iKube® Blog

Driving Curfew Could Come Into Force For Young Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 03:16:35 PDT

The British Government are looking at putting a driving curfew for young drivers to prevent road accidents and slash young driver insurance premiums.

Over the last few years the subject of putting young driver curfews in place has been suggested on more than one occasion. As a result it looks like MPs and specialists within the car insurance industry are now discussing it as a very real option.

Ministers are also suggesting:

1. An extended probation period after learner drivers pass their test. During this period 6 penalty points results in disqualification - Ministers are suggesting that this needs to be extended from two to three years.

2. A zero alcohol limit

3. A restriction on the number of passengers carried in the car

4. A minimum period of 6 - 12 months to learn to drive - learner drivers will no longer be able to take their driving test once they hit 17.

There is also a suggestion that learner drivers can take lessons on motorways and driving tests could change to include more unsupervised driving time. It's thought that this will allow test examiners to observe candidates in a more natural surrounding when assessing skills.

Commenting on behalf of the Association of British Insurers, Otto Thoresen stated:

"We have long campaigned for changes to the current approach to learning to drive which does little to help young people become safe, secure drivers."

Mr Thoresen added that newly qualified young drivers are "at a much higher risk of having a serious crash on our roads which is reflected in the cost of their car insurance, insurers want to see young drivers become safer drivers which in turn will result in more affordable premiums."

iKube currently offers a young drivers insurance scheme that rewards newly qualified drivers for being safe on the road. The scheme also rewards young drivers who agree not to drive late at night (between 11pm - 5am) in a bid to help reduce accidents and slash premiums.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21937188

Learner Driver Numbers Dropping

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:14:22 PST

With motoring costs doubling is there any wonder why young people do not want to drive?

A recent study by Auto Trader has suggested that the cost of keeping a car on the road could double in the next decade, forcing many young drivers off the road completely.

The poll of almost 3,500 drivers suggested that many believe that the cost of motoring could be as much as £4,580 in ten years time, doubling the current cost of motoring - an overall annual cost of £135 billion a year.

As a result 71% of respondents believe that it would be very difficult for young drivers to buy a car in the future. Consequently over 50% of the 17 - 24 year olds questioned believes that there will be a drop in the numbers of people learning to drive.

Research by ITV news backs up this argument with figures that show that the numbers of learner drivers taking lessons have dropped by a fifth in the last five years alone.

ITV news suggests that this is a result of high young driver insurance costs and problems with the UK economy.

However, by taking out a black box telematics insurance policy, such as iKube, young drivers can reduce their premium by as much as 25% in some cases. To find out more about how this work's check out iKube's guide to telematics car insurance.

Source: http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/story/2013-02-19/young-drivers/

Parents Fib to Slash Young Drivers Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:00:14 PST

A comparison website has revealed that 10% of parents are happy to commit fraud to help save money on their kid's young drivers insurance.

Essentially the parent is engaging in a fraudulent scam, otherwise known as "fronting", to reduce car insurance premiums. This scam involves a parent or older driver to insure the car in their name, however, in reality the young driver is the main driver.

Committing car insurance fraud is illegal and really not worth the risk as it could invalidate the car insurance as well as lead to a criminal record. To find out more about the dangers of fronting we recommend reading our article on the importance of supplying your insurer with the correct information - which expands further on why you should avoid fronting.

According to the road safety charity, Brake, a fifth of new drivers are involved in a crash within 6 months of passing their driving test. Figures also show that an 18 year old young driver is three times more likely to have an accident than a 48 year old. Stark figures that highlight the importance of ensuring that newly qualified young drivers are insured correctly.

To bring down the cost of car insurance for young drivers’ iKube recommends looking at a telematics (black box) insurance scheme. In addition to this the parent could look at adding themselves as a "named" driver as this could help also help to reduce the premium.

By adding a named driver and opting for a black box insurance scheme the young driver may not only reduce the premium in the first year but can continue to benefit from the scheme.

In the case of iKube, for example, as long as the young driver avoids late night driving and drives carefully, then they can continue to benefit from the discounts that iKube offers at renewal.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/motorinsurance/9862451/The-parents-who-lie-to-cut-their-childs-car-insurance-costs.html

Should Learner Drivers Be Taught To Read Maps?

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:41:01 PST

With many young drivers lacking basic map reading skills due to over-reliance on SatNav and online technologies we ask the question – should learner drivers be taught how to navigate using a road map?

A recent study by NetVoucherCodes.co.uk has suggested that the map-reading skills of many young drivers are extremely poor - suggesting that they have become too reliant on satellite navigation technology.

According to the survey four out of five young drivers between the ages of 18 and 30 have confessed to being unable to read a map and require electronic guidance to help them find where they need to go.

Commenting on behalf of the company, a spokesperson said:

"We’ve all seen the pictures of lorries wedged in narrow streets or heard the tales of cars being diverted hundreds of miles purely to avoid one bit of road. Map reading is a valuable skill and one which should not be lost especially amongst our younger generations. We have to remember that technology cannot be counted on all of the time."

The survey clearly brings up a number of concerns - including the lack of map reading skills by young drivers. Whilst it's easy to become dependent on the likes of a SatNav or online tool like Google Maps there is no knowing when it could go wrong.

The difference is – a SatNav is essentially a computer device that pulls its data from a satellite where a road atlas is a large book of road maps. An atlas can’t really go wrong – unless it’s a really old version and therefore doesn’t include the latest road changes – but that’s why it’s important to make sure the Atlas is up-to-date. A SatNav is an extremely useful tool; however, it is electronic and therefore prone to bugs, errors and general technical failure (in some instances).

There are arguments for both sides; however, stories in the press of people driving down restricted roads; driving headlong into lakes or rivers or driving the wrong way down a one-way road due to over-reliance on their SatNav also highlights the importance of map-reading, checking road signs and a little common sense.

So with this over-reliance on satellite navigation is it time to bring things back to basics? Should map reading to be introduced as part of a learner driver’s driving test?

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265917/Most-people-longer-navigate-map-reliant-satnavs.html

Young driver insurance rates could be on the increase

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:09:56 PST

Experts in the insurance industry have warned that young driver insurance rates could increase to £3,300 a year or higher in some cases.

The reason insurers are looking to increase their rates for young drivers is down to changes in the way that compensation is paid to crash victims.

Unfortunately young drivers under the age of 22 are expected to be hardest hit as they are statistically more likely to be involved in a serious accident.

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers commented:

"It is little surprise motor premiums are rising because insurers have been hit with a mixture of extraordinary conditions such as increased cases of fraud and whiplash claims. When these costs come under control, the cost to drivers will fall."

The increase in insurance rates for young drivers could come as an additional blow to young female motorists as many may have already seen an increase in their premiums as a result of the EU Gender Ruling introduced in December 2012.

Commenting on behalf of the RAC, Stephen Glaister added that millions of people rely on their cars to get to work and high car insurance costs are likely to severely impact them. He added:

"Hikes in premiums and the new gender rules could make driving all but a dream for thousands of young women."

Fortunately here at iKube Insurance we offer discounted car insurance for young drivers based on the time of day they drive. As long as the policyholder agrees not to drive late at night (between 11pm - 5am) we can offer them discounted rates.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2256380/Teenagers-face-3-000-car-insurance-changes-compensation-paid-o-crash-victims.html

Top Five Cars For Learner Drivers This Year

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 03:44:55 PST

A recent article by thisislincolnshire.co.uk has revealed the top five cars that learner drivers should consider when getting behind the wheel for the first time.

They've taken into motoring costs - such as road tax, learner driver insurance and MOT when suggesting cars for learners to help manage their / parent's budget.

They include cars such as the Toyota Aygo, Smart Fortwo, Chevrolet Spark, Ford Ka and the Vauxhall Corsa.

However, when you look at the cars they all tend to come with a very similar specification. The majority have a 1.0 / 1.2 litre engine and fall into group 1 (or 2 / 3 at a push) for car insurance. Read our guide on car insurance groups to find out more.

Each of the cars mentioned in the article all tend to be fuel efficient and you should expect to get at least 55mpg.

In order of top-to-bottom cars to drive for learner drivers we have:

1. Toyota Aygo / Citreon C1 / Peugeot 107 - apparently they just couldn't make up their minds! They are all believed to be good cars for learner drivers.

2. The Smart Fortwo - a hybrid vehicle that could help save on fuel consumption, however, it does fall into insurance group 3 so the cost of provisional insurance may be a little higher than the others.

3. The Chevrolet Spark - an American vehicle with the most capacity of the five contenders.

4. The Ford Ka - a reliable fuel efficient vehicle that is ideal for first-time drivers.

5. The Vauxhall Corsa - a popular choice amongst driving schools that is fuel efficient and appears to be the most capable of handling longer journeys.

Source: http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/cars-learner-drivers/story-17690847-detail/story.html

The Importance of Indicating Whilst Driving

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 02:11:13 PST

When out on the road it can be easy to slip into bad habits - especially when it comes to not using the vehicle's indicators correctly.

Did you know that by not using your indicators you could be risking your life and that of other road users?

It might sound a little dramatic but a recent study suggests that indicator neglect can result in up to 2 million crashes over a 12 month period, according to the US Society of Automotive Engineers. When compared to the 950,000 crashes reported by the US Department of Transportation as a result of distracted driving (i.e. mobile phone use, ogling attractive pedestrians, etc) it puts it into perspective.

We've all seen it - someone driving on the motorway or dual-carriageway swerving in and out of lanes without indicating. Whether this is through sheer ignorance or just a complete disregard for other road users is not known - but that doesn't take away the fact that it can be dangerous - possibly fatal.

Indicator signals are there to inform other road users and pedestrians about what you plan on doing. For example, if you plan on turning into another road and a pedestrian is about to cross it tells them what your intentions are and they may wait for you to turn. However, if you go to turn without indicating and the pedestrian is already crossing as they are not aware of your intentions then this could result in an accident...

These two examples highlight the importance of signalling - whether you're in a built-up area such as a town or village or even on the motorway. By forcing yourself to use indicators you are taking an important step to driving safely.

Here at iKube we still turn to the Highway Code to check driving facts - especially if it means it will make us safer drivers. Take a look below at what the Code says about signalling:

• Always give clear signals in plenty of time. It's important to check that it's not misleading to signal.

• Use indicators to advise other road users before changing course or direction.

• Cancel your indicators after use.

• Ensure that your signals will not confuse others.

• Be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled.

Remember - by driving safely you naturally reduce the chance of accidents on the road - as well as reducing the likelihood of claiming on your young drivers insurance.

Source: http://autos.aol.com/article/turn-signal-neglect-study/

Drink Driving - Be Aware Of The Limit

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:29:23 PST

Recent studies have suggested that young drivers are still taking risks with drink-driving. Unfortunately this can lead to accidents that result in serious injuries, fatalities and loss of driving licence if you're caught.

However, a recent study by RED driving school has revealed that many young drivers simply are not aware of the legal drink drive limit. This suggests that the issue is more of a lack of education / understanding than it is attitude. For more information on this please read "Young Drivers Unaware Of Drink Drive Limit."

So what is the drink drive limit? Well in the UK the legal drink drive limit is:

• 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; or

• 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood; or

• 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

Unfortunately to the average person on the street this probably doesn't make a lot of sense - especially since this information cannot be safely converted into alcohol units.

But why is this the case?

Well a number of factors can affect how much alcohol is found in the breath, blood or urine, including:

• Metabolism - i.e. how quickly your body absorbs the alcohol into the blood stream

• Body Mass - i.e. someone with a smaller body mass will probably absorb the alcohol quicker than a larger person.

• Gender – whilst this may sound sexist it is a fact that women tend to be more affected by drinking alcohol than men due to the fact that they tend to have a higher proportion of body fat than men. Since fat cannot absorb alcohol, it is concentrated at higher levels in the blood.

• How much you've eaten - if you've eaten little prior to having a drink the alcohol gets absorbed quicker - possibly resulting in feeling the effects faster.

So what is the message? How much can you drink?

Our advice – if you’re planning on driving then don’t drink since it’s really not worth the risk. However, we recognise that decision is ultimately down to you – but ask yourself these questions before you do:

Can I afford to lose my driving licence?

Do I want to put myself and others at risk?

Sources:

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/HealthIssues/1055861926.html

http://www.drinkdrivinglaw.co.uk/drink_driving_limit.htm

Drink-Driving Over Christmas - Don't Risk It

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 04:00:52 PST

News is coming in from all over the UK - from Lincolnshire to South Wales with reports that regional police forces are clamping down hard on drink-driving over the Christmas period.

Only today I read that 25 out of 600 drivers tested in North Lincolnshire were found to be over the limit in 2011. According to police reports this is up on the year before.

So is drink-driving back on the increase? The 2% of the 27,000+ motorists tested in Wales last year alone suggests that it could be.

Whilst these numbers may look relatively small in the grand-scheme of things, the behaviour of these irresponsible drivers could lead to fatal accidents - injuring and killing innocents as well as themselves.

Christmas is a time for spending with loved ones and for celebrating. It’s a time for festivity, fun and even a few drinks. But if you do plan on drinking - make sure you don't drive.

To find out more about how alcohol and drugs can affect your driving please check out these guides:

Young Drivers Urged Not To Drink And Drive

The Risks Of Drug Driving

Sources:

http://www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk/Don-t-let-drink-driving-ruin-Xmas/story-17575562-detail/story.html

http://www.ikubeinsurance.com/News/2012/Dec/05/Welsh-Police-Crackdown-On-Drink-Drivers-This-Christmas/

Keep Your Windscreens Clear This Winter

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:26:31 PST

There's been a bit of talk in recent months of young drivers tackling the job of de-icing their car with a wide range of household goods... anything other than a de-icer apparently!

A recent study conducted by Autoglym showed that many people are using spatulas, boiling water, alcohol and credit cards to de-frost their vehicles.

Commenting on the survey Autoglym’s CEO said:

"Using anything other than a good quality de-icing solution and ice scraper will not effectively remove the ice, and makeshift substitutes can damage the car's glass and rubber seals.”

He added:

“Instead of attacking the windscreen with boiling water and a credit card, I'd urge motorists to prepare themselves with the correct equipment for the job.”

Now I'll be the first to admit that I fill a container with water to clear the windscreen... but not with boiling water! Funnily enough cold water does a pretty good job of clearing it - usually because even water from the cold tap is warmer than the ice on your window.

Did you know that if you use boiling water to de-ice your car you could risk shattering your windscreen due to the sudden extreme change in temperature?

Personally I don't like the idea of forking out a lot of money to replace an entire windscreen and I can't imagine many of us could afford that kind of cost...

So - young drivers - do yourselves a favour this winter - shell out for an ice-scraper and even a can of de-icer.

Alternatively, if like me you’re pretty tight or on a shoestring, then use cold water – it’s remarkably effective!

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/road-safety/9734922/Drivers-use-credit-cards-and-alcohol-to-clear-icy-screens.html#

Simulated Driving Could Save Lives

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:26:31 PST

Here at iKube we're always on the lookout for exciting new gadgets and apps that are built specifically to help learner drivers pass their driving test.

Whilst trawling the web I came across a piece on a driving simulator that helps learners to experience a range of driving conditions, including driving in snow, wet weather and other extreme conditions, without putting themselves at risk.

Afsim, a South African based company has partnered with Coega Development Corporation (CDC) to produce the simulators to help learner drivers.

Commenting on behalf of CDC, Ayanda Vilakazi sand that the initiative was launched to "save costs, improve safety, help drivers to use their controls more effectively and provide a wider range of exposure to hazardous driving conditions."

She added:

“Learner drivers, nervous or not, are constantly in danger of accidents on the road as they have never sat behind a steering wheel. It is essential that these individuals spend time on simulators to gain confidence before they drive on a public road.”

The company hopes that the simulator will help to cut the costs of learning to drive as it will mean learners will be able practice more without having to fork out more for extra driving lessons.

The group aims to distribute the simulator throughout South Africa, unfortunately there are no plans to ship it abroad - to the UK, for example, where many learner drivers would benefit from learning more technical driving in a safe environment.

iKube would be very interested to hear other's opinions on learning in a driving simulator before practising on the road. Please feel free to leave a comment below.

Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za/72331-1018-53-Safe_simulated_driving

Driving – A Few Thoughts For The Learners On The Road

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 07:06:54 PST

A feature about driving in the New Zealand press caught my eye today.

Ok - it's not the UK but what the article did was highlight the issues that young drivers all over the world have - namely putting up with other aggressive motorists.

The writer in question is actually a learner driver who was driving in bad weather - heavier rain than usual. In this kind of circumstance it makes sense to reduce your speed as visibility tends to be poorer and the wet weather can lead to skidding.

This is exactly what he did - he reduced his speed from 100kph to around 90kph and consequently he was subjected to a lot of abuse from drivers behind him. In fact some actually overtook him, slammed on their brakes once in front and then took off at speed. A rather childish attitude and certainly not something you would expect from experienced motorists.

Now this is probably an extreme example as I've never personally experienced this in the UK but the underlying message is pretty clear. Everyone has been a learner driver at some stage in their lives and not everyone is a natural behind the wheel (especially not in the first few lessons).

So if you're an experienced driver reading this - put yourself in the shoes of the learner before subjecting them to your angry impatience. If you didn’t give yourself enough time before leaving for work or that all important meeting then surely that’s your own fault… not theirs?

If you're a learner or an inexperienced driver reading this - it's ok to drive safely. In fact it's encouraged - if you're facing bad weather, especially over the winter months; slow down and drive carefully. To find out more about driving in bad weather check out iKube's range of driving guides.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/8028983/Experienced-drivers-vs-learner-driver

Young Drivers Caught In A Vicious Circle Thanks To False Claims

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:46:23 PST

Official figures released earlier this month suggest that there are fewer accidents on the road but there are more whiplash claims which have cost the insurance industry around £400 million.

Unfortunately it sounds like young drivers are in a vicious circle. Car insurance providers are claiming that premiums are on the rise due to the large number of claims - many of which are reportedly false!

So young drivers are automatically affected - many first time drivers pay a substantial cost for their first year's driving. Not only do they need to worry about the road tax, running and maintenance costs of the car but also how much their insurance is going to cost.

In spite of this, David Brown, chairman of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFA) has suggested that "the average cost of a UK motor insurance policy is decreasing."

However, he later added that whilst this is good news for the consumer, "it does raise the question of how sustainable this is for insurers."

So could we be looking at another spike in the cost of car insurance for young drivers in the future? Let's hope not!

Here at iKube we're always looking at ways we can make the cost of motor insurance fairer. We use a black box to help reduce costs - by using this data we can review your policy fairly at renewal and reward you according to how well and how safely you've driven.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19946766

Earlier Training Slashes Young Driver Accidents

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:05:45 PST

Recent research by car manufacturer, SEAT has revealed that young drivers who have taken part in their young driver training scheme have seen a 50% cut in the number of road accidents when compared to other young drivers around the UK.

Back in 2011 we spoke about SEAT and its young driver training scheme that focuses on teaching 11 - 16 year olds the basics behind the wheel.

SEAT believes that by training our youth earlier the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities can be reduced significantly.

Did you know, for example, that one in four incidents of death or serious injuries on the UK roads involve young drivers? Worrying statistics that is likely to get any parent nervous when their teen starts driving for the first time!

But the good news is that the SEAT Young driver training programme has significantly reduced the number of accidents amongst young drivers who have completed the course.

These new figures suggest that less than 10% of those young drivers have been involved in an accident whilst driving, under half the national rate in comparison.

Commenting on behalf of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), Peter Rodger said that "it's good to see early indications that pre-driver courses are producing safer drivers."

Mr Rodger added that IAM believe that, by offering this type of training to young people it allows for more training over a longer period of time and helps to adjust their attitudes towards driving.

Black box insurance scheme, iKube supports any programme that can help to make Britain's roads safer and reduce the cost of car insurance for young drivers.

Source: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/younger-driver/2012-11/accident-rate-lower-among-drivers-who-get-a-head-start/

Winter Driving Courses For Young Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 01:05:15 PST

With the long cold nights starting to set-in now it's more important than ever to stay safe on the road.

Ice, snow and even torrential rain are all major hazards when trying to make your way to work, college or even home after a long day.

You may have come across some of iKube's useful winter driving guides and blog articles previously, however, there's no substitute for hands-on training.

I recently came across a scheme called "Tread" which is taking place over in Norfolk - ran by the local council and backed by the police force.

This scheme is aimed at young drivers between the ages of 17 and 25. It's been designed to give a number of practical sessions that focus on winter driving as well as looking after your vehicle during the cold months.

By all accounts it's a very clever concept - the instructor has a device that actually causes the car to skid (something to do with hydraulic fluid, pistons and outrigger wheels).

The device effectively recreates how a car would react when driving on icy roads and compacted snow.

As a result the course teaches how to control your vehicle in the event of a skid and, more importantly, delivers the message of killing your speed - better to drive slow than risk your own life and that of other road users.

For more information visit: www.think.norfolk.gov.uk or think.direct.gov.uk for those who live outside Norfolk.

Source: http://www.think.norfolk.gov.uk/

Poor Driving Costs Young Drivers £7 Billion A Year

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:25:42 PDT

A recent study by the Energy Savings Trust has revealed that poor driving is costing British drivers a massive £7 billion a year!

On average the Energy Savings Trust believes that drivers could save themselves an annual cost of £270 - which is the equivalent of 20 pence per litre, if they were to adopt a eco-friendly style of driving.

The cost of fuel is clearly not helping matters and there is no denying that things need to change to bring costs down to a more affordable, manageable level for motorists. However, that doesn't mean drivers should ignore the potential cost savings that fuel efficient driving styles can bring.

With the cost of young drivers insurance, road tax and car maintenance to worry about young drivers are best advised to consider ways they can improve their driving to reduce the amount they spend on fuel.

Tim Anderson, the Senior Transport Advice Manager for the Energy Savings Trust advised the following top ten methods to help improve fuel efficiency:

1. Try and drive more smoothly

2. Anticipate road conditions

3. Shift up gears early

4. Turn off your car's engine - if you expect to stop for over a minute

5. Switch off your air conditioning

6. Remove roof racks

7. De-clutter your car

8. Reduce your speed on motorways - drive the speed limit

9. Ensure your tyres are inflated correctly

10. Try to avoid sharp braking - give yourself more time and look ahead whilst driving

If all British motorists adopted these simple guidelines Mr Anderson believes that as they could save as much as £6.6 billion a year.

Find out more about the Energy Saving Trust's "Fuel Your Passion" campaign and how you can improve your fuel efficiency by visiting their website.

Source: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Energy-Saving-Trust/Press/Press-releases/Energy-Saving-Trust-urges-motorists-to-fuel-their-passion-and-save-money-to-buy-the-things-they-love

The ABI On Learning To Drive - An Overhaul

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:00:22 PDT

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) are calling for a complete overhaul to the way in which young people learn to drive.

The proposals have come about due to the number of young drivers aged under 25 who are involved in road accidents. In fact one in every three people who die on British roads are aged under 25.

With 27% of car insurance injury claims involving a young driver aged between 17 - 24 it is increasingly more important to help improve road safety.

The Director General of the ABI, Otto Thoresen commented:

“Radical action is needed to reduce the tragic waste of young lives on our roads, especially among the 17-24 age group. A car is potentially a lethal weapon, and we must do more to help young drivers better deal with the dangers of driving. Improving the safety of young drivers will also mean that they will face lower motor insurance costs.”

The ABI have put together a list of proposals to help improve the safety of young drivers, including:

• A minimum learning period of a year prior to taking the driving test. This is to ensure that learner drivers gain more supervised practice before taking to the road by themselves.

• A complete ban on taking intensive driving courses as the only means of learning to drive.

• A reduction in the age at which young people can start learning from 17 to 16.5 years of age.

• A graduated driver license - to include restrictions on the number of young people that can be driven by a young driver in the first 6 months after passing their driving test. This is because figures produced by the ABI suggest that the risk of a crash is significantly increased when driving with young passengers. The graduated license would also include:

• A restriction on young drivers driving between 11pm and 4am - similar to iKube's black box insurance scheme. However, there would be an exemption that allows young drivers to drive to a place of work or connected with education.

• A lower blood alcohol driving limit. This would effectively be a zero limit as it would only allow for the consumption of alcohol linked products - such as mouthwash.

Source: http://www.abi.org.uk/Media/Releases/2012/10/A_safer_start_for_young_drivers__ABI_calls_for_an_overhaul_in_how_young_people_learn_to_drive_.aspx

Road tax to be abolished

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 05:29:03 PDT

New proposals are currently being put forward to abolish road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) in favour of upfront fees.

Under the new plans the price of small cars would see an increase of over £1,500. Owners of sports cars or vehicles with large engines could end up paying huge fees of £23,000.

Under the new scheme the rate would be set at £50 for every gram of CO2 a car produces over a pre-set point. Under the new proposals this is expected to be 94g/km.

In spite of this the Government are suggesting that those drivers who buy eco-friendly, fuel efficient cars could be granted a £750 subsidy.

Under the scheme it has been calculated that it could cut fuel usage by around 450 gallons over a 100,000 mile lifetime – saving drivers well over £2.5K.

Transport Minister Norman Baker has previously suggested that the use of a black box or telematics device could be used to monitor vehicle usage. This is very similar to the the way black box insurance companies utilise these devices to monitor driving behaviour.

However, he has suggested that the device will monitor vehicle usage to charge per mile on roads like motorways rather than behaviour.

He believes that this is feasible since road tax will be abolished and fuel duty (if any) will be significantly reduced.

What do you think about this new proposal by the Government? Good or bad? Whatever your views please feel free to leave a comment below.

Source: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2212240/Scrap-road-tax-hit-big-car-buyers-tax-says-think-tank.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Autumn Driving - Safety First

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 05:59:48 PDT

Autumn can be a lovely time of the year to be a young driver – but there are obvious and hidden dangers to be aware of when taking to the road.

Picture this - you're driving down a road with an array of trees either side with leaves that are just starting to turn from green to golden brown, it's a glorious sunny day... but the clouds are starting to move in.

Whilst autumn can be a nice time to be on the road it can also be a hazardous time of the year to drive - especially with the increase in wet weather we've been having in recent years. Cold and wet weather can lead to accidents on the road if you drive carelessly – resulting in potential young driver insurance claims.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has recently put together a useful list of road safety hints and tips to help keep you safe whilst on the road. iKube has also added a few other things to think about when driving during the autumnal season:

1. Did you know that a patch of wet leaves can be as dangerous to drive on as standing water? Well it's true - always take care and reduce your speed before driving over them as leaves can be slippery when wet (ed. there's a Bon Jovi joke in there somewhere...).

2. Cold weather driving - autumn does tend to be a warmer time of the year than winter and really cold days are rare. However, don't discount them - especially in more northern or hilly areas of the UK. Always ensure that you clear your windscreens and windows of ice or condensation before setting off as it can impede your visibility whilst driving.

3. Make sure your heater controls are turned on in wet weather as rain can make your car's windows mist-up in mere seconds.

4. Be aware of strong winds - winds can unsettle your car and even alter your direction of travel. Make sure you have a firm grip on your steering wheel and be aware of other road users - especially motorcyclists and flat-sided vehicles.

5. Use your lights properly - if you're driving in the rain it's strongly advised to put your headlights on so that you are visible on the road and you can see other road users. In addition to this you should aim to turn your headlights on before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise (if driving) during the autumn months - this makes it easier for other motorists to see you during twilight.

6. Check your car battery - try to keep the top of the car's battery clean and dry and ensure that the terminals are tight and free from corrosion. IAM recommend that if a battery is more than 3 years old you should check it now as you could save yourself a frustrating start in the morning.

7. Wiper blades - make sure they're in good condition. If your blades squeak whilst wiping they may need replacing. IAM have also suggested that you ensure that your wipers are switched off when you start the car in the morning as you could risk blowing a motor fuse when frost hits.

Source: http://www.iam.org.uk/news/driving-tips/1147-2012

New Parking Rules Could Prove Confusing

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 06:20:37 PDT

New private parking regulations are to come into force next month which could confuse many, according to the British Parking Association (BPA).

The new rules are to be active from October 1st and aims to deal with private property - which will include legislation against the clamping and removal of vehicles. The law will also introduce an independent appeals body.

However, the BPA have expressed concerns that young driver insurance holders will be unaware that the changes are not guaranteed to offer benefits.

The new restrictions on clamping relates to private land, however, there are many instances where landowners can get around this and have the freedom to choose how their parking is operated. This can include parking spaces at airports and train stations.

As a result many industry experts are sceptical and believe that the clamping band will not benefit motorists. In addition it is expected that parking companies may turn to illegal methods - such as unlawful ticketing.

Commenting on the new rules, Patrick Troy, CEO of the BPA said:

"The Protection of Freedoms Act ushers in perhaps the most significant shake-up of the private parking industry ever seen in this country and there is much that we and the Government can be proud of.

"However, the regulations do not yet go far enough. An independent appeals service which is not binding on all operators is likely to be a recipe for confusion among motorists and a ban on clamping is no substitute for proper regulation of the industry."

Mr Troy added that the new appeals service should provide an additional layer of protection for drivers when they believe a parking ticket has been unfairly issued.

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gMKtivASrTzFKfTPC6x-YhU3lI0A?docId=N0340021348367556237A

The Sweeney Gets a New Motoring Star

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 06:12:03 PDT

If you're a young driver the likelihood is you may not have heard of The Sweeney - a 70s cop show based in and around the streets of London.

Well the likelihood is that your parents (at least your Dad) could be rejoicing to hear that it's about to make a come-back - via the big screen.

The show is famous for the illustrious Ford Capri car that Regan and Carter (the two protagonists) used to chase crooks.

Unfortunately the Ford Capri is a little old now and is actually no longer in production anyway. As a result film-maker Nick Love has had to turn to the next closest thing... the Ford Focus ST.

Commenting on his choice of car Mr Love said:

"It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong - they're the perfect partner. I like the Ford Focus ST so much, I want one!"

The Jaguar XFR is also to make an appearance in the film; however, it's to be a getaway car used by said criminals.

So it should be interesting... a Jaguar XFR against... a Ford Focus ST.

Let's put this in perspective a minute:

• A 5 litre V8 Supercharged car versus a 2 litre I4 turbocharged car - in the real world which one do you think would win? Need a clue – check out the next point.

• The Jaguar XFR does 0 – 60mph in 4.5 seconds. The Ford Focus ST does 0 – 60mph in 6.5 seconds.

• The XFR has a top speed of 174mph – the Focus ST has a top speed of 152mph.

• According to car retailers you're looking at almost £22K for a Focus ST... for a Jaguar XFR you're looking at around £65K.

I’m not trying to put the Focus ST down by any means… but comparing it to the Jaguar XFR is a bit like comparing a nippy little moped to a motorbike.

But this is the movies... and anything is possible - apparently!

Here at iKube we don't recommend young drivers to shell out for a sporty car like a Ford Focus ST as you may find the cost of your young driver insurance is far higher than if you opted for a smaller model - such as a Ford KA or Fiesta. If you're looking for your first car check out our car buyers guide.

Source: http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/news/sweeney-focus-st-premiere-tonight-091218618.html

Protect Young Drivers Insurance - Control Speed

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:19:14 PDT

It's easy to get carried away when you first learn to drive - unfortunately this can lead to problems for yourself as a young driver – including accidents or speeding offences, resulting in an increase in your young driver insurance premium.

Whilst you remember practically everything that you were taught when learning to drive it's all too easy to slip into bad habits.

Inevitably this includes speeding...

It's really important to be aware of the driving speed limit at all times as this will help to keep you safe whilst on the road.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has recently issued a number of tips for young drivers courtesy of Peter Rodger, their chief examiner.

To manage your speed you should:

• Be aware of the speed limit and watch out for any changes by looking further ahead. This tends to happen at junctions and roundabouts.

• Always be aware of what other drivers are doing in front of you. For example, some motorists could slow down a lot quicker than anticipated when approaching speed cameras. Make sure you give drivers in front plenty of room so that you can react in time.

• Remember - speed limits are a maximum speed, not minimum. If conditions are poor then it's vital that you reduce your speed to avoid accidents.

• If you have problems sticking to a set speed limit in a manual car then simply set the car in a gear that will help you to stick to a legal speed limit. For example, built-up areas such as towns and cities have a speed limit of 30mph. It makes sense to set your gear to third or lower in some cases.

• Don't let other motorists behind you pressure you into breaking the speed limit - it's just not worth the risk. Whether you get caught speeding by the police or end up in a serious accident as a result - either way the results are not stacked in your favour.

• You should always drive at a speed that you will allow you to stop safely on your own side of the road within the distance you can see is clear.

Source: http://www.iam.org.uk/news/driving-tips/1123-know-your-speed-limits

Have-A-Go Brits Happy To Service Own Cars

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:36:14 PDT

A recent survey by the RAC has revealed that a large number of British drivers feel comfortable carrying out basic mechanics on their own cars, rather than take the car to a local garage.

The report showed that 70% of drivers were happy to get stuck in. Over 50% of motorists were happy to check and top-up oil levels themselves.

The report went on to highlight that a third of drivers would fit a new wheel, 27% would attempt to change the battery, 12% would adjust fan belt tension and 12% would fit new brake pads to the vehicle.

It is believed that the increase in the number of people prepared to undertake work on their own cars is due to the belief that many professional mechanics rip-off naive drivers, and thus increase the cost of driving.

Commenting on behalf of the RAC, Technical Director David Bizley said:

"It is great to see that Britons are taking an interest in how their vehicle works and undertaking many of the simple checks and maintenance tasks which can prevent breakdowns."

Mr Bizley added:

"However, the rising cost of motoring is obviously taking its toll on drivers, and more must be done to ensure that owning a car in the UK is affordable for all."

Here at iKube we believe it's important to take care of your car, however, we recommend taking the car to a professional mechanic for more complex jobs. If you damage your car whilst attempting to fix it you could end up in an accident and face claims on your young driver insurance claim – potentially increasing the overall cost of motoring.

Source: http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/diy-servicing-beats-garage-rip-offs-1-2490936

Footwear Warning Over Summer Driving

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:31:31 PDT

Now that the warmer weather has arrived many young drivers will want to jump in the car and get down to the beach.

The problem is many of us will be tempted to drive in flip-flops or even bear-foot in some cases. But that is not a good idea - here's why.

Wearing flip-flops can be dangerous whilst driving - they can easily come off - if this happens you could be subject to:

The distraction of losing your footwear

This means that you could lose control of the vehicle or fail to notice the hazards around you - resulting in an accident and a potential claim on your young drivers insurance.

The flip-flop getting caught under a pedal

The danger here is fairly obvious - if, for example, the flip-flop gets caught under a brake pedal and you go to slam on the brakes when someone unexpectedly pulls-out you could end-up going into the back of them since you have less control over the foot-brake. The braking-power available to you will be greatly reduced.

Whilst there is no legal requirement to wear appropriate footwear whilst driving... you could be risking your life and putting other drivers at risk by driving in flip-flops, barefooted or even high-heels.

So before you drive off to the beach or the shops this summer think about your footwear – the last thing you want is a road accident and a young drivers' car insurance claim because you wore inappropriate footwear whilst driving.

Want A Life-size Aston Martin Airfix Kit?

noreply@blogger.com (James Barnett) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 06:48:05 PDT

It's every young driver's dream... The idea of having your very own Aston Martin DBR1 - just ashame you can't drive this one!

A company based in Hertfordshire has built a one-off airfix kit replica of the award winning Aston Martin DBR1.

The car is famous for winning the Le Mans Grand Prix in 1959 and Evanta, the company behind the kit, have put this together to commemorate the two drivers and chief engineer, all of whom sadly passed away in the last year.

Commenting on the model, Ant Anstead, MD for Evanta said:

"Aston Martin’s sole Le Mans win of 1959 is a huge part of British motorsport. The loss of both drivers and Ted Cutting within the same year is saddening. We wanted to do a tribute to these three great men and such a beautiful and iconic car. What could be a more fun and fitting tribute than every boys dream toy: a life-size model?"

What really makes this car stand out is the fact that it's an actual 1:1 scale of the real thing and has a staggering level of detail.

The car will not only include replicas of the vehicle's trimmings and paintwork but will also include a cap signed by the two drivers - Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby

Whilst this little beauty is unlikely to require young driver insurance or breakdown cover it's worth bearing in mind that the guide price at auction is £25,000.

Source: http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/news/airfix-aston-martin-dbr1-auctioned-110705957.html