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Eye test health – how to ensure you are fit to drive

When it comes to driving, there are a lot of precautions that we all take. There are certain ‘unwritten rules’ that we all try to abide by.

These include things like not driving when we’re angry, taking extra care when driving in wet or icy conditions, and not listening to the car stereo too loudly.

The majority of us like to think of ourselves as good drivers, and many of us are. But there is one area where many people are not being as safe as they should be.

When it comes to eye sight, many people don’t bother to get themselves checked out nearly as often as they should, which can be very dangerous.

The Highway Code states that drivers should be able to read the number plate on a vehicle, in good daylight, from 20 metres away – the equivalent of about five car lengths.

If you can’t read the number plate clearly, then you should wear glasses while driving at all times. 20 metres may not sound like far, but many drivers would struggle to read from that distance.

This is especially true of older drivers, as according to national safety organisation Road Safety GB, one in five drivers have never been for an eye test.

Road Safety GB also points to research carried out by Brunel University, which found that drivers with poor eye sight are 62% more likely to stray out of their lane while driving.

Industry experts are now calling for compulsory eye tests for drivers, to ensure that people aren’t putting themselves and others in danger.

If you are a driver, remember to take out car insurance before you get in the car.

New EU rules on car insurance explained

The European Court of Justice announced plans last year to scrap gender as a contributing factor towards car insurance. This will affect nearly all drivers as it could push up the cost of car insurance even further.

It is felt by many that the decision that gender should not be used to calculate risk could also cross over into other insurance policies in time.

So what does all this mean?

The EU has decided that it was discriminatory to use gender as a deciphering factor in determining car insurance prices.

Women, who typically are seen as lower risk drivers compared to men, may now see their policies bumped up to match that of men. Insurers are unlikely to reduce the rates of men to match women and, therefore, young female drivers in particular may feel the impact of the EU ruling worse than any other group.

In contrast, men might see their car insurance premiums reduced slightly.

This means that anyone who has purchased car insurance since the end of December 2011 will be affected by the ruling on their next renewal.

The ruling will be enforced on 21st December 2012 and until then gender is still to be used as a contributing factor.

Winners and losers

The current system operates on the risk assessment of the driver. Statistically, female drivers are at a lower risk compared to men.

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association have suggested that the average 18 year old male will claim £4,400 on their car insurance. This is in comparison to the average 18 year old female claim of £2,700.

The Association of British Insurers suggests that the gender ban will increase premiums for women by up to 20%. Men, however, could see their premiums reduced by up to 10%.

The AA British Insurance Premium Index shows that insurance has increased by 15% in the last three months of 2012. Young drivers experienced the highest average increase.

It could be worth shopping around to find the cheapest car insurance policy available before the ban comes into force at the end of the year.

Five ways cars are safer now than 20 years ago

Technological advances have brought about some great innovations over the past 20 years. Gadgets that no-one could have envisaged 20 years ago are now taken for granted.

We can now fit a whole CD collection into our pocket, have face-to-face conversations with people on the other side of the world and watch 3D films in our own home.
But as well as entertainment, technology has worked its way into the car industry. But how much safer are cars now than 20 years ago?

Satellite navigation

Many accidents happen on roads that we are not familiar with, as we lose our confidence and make silly mistakes.

But with satellite navigation, that is a thing of the past. There is no need to study a map before going on a journey, or go round a roundabout three times in a row, the ‘satnav’ will tell you all you need to know.

Computer systems

The vast majority of cars which are built these days will come with an on-board computer as standard, giving drivers more information about things like weather and road conditions.

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control, or ESC, is technology that is built into modern-day cars to help avoid crashes by the danger of skidding, or losing control of the car by over-steering.

Safety Requirements

Modern-day cars constantly have to meet higher and higher standards of car safety, so it’s little wonder that cars have gradually got safer over the years.

As each year goes by, the standards that manufacturers are required to meet goes up, ensuring that cars only get safer as time goes by.

Side air bags

These may seem like something that has been around for ages, but side air bags are actually a modern-day phenomenon.

These work in the same way as the traditional airbag, but offer drivers and passengers protection from breaking windows.

If you have recently purchased a new car, you can expect it to feature a whole host of new devices and safety features. So, remember to find the most appropriate car insurance policy to keep you protected.

Do I even need a car?

Cars are an integral part of life for many people, now more so than ever. As the world gets smaller, people are relying on cars more than ever before.

Despite the rising costs, many people still rely on their car for everything from going to the shops to commuting to work, to even going on holiday.

Many jobs require us to have a licence, and ownership of a car is still definitely seen as a bonus amongst young people.

But do we really need a car? Society says we do, but the price of owning a car is making it harder and harder to justify it. So how can you save money on car ownership?

Motor upkeep

If something goes wrong with your car (and it inevitably will, especially if it is an old model), then you could be left seriously out of pocket.

And if you are not much of motor expert and take your car to a garage at the first sign of trouble, mechanics will see you coming a mile off and might take you for a ride.

If your car breaks down, see it as an opportunity to learn a new life-skill and see if you can fix the problem yourself. Use the internet, your car’s manual, and any friends or family who have a bit of know-how to help you figure out the problem and get it resolved.

If your car is damaged as the result of an accident, then remember that your car insurance will often cover the costs of repairs.

Fuel prices

There was once a time when it cost less than a pound per litre of petrol to run a car. But fuel prices have risen astronomically in recent years, so how can you keep costs down?

Try not to make any short, unnecessary journeys, and you’ll be surprised how much fuel you have left in your tank at the end of the week.

Also, remember to drive economically. This means keeping revs down, reducing acceleration and driving in a careful manner.

Unseasonable storms cause a stir across the UK

The recent onslaught of high winds and inclement weather has resulted in widespread travel disruption for much of the UK, putting road users at increased risk.

So, where have the storms caused the biggest problems and what can you do to protect yourself?

Wales

One of the worst affected areas, Wales has witnessed winds of up to 93mph in Geynedd whilst flood warnings were also issued for a number of areas, such as Conwy.
Roads have been heavily affected by the recent weather, with several major routes being affected by debris. The high winds have caused trees and other items to obstruct roads, with areas such as Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Gwynedd all being affected.

England

Elsewhere in the UK, other regions have experienced similar delays and traffic disruption due to the weather. The Port of Dover was closed due to high seas, whilst commuters planning to use the Dartford crossing were warned to expect the gale-force winds to cause delays.

Kent, Surrey and Sussex were all said to experience problems as fallen trees and flooding affected their roads, with the A287 between Hindhead and Haslemere being closed in Surrey.

Scotland

Scotland has also experienced similar conditions, with residents being warned to prepare themselves for localised flooding and a drop in current temperatures. Winds of up to 100mph are potentially forecast for the area, with local authorities urging commuters to take necessary precautions.

How to protect yourself from the weather

It is, therefore, essential that all drivers take the necessary steps to protect themselves in light of the recent conditions. The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings which should be consulted by all commuters whilst journeys should only be made if absolutely necessary.

You should also ensure that you have adequate car insurance cover before taking to the roads. This will ensure that you will be protected should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident whilst out in the current bad weather.

Tips for buying a New Year car

As 2012 dawns, motorists across the country will be looking for a new car to welcome in the New Year. With a wide selection available, finding the best vehicle can be difficult – so what should you look for when buying a New Year car?

Consider the initial price and your budget

Set a clear budget and remember to consider depreciation values when making your purchase. New cars can depreciate very quickly and so it is important that you think of your purchase as an investment rather than a one-off expense.

Buying a pre-registered vehicle can sometimes be a better investment and The Guardian claims that they can be as much as 20% cheaper than a brand new model, whilst still having mileage of as low as 20 miles. Starting the New Year with a savvy saving like this is a great way to make sure you get a top of the range vehicle without leaving your finances beyond repair.

Compare features against your requirements

Make a list of your requirements to make sure you select a suitable model. Always ask yourself questions about how much storage space you require and what features you want before looking at prospective vehicles. Then compare your list of requirements with what is on offer and make sure you make the best decision.

Security features should be considered alongside other aspects, such as entertainment and you should always check the condition of the vehicle regardless of whether you are buying it new or second-hand. Always make sure you check the documentation and don’t commit to a purchase unless you are entirely happy with what you are being offered.

Calculate the additional costs

All car purchases will come with additional costs and these always need to be considered before committing to a purchase. Car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers and the cost will vary between policies and makes of vehicle. Always obtain insurance quotes prior to purchase to ensure you are prepared for the full cost of the car.

Car crime tops list of worries for British drivers

According to car insurers Admiral, almost three quarters of Brits worry about car crime on a regular basis.

The research shows that 74% of drivers in the UK give regular thought to the safety of their vehicles, being extremely fearful of car crime.

Having their cars stolen or broken into is the main concern, affecting the vast majority of drivers.

The fears come despite the fact there is evidence that car crime figures are falling, meaning that drivers could be worrying unnecessarily.

According to the insurer, the number of customers who were victims of car theft last year had fallen to just 0.16%. This figure was said to be 0.54% in 2001, showing a significant decrease over the past ten years.

Regional worries

Despite the widespread fear of car crime, different regions of the UK were found to experience different levels of worry. The North was found to be the most relaxed, with Scottish drivers claiming to feel safest.

The East Midlands and Yorkshire, however, were said to be on the other end of the scale, with 80% of their drivers fearing for their vehicle’s safety.

The average figure of 74%, therefore, shows how the fear of car crime is something which is endemic to British drivers, leaving many of them nervous about the security of their vehicles and the possessions contained within it.

Protecting your vehicle

With these concerns in mind, it is vital that drivers take the necessary measures to protect their vehicles. Simple procedures, such as parking the vehicle in a safe and well-lit location and ensuring all doors are locked can help to significantly reduce the chance of car crime.

Windows and sunroofs should also be kept shut when the car is not occupied and drivers can also invest in security locks and immobilisers to add extra safety features.
Unfortunately, all of the preparation in the world will not completely eradicate car crime and some owners could still find themselves the victims of damage and theft.

Ensuring that you have adequate car insurance cover for these situations is essential. All drivers should check their policies and make sure they invest in one which offers financial protection for damages, break-ins and thefts.

Has Top Gear become irrelevant TV for motoring fans?

There was a time when watching Top Gear was the way petrol-heads kept up to speed on the latest developments in the automotive world. However, as the car industry continues to change, has this pivotal programme lost its significance?

According to a recent report in The Guardian, ratings for the latest series are down with even the programme’s producer, Andy Wilman, confessing that he will be glad to see the end of it.

However, the vast amount of criticism for the show has been directed at the scripting and presenters rather than being necessarily focused on the content which it provides for motorists.

Predictability and a lack of innocence are said to be the main causes for complaint with the current show, leaving car enthusiasts less than satisfied with the BBCs latest efforts.

However, with the car industry and the nature of cars continuing to change, are there deeper problems with the current Top Gear format and focus?

Featuring a number of expensive so-called “supercars” in the show, the programme could now be seen to be somewhat dated, offering information that is no longer relevant to motoring fans.

With the automotive industry currently focusing on environmental and economic benefits as their prime concern, programmes about three middle-aged men and racing is perhaps not the most relevant viewing for consumers – although is still largely enjoyable.

In fact, nowadays the more ‘boring’ aspects of car ownership are likely to be considered more important by consumers, all of whom are eager to find ways to save money.

Yet, despite the fall in ratings, the show still remains popular with a fairly large audience – regularly attracting more than five million viewers.

This figure is said to be particularly high for a BBC2 show and demonstrates how, despite current speculation, the show continues to have some sway with audiences.

Whether current viewers are tuning in purely for the entertainment or for car-based information is uncertain, but the future of the show is likely to be largely dependent on its ability to retain significance in an industry that is continually under development.

Before taking to the road you are legally required to have Car Insurance in place.

Are petrol prices in the UK too high?

The cost of motoring is soaring and motorists are being driven off the roads as a result.

High petrol prices and significant car maintenance costs have combined to leave drivers on the side lines. UK petrol prices have risen dramatically over the last 12 months. Many people are now asking if they are too high.

The cost of petrol hit a record high in May this year, reaching 137.43p a litre for petrol. It has since climbed down, but only to 133.7 pence per litre for unleaded, and 140.9 p for diesel.

It could be worse though. Due to the exchange rate, petrol prices are currently higher in eight European countries other than the UK, including France, Italy and Portugal.

The UK has the seventh highest price of petrol and the second highest diesel price in Europe, according to the AA. Norway has some serious petrol price problems and the UK’s costs look cheap in comparison.

The November Fuel Price Report found that Norway had the highest price of petrol in Europe at 153.28 p per litre for unleaded and 142.26 for diesel.

The Netherlands was not far behind, charging 144.22p per litre for unleaded and Denmark took third place charging 140.56 p per litre for unleaded. The cheapest petrol can be found in Bulgaria, at just 103.47 p per litre.

The report also found significant regional variations in petrol price within the UK. Yorkshire and Humberside recorded the lowest petrol and diesel prices, with an average of 132.8 pence per litre for unleaded and 140.3 p per litre for diesel. Northern Ireland was found to charge the most for both petrol and diesel.

Drivers who are already finding it hard to part with their money at the pumps could see things get worse still as some experts warn that petrol prices could rise further. Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Group, RMI Petrol predicts that this could increase to 145p next year for unleaded and a staggering 150p for diesel.

Before taking to the roads you are legally required to have car insurance in place.

5 of the worst places to drive abroad

Driving abroad can be an exhilarating experience, with stretches of open roads against magnificent scenic backdrops. However, not all motoring experiences while travelling abroad are positive.

Below, we have looked at the top five worst places to drive when overseas;

Mumbai

Hot, sticky, sweaty and highly polluted, Mumbai is arguably one of the worst cities to drive in on the planet. The extremely high levels of traffic make getting around on foot look like a great option, even while carrying your luggage under the hot Indian sun.

The majority of taxis have no air conditioning and the pollution creates a thick insulation around the city. Lanes do not exist as cars have to navigate between crowds, animals, tuk-tuks, trucks and more.

Athens

Zipping motorcycles with triple parked cars and wandering groups of people make the city a hazard-zone for accidents and breakdowns.

Toronto

Often named and shamed as one of the world’s worst cities to live in, the Canadian city is a hub of commuter traffic. Seeing nearly half a million drivers per day, all 18 lanes of some roads can be at standstill during rush hour. The city also has one of the longest average commuting times in the world for those working in the city.

Bolivia

Boliva is home to the most dangerous road in the world, according to the Inter American Development Bank. ‘The Death Road’, also known as the north Yungas Road leading from Bolivia’s capital to the Amazon region, is 69km of hell on wheels. It was estimated that around 200-300 travellers are killed annually due to the road’s ridiculous height and poor quality surface.

Paris

Paris is a nightmare for any driver hoping to conquer the Arc de Triomphe. The city boasts one of the world’s largest traffic circles, with 13 different entrances and no markings/lines. It is truly a recipe for disaster.

If you plan on driving abroad don’t forget to contact your car insurance provider.

Japanese supercar crash has scrap value of £2million

A recent car accident in Japan is said to have produced £2million worth of scrap metal after fourteen cars collided with one another on the Chugoku expressway.

The report on Sky News explained that the fourteen cars involved are thought to have collided after one of the vehicles drove down the wrong side of the expressway, causing the multiple car pile-up to occur.

The group were said to be travelling from Kyushu to Hiroshima when the accident occurred, leaving a vast amount of debris scattered across the road.

Injuries

Thankfully, no major injuries have been reported from the incident, with most of the people involved escaping relatively unscathed.

According to a Japanese report by The Daily Yomiuri, just ten of those involved have been admitted to hospital with “minor injuries” and no major injuries or casualties were reported.

Damage

Unlike the injuries, extensive damage has been caused by the accident, with the scrap value of the mangled vehicles estimated to be as much as £2million.

Whilst the debris may have an estimated scrap value of £2million, repair costs for the vehicles could be just as high – if not higher.

Outcomes

This incident acts as a firm reminder of the importance of driver safety when on the roads – with even Supercars being capable of encountering difficulties.

Drivers have a responsibility towards each other when they are on the road, and it is always important to keep this sense of responsibility in mind when going on any journey no matter how long or short it may be.

Collisions, such as this, are an unfortunate hazard associated with driving and it is, therefore, vital that motorists protect themselves with appropriate products and policies.

All drivers should have car insurance in place in case of an accident. Car insurance is a legal requirement on UK roads and drivers of all ages should make sure they have an up-to-date insurance policy in place at all times.

Please note that supercars are unlikely to be covered by the car insurance Asda is able to offer. You may need to contact a specialist provider to get cover.

Worst driving habits revealed

At one time or another, we may have witnessed questionable behaviour from other drivers on the roads. People forgetting to put their seatbelt on, cutting someone up in a rush or getting frustrated with slower drivers are some of the most common examples.

However, these are just some of the naughty driving habits that many motorists have adopted.

We take a quick look at the most annoying and worst driving habits on UK roads;

Tailgating

Tailgating has been voted as the worst driving habit in a poll conducted by insurance firm, Admiral. Out of 2,500 drivers who were surveyed, 79% of them said that this was the number one most annoying habit of UK motorists.

Failing to indicate

Another habit which drives UK motorists particularly crazy is not indicating. The research found that those people surveyed believed this was the second most annoying habit of all.

Cutting up

Taking third place and a large percentage of the vote, cutting up someone is said to be both distressing and infuriating for drivers.

Not only is it considered rude to other road users, but it can also prove to be extremely dangerous. Accidents could occur when drivers are careless and not aware of the consequence of their actions. It is important for all drivers to recognise that they have a sense of responsibility to each other when they are on UK roads.

The research also found that these irritating habits are making drivers less courteous to one another on the roads. Driving etiquette appears to be slowly grinding to a halt. 62% of motorists, who were polled in the same Admiral survey, believe people are not as polite as they were five years ago.

Every driver is legally required to have car insurance in place. With Asda Car Insurance you can choose from 3 different levels of cover to suit your needs.

Tips for buying a second hand car

If you are on the hunt for a second hand car but want to make sure you’re getting a good deal before you part with your cash, now you can. Here are some useful hints and tips when buying a second hand car.

Inspection

In addition to purchasing car insurance, it is important that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle you are thinking of purchasing. But what does this involve?

Tyres

Check the tyres for any rips or tears, don’t forget to check the spare tyre for wear and tear as well. Make sure the tread is within the legal limit of 1.6mm across the width.

Body work

Inspect the bodywork of the car, looking at the exterior paintwork and any signs of a crash. Sellers will often try and hide the signs of rust by applying a layer of paint. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the car.

If the car has been involved in an accident it might not function as smoothly as it has done previously. Check the body for dents and check the driver’s seat belt for damage or fraying.

Mileage

The mileage of a car will show how much life it has left in it. The more mileage a car has done, the more worn down it will be. Check that the mileage on the dial matches the figure on the documents.

Test Drive

One thing that all drivers should do before buying a car (new or used) is take the vehicle for a test drive. Get a feel for how the car drives, how it takes corners, how sensitive the clutch and break are so that you could imagine yourself controlling the car. Whilst the exterior and interior inspections may seem faultless, there could be problems with the engine.

Check under the bonnet

Before purchasing a car, always look under the bonnet to ensure that everything looks to be in working order. Check that there are no signs of rust and check the oil/water levels as well.

The UK’s Most and Least Desirable Cars

As with all purchases, cars will typically prompt one of two responses from the public: adoration or disgust. With a vast selection of cars to choose from on the UK market, consumers are faced with an incredibly varied choice, so what are some of the most and least desirable UK cars?

Ford Fiesta

According to recent research by the Guardian, the Ford Fiesta once again featured highly in the list of best selling cars in the UK for 2011. The SMMT (The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) revealed that over 15,000 units were sold in September, demonstrating the vehicle’s popularity with British Drivers.

The American car manufacturer began developing the model in 1972 and it has been released in numerous guises since. The car has four different body styles, offering genuine diversity to customers. This has seen the vehicle become a common feature of British roads, proving their sustained appeal. If you currently own a Ford Fiesta which you consider to be your pride and joy, car insurance could be a wise investment.

Renault Laguna Sport Tourer

According to a recent consumer study by Which?, owners of Renault Laguna Sport Tourers had the highest levels of dissatisfaction with their vehicles. Less than 50% of those questioned satisfied with the vehicle, with the majority naming it as one of the worst cars for UK citizens.

The Renault Laguna Sport Tourer was an estate version of the Renault Laguna hatchback, but failed to achieve any real popularity in the UK.

Reliant Regal Supervan III

Depending on your personal preferences, this car will either by your idea of heaven or hell. This three wheeled British construction was popular during the 1970s and had a fibreglass chassis, as opposed to a metal one. The vehicle was just as famous for its light-weight frame as it was for its instability.

The Supervan is also the famous yellow vehicle used by Trotters Independent Traders in the comedy sitcom, Only Fools and Horses – although people frequently (but mistakenly) refer to the vehicle as a Reliant Robin, a smaller three wheeled vehicle from the same manufacturer.

Most popular reasons for using a car

Far from merely transporting you from A to B, cars and motorised vehicles offer their drivers a range of different options and services. It is for this reason that people often have a number of reasons for using their car, but what are the most popular?

1. Improved transport

Of course, the number one reason for using a car is that transport is more convenient and often cheaper. Individuals do not need to get to a bus or train station and wait for their transport, instead they can simply hop into their own personal vehicle and drive from door-to-door.

2. More control

Another popular reason for using a car is that people like to feel in control of their own journey. It is often quoted that you are statistically more likely to be involved in a car accident than an aeroplane crash. However, according to airsafe.com, nearly 20% of US citizens were scared of flying in 1980, whilst the number of people currently scared of driving in the States (according to changethisrightnow.com) is just 25 million of a 300 million strong population.

Many people feel that the fear of aeroplane travel and other forms of transport is partly caused by an individual’s lack of control, hence the decision for people to use cars instead.

3. Identity definition

Many people feel that the car which they drive defines them – something which is not generally achieved with public transport. This definition is determined by the make, model and type of car that is driven and Ask Men UK, the male online magazine, have stated firmly that “real men drive cars with manual transmissions.” As they rightly point out, you can’t spell “manual” without “man.”

Whatever the reasons for using a car may be, the fact is that a large number of people take to the roads across the world every day. With cars being considered such important possessions by their drivers, breakdown cover products are often considered to be essential. These help to ensure that drivers always have access to assistance when driving, helping to ensure that this form of transport remains popular and convenient.