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Trial for eco-friendly eyes

Hundreds of mini solar panels have been put on roads around the Isle of Man to replace cat's eyes.

The 10cm-long 'intelligent road studs' are part of a new DfT initiative. The studs are fitted with solar panels, which power small lights that flash 100 times every second. It is hoped they will be especially visible in fog.

The DfT believes they will improve road safety as they shine with a greater intensity than cat's eyes because they do not need car headlights to shine on them.

For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk

West Yorkshire's road deaths lowest since 1974

The number of people killed on West Yorkshire's roads fell to below 100 last year for the first time since records began in 1974 - and the number of serious injuries also plummeted.

96 people died on West Yorkshire's roads in 2005, and the number who were killed or seriously injured was 1,026 - down on the previous year's tally of 1,215 (the previous lowest total).

Child casualties were down from 148 in 2004 to 130 last year.

Steve Thornton, chairman of West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, said: "The last time road fatals were in double figures was in the 1920s and think about how few vehicles there were on the road at that time."

For the full story go to: http://ichuddersfield.icnetwork.co.uk

Cut continental carnage, EuroRap urges

The European Road Assessment Programme (EuroRap) has mounted a campaign across 18 countries for a 'mass-action' approach to cut casualties on high-risk single carriageway roads (Surveyor, 26 January).

It says that 'an urgent shift in road safety emphasis' is required to reduce the 50,000 annual death toll on Europe's roads.

The drive coincides with the European Union's support for an 'infrastructure directive' to improve the safety of roads.

A high-level meeting was held in Vienna recently to discuss possible improvements to guidelines and training for engineers, such as on-road safety audits and safety inspections.

Lorries in poor shape

Nearly half of all lorries checked during a recent safety check in Northamptonshire were found to have defects - or the driver had committed a driving offence.

Of the 44 vehicles stopped and checked on the M1, 21 had a defect or had committed an offence. Defects included faulty brakes and lights, and offences ranged from failing to take sufficient rest to driving without insurance.

Police issued immediate prohibition orders to 17 drivers, and inspector Richard Tall described the findings as 'unacceptable'.

For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk

List aims to cut Cornish crash toll

Cornwall County Council has published a list of the most dangerous sections of its roads in a bid to cut motorcycle deaths and injuries (Surveyor, 26 January).

A spokeswoman said work had already been carried out on the roads in order to make them safer for motorcyclists - including reducing speed limits and introducing traffic calming measures.

New safety equipment for postmen

Guernsey's postmen are to receive new equipment to protect them from other road users.

Many of the company's staff deliver mail on foot or by bike, and so are particularly vulnerable on the road.

The whole of Guernsey Post's fleet of bicycles will be replaced this spring following concerns over safety. The island's postmen are testing various designs of bikes to find one that suits their needs. They will also be issued with high visibility clothing and cycle helmets.

For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk

Devon sees 25% increase in deaths

The number of deaths on Devon's roads has gone up by around 25%, according to recently released figures.

47 people died in 2005, compared with 37 in 2004 - the majority on 'A' roads as a result of motorists failing to take bends properly. In many cases speed was also a factor.

"From initial analysis, it seems most accidents happened because drivers or motorcyclists failed to take bends," said council road safety officer, Peter Gimber. "In many cases this involved excessive speed, but we are waiting for more detailed reports to see if alcohol, drugs, a medical condition or fatigue also played a part.

"The second most frequent error was loss of control while overtaking, particularly by motorcyclists. The third was vehicles emerging from junctions, with a motorcyclist usually the victim," Mr Gimber added.

For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk

20mph limit for Aberdeen

Aberdeen is to introduce what is believed to be the first 20mph zone in a Scottish city centre (Surveyor, 2 February).

The initiative - to promote road safety and improve the environment   - has won the support of local organisations, including the police.

Bullseye Jim backs speed course

Comedian and TV presenter Jim Bowen is backing Lancashire's Speed Awareness Course - after participating himself.

The former Bullseye presenter described the day as 'super, smashing, great!' after being caught driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone. He was given the option of three points on his licence and a fine, or taking part in the course.

He said: "I've been driving for over 50 years and things change - so this course was a real eye-opener. It was like having a refresher course and gave me lots of advice on how to effectively manage my speed and watch out for potential hazards."

Jim is one of over 50,000 clients to attend the course since it was established in 2001.

Neil Cunliffe, Road Safety Group manager, said: "We help around 1,500 people each month, allowing motorists and motorcyclists to assess their own driving and riding, while providing tips for improved and safer driving."

Brake plans Walking Bus record attempt

In a bid to promote safe walking to school, and raise funds, the road safety charity Brake is once again coordinating a Guinness Record Breaking Walking Bus.

About 300 schools participated in the 2005 record attempt.

Brake has worked with Leeds' road safety unit to prepare safety guidelines for the event, including a downloadable safety audit form, which is available at: http://www.brake.org.uk.

"We have recommended that children contact their road safety unit for advice on obtaining high visibility vests, and any extra help they may need to ensure the event is run safely," says Sarah Fatica, Brake's general manager.

For further information contact Sarah Fatica on 01484 559919, or sfatica@brake.org.uk.

Survey reveals worrying stats

Nearly a third of drivers have not worn a seatbelt while in a moving car at some time in the last year.

That's a key finding in a survey carried out by motor industry body SMMT for the launch of Drive Green, Drive Safely, a new guide to responsible motoring.

Londoners are worst at ignoring advice to clunk-click on every trip, while the under 35s are far more likely to risk their lives than older motorists. Women are also better than men, while motorists in the northeast are the most diligent at buckling-up.

The survey results also revealed that some of the most basic checks are not being carried out, and advice is falling on deaf ears.

For example, 72% of drivers have not read the Highway Code since passing their driving test, while 15% do not bother to test tyre pressures between services.

A copy of the survey is available at http://www.smmt.co.uk.

Call to end speed bump 'pain'

Members of the Scottish Parliament have called for more research into the use of speed bumps after hearing complaints about the discomfort caused to chronic pain sufferers.

Disability rights campaigner Judith McCorrie launched a petition demanding that Fife Council replace its speed bumps - but the council has defended its strategy.

"Speed humps cause a jolt, and for people with disabilities and chronic pain conditions it is extremely painful," she said. "A lot of people with disabilities are having to avoid certain roads and areas because of the pain."

Bob McLellan, Fife Council's director of transport services, said: "If vehicles are travelling at appropriate speeds within the 20mph area then no discernible discomfort should be afforded to the vehicle user or passengers."

For the full story go to: http://newssearch.bbc.co.uk.

DriveTech (UK) launches speed recognition course

DriveTech (UK), which provides at-work driving risk management, driver assessment and driver training solutions, has launched a speed recognition course for drivers with more than six penalty points on their licence.

The one-day course costs £395 plus VAT, and is aimed at educating drivers who are at risk of losing their licence through 'totting up' or being convicted for excessive speeding at a pending court appearance.

DriveTech (UK) managing director Jim Kirkwood said: "With more than 6,000 fixed speed camera sites on the UK's roads and numerous mobile cameras many drivers are finding that they quickly have six points on their licence.

"The majority of these drivers are not indiscriminate law-breakers, but company car drivers caught out because they are not familiar with the area in which they are travelling or have momentarily lost concentration.

"By undertaking our speed recognition course, motorists are demonstrating a desire to learn from their mistakes and therefore reduce their likelihood of re-offending. Some drivers use the final report they receive from our trainers as a practical demonstration to a court of their desire to avoid further driving convictions."

For further information contact DriveTech at enquiries@drivetech.co.uk , or 01344 467881.

Arizona permits vision-impaired drivers

People in Arizona with severe vision impairment can now get behind the wheel with the aid of a miniature telescope to help them see the road ahead.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has joined 38 other US states in allowing these drivers to have a special license with the use of bi-optic telescopes.

The new license applies to drivers with 'low vision', which means their sight is hampered to the extent that traditional eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery are insufficient to give them the vision necessary to drive.

Proponents say the rule change will not threaten the safety of other drivers. They say that using the specialized equipment, vision-impaired drivers will meet the same sight requirements as anyone else and are no more likely to be involved in a crash.

The equipment resembles a miniature telescope that is mounted to eyeglasses above the normal centre of gaze. Drivers peer through the bottom half of the spectacles for normal driving and dip their head to peer through the telescope portion to see traffic signals and other objects in the distance.

To achieve the Arizona license, applicants using the bi-optic telescope must have a physician's signature verifying they have vision of 20/40 or better in at least one eye, and pass an annual eye examination.

For the full story go to: http://www.azcentral.com

Are we raising a new generation of angry drivers?

Parents could be breeding a new generation of 'road ragers' by setting a bad example in front of their children, according to the DIAmond Advanced Motorist Organisation.

The organisation says that 87% of motorists admit to being victims of road rage at least once in their driving careers - and mums and dads admit to regularly losing their temper and swearing at other motorists when their children are in the car. 

It says that instead of learning lessons from their parents and growing up to become excellent drivers, children are more likely to imitate behaviour and 'turn into monsters behind the wheel themselves'. 

The DIAmond Advanced Motorist Organisation believes this problem could be conquered if people were more fully equipped with the skills and attitudes needed to drive on today's roads. 

DIAmond Advanced Motorist general manager Eddie Barnaville said: "As parents we must be aware of the damage we are doing to young drivers of the future, and make sure we pass on the safer and finer points of driving."  

For further information contact Vikki Carley on 020 8665 8024, or: newsdesk@driving.org.

Bucks consults with bikers

Bucks County Council has consulted with more than 500 bikers on a range of issues concerning safety.  

To encourage them to give their views, all returned questionnaires were entered into a free prize draw.  

Almost one third of respondents had heard of the 'Be a Better Biker' campaign, which has been promoted by the county's road safety team since April 2004. The campaign raises the awareness of the benefits of post-test training to riders.

93% of respondents were concerned about the lack of consideration by other road users, and over 50% expressed an interest in post-test training.  

For more information contact Nigel Spencer, RSO on 01296 383431.

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