actuaries for the safety group reckon £1 million a week would be saved if the measures were introduced on roads across the country.

An illustration of what can be done to make a dangerous road safe can be gleaned from the 11 km section of the A1428 from High Wycombe to Great Missenden, in the Home Counties. Three years ago the road was one of the most dangerous highways in the country, with 19 serious or fatal injuries. Local authorities, the police and road safety groups collectively worked at finding solutions to the problem. It worked! The last survey revealed the stretch of tarmac only played host to two serious injuries. Motor insurance claims from accidents on the road have dropped dramatically as well.

Unfortunately the A527 between Buxton and Macclesfield still has the dubious honour of being Britain’s most dangerous road. The 8 miles between the High Peak towns has been the scene for many serious and fatal accidents over the years and since 2007 they have increased by over 60%. The road is notorious for rapidly changeable weather conditions and the twists and turns of the road make it a favourite with motor cyclists. It is motor cyclists that have borne the brunt of the serious accidents and it seems lessons still have to be learned when it comes to road safety on two wheels.

Tags: Car Insurance, Car Safety, highway safety, Motor insurance, motorway
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Top Gear presenter caught between a rock and a hard place

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

For many motoring enthusiasts, Christmas is not the same without the Top Gear Christmas Special.

The programme fronted by the ebullient Jeremy Clarkson and ably accompanied by James May and Richard Hammond has been top of the motoring TV programmes for millions, over the years. Their infectious enthusiasm apparent to all.

The series which has just completed its 15^th year will be back early in 2011 and it will be a relief for many viewers as the last series was definitely shorter than previous years. The show is famed for its presenters putting fast cars through their paces and millions of viewers over the years must have obtained motor insurance quotes on vehicles they first saw on Top Gear.

Of course the series most famous episode was the one where Richard Hammond had his horrific accident in 2006. The dragster car he was driving crashed at 300mph and Hammond was in a coma with serious head injuries for many days. It may well be the two Christmas Specials that will be broadcast this year will also be remembered for one of its reporters receiving serious injury.

According to early reports James May suffered a head injury while filming the second of the two programmes in Syria. Apparently May was hurt when helping to get Jeremy Clarkson’s car out of a ditch. The recovery of the vehicle involved attaching a tow rope to the car and when the rope went taut James May was entangled in the rope. He was catapulted to one side, knocking his head against a rock. The presenter was rushed to hospital and given a brain scan as his injuries were judged to be that serious.

All turned out okay though and fans of the series will see the programme on Boxing Day. Why were the boys in Syria? Apparently they were trying to recreate the journey of the three wise men in the original Christmas story. The entire journey covered 1200 miles and viewers will have to wait until December 26^th for the outcome of the epic route.

The series also has another Christmas Special which was filmed in the USA and features the boys driving a Mercedes SLS, a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Porsche GT3 RS.

Tags: Car Insurance, Car Safety, Car Types
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Safely remove icicles from the gutters

Friday, December 17th, 2010

There is no doubt that icicles hanging from houses is the stuff of Christmas cards and arouses the festive spirit in all of us. Icicles form on the property when warm air in the attic melts the snow on the roof. As the temperature rises, the melted water runs under the snow, it will then refreeze and form an icicle as it falls off the roof and gutters of the property.

They do however, represent danger. They can block a whole gutter and then as they hang over it, their spike-like shape presents a major danger to anyone or anything immediately below them. It is not unheard of for icicles to cause huge damage to vehicles parked in the garden. This can be very costly to drivers as it means a claim on the insurance, loss of a hard earned no claims bonus and an increased premium on the next motor insurance quote. It is best to remove icicles from your gutters as soon as they appear. Doing this will prevent larger and much more dangerous build ups.

Removing them can be done very easily. First, place a ladder against the house and near the icicles. Ensure that the ladder is high enough but more importantly that it’s secure and stable. It is always best to have someone holding the ladder and never climb or stand on a roof which is covered with snow and ice. Brush away all the excess snow from the gutter and all around it too. If you have a roof rake, use it to knock as much snow off the roof as possible. Pull the snow downward, to the ground and in the direction of the slope of the roof. Pulling the snow sideways can often damage the roof and break tiles.

Next it is time to remove the dangerous icicles by breaking off small pieces with a chisel and a hammer. Breaking off large pieces may damage the gutters or roof. Work slowly and patiently, removing one icicle at a time. Remove any ice, dirt and leaves from the gutter and if possible try to keep the gutters as clean as possible during the dry winter months. When it comes to ice in gutters the most important factor is prevention. Keep your gutters clean at all times and in all seasons because ice and snow are less likely to form build-ups in perfectly clean gutters. Icicles may add a seasonal touch to the look of your house, but they can be dangerous.

Tags: Advice, Car Damage, Car Insurance, Car Safety
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Older Nissan models being targeted by thieves

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Everyone is worried about their car being damaged or worse still, being stolen. It is why we all get a motor insurance quote. Owners of top of the range cars such as a Bentley or an Aston Martin can breathe easy as thieves in Surrey are currently more interested in old Nissan vehicles, such as the 1990′s Micra models and also old Nissan Sunnys.

Sergeant Dan Gutierrez, explained “They are being stolen because they are so easy to break into. That’s why they are being targeted. We have had fourteen stolen in the last four weeks. They are being taken from the north of the county, especially the Caterham and Warlingham areas. We found one burning near Chaldon Church, and the fire brigade had to put it out – but then it disappeared, so it seems the vehicles are being set on fire to destroy any distinguishing marks and serial numbers before presumably being sold for scrap.”

The police think all of the cars are being stolen by one gang who are working in the New Addington area and think they are coming more into Surrey from the north. Surrey Police are working with scrap merchants in the local areas in an effort try and track down where the stolen cars are being sold. To date 14 Nissan older style cars have been stolen from not just the roadside but from driveways in Caterham and Merstham. Not every car has been sold on by the thieves as two of them were found abandoned and burned in Church Lane, Warlingham.

Not all owners of older Nissan models are worried, Donna Talbot 53, said “I’ve had this car for years and if anyone wants it, they can have it. It’s insured, after all, and it probably doubles in value every time I fill it up with petrol. I won’t be getting a crook lock. What’s the point? But I have to say, despite its age it’s always been a very reliable little car.”

Tags: Car Insurance, Car Safety, nissan, safety, theft
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Volvo eyes the uncrashable vehicle

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Imagine driving along a country road unaware that a tractor is about to appear out of a side turning hidden from sight around the next bend in the road. The driver has no idea but the car does. Sensors in the vehicle have identified its shape and size and predicted the tractors course and speed. An on-board computer calculates a strategy and without the need for human help, a quick burst of speed and a directional tweak is engaged. The tractor pulls out with a few inches to spare instead of hitting the car. This is not science fiction, well yes at the moment it is, but Volvo is working to make it a reality within the next 10 years.

Their aim is to manufacture a car that is uncrashable. Volvo want to build cars that will not crash, with safety strategy a chief priority. They make a bold claim that in 10 years time no one should ever be killed or even moderately injured as a driver or passenger in one of their vehicles. Volvo has an excellent safety record, but even for them it is a tall order. If a car is uncrashable will a motor insurance quote be cheaper? Only time will tell if that will be the case.

Volvo have always been a leader in car manufacture; they were the first car manufacturer to fit safety cages, laminated windscreens, lateral airbags and three-point safety belts. It looks an impossible job, but if anyone can it is Volvo. In 1970 Volvo started to collect data on accidents. They used not just data from themselves but also the insurance industry and the police. Overall it studied more than 40,000 accidents involving 60,000 cars. Volvo will have two car generations before the ten years is up and is currently exploring a number of new technologies.

Tags: Car Safety, car technology, Volvo
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