Monthly Archives: April 2019

General / Misc Advice

What should I do if I filled with the wrong fuel?

Don’t turn on the ignition or start the engine If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t turn on the ignition or start the engine as this will circulate the contaminated fuel and increase the risk of expensive damage. If you have just accidentally put the wrong fuel in your car you’re not alone. At least 150,000 drivers put the wrong fuel in their car every year. That’s one every three and a half minutes. ‘Misfuelling’ seems to be associated particularly with growth in diesel car sales – modern diesels are so quiet it’s easy to forget you’re driving one, particularly if it’s a second family car or hire car. Potential damage Diesel fuel pumps operate on very fine tolerances and at very high pressures – modern systems run at between 350 and 1600 bar) – and are lubricated by the fuel. Petrol in diesel acts as a solvent, reducing lubrication, and can cause damage to the pump through metal to metal contact. Metal particles from the damaged pump can be deposited in the fuel causing further damage to the rest of the fuel system. Some fuel system seals can be affected by the compounds in petrol too. The further the contaminated fuel goes in the system the more expensive the repair. In some cases it can be cheaper to fit a new engine! Common rail (or HDi) diesel engines are particularly vulnerable – if fuel contaminated by pump wear debris gets as far as the common rail system you may have to replace the low and high-pressure fuel pumps, injectors, fuel rail, line filters and the fuel tank. Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) petrol engines are particularly susceptible to damage too. Many cars have a low-pressure electric pump in the tank which starts to work as soon as the ignition is switched on, circulating contaminated fuel through the pump and rail, so it’s important not to turn the ignition on. Petrol in diesel Don’t turn on the ignition or start the car In line with car manufacturers’ recommendations, AA advice is that any diesel fuel contaminated with petrol should be removed from the tank and replaced with clean fuel before the ignition is turned on and the car started. Diesel in petrol Don’t turn on the ignition or start the car This is less common because the standard diesel nozzle is bigger than the filler neck on modern petrol cars. In line with car manufacturers’ recommendations, AA advice is that any petrol contaminated with diesel should be removed from the tank and replaced with clean fuel before the ignition is turned on and the car started. Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Car Insurance

Car Insurance Groups explained

  In the UK, every model of car has an Insurance Group Rating that helps insurance companies to calculate premiums. The groups are set by the Group Rating Panel, (made up of members from the Association of British Insurers and Lloyds Market Association) which meets every month. However, their ratings are purely advisory – insurance providers are free to consider their recommendations and still use their own ratings if they wish. At the moment, there are 20 different car Insurance Groups, so cars are rated between 1 and 20. A car that is in group 1 (such as a Fiat Panda or a Vauxhall Corsa) is considered one of lowest risks to insure and would attract the lowest premiums. Cars in the highest groups are those which are considered likely to cost insurance providers the most in claims. A high performance car (such as a Porsche 911) in group 20, would be in the highest premium band. Most family cars fall somewhere between group 6 and group 12. How are the group ratings calculated for each model of car? The major factors considered are the cost of spare parts and repairs – because that’s where more than half of insurance claim money is spent. But there are other factors: The cost of damage and parts – this is the most obvious factor; the lower the costs, the lower the group rating is likely to be. Repair times – longer repair times are more expensive and lead to a higher group rating. Foreign cars (i.e. those manufactured outside the UK) or more ‘exotic’ models therefore tend to have a higher rating. Different paint finishes can also contribute to a car’s placement in a higher group. New car values – the prices of new cars can be a useful indicator to replacement costs. A luxury model in the £25,000 price bracket is more likely to reside in a higher group than a family car costing less than £10,000 new. Body shells – the availability of the body shell (or basic frame) of the car is important because it is essential in many accidental damage repairs. Again foreign cars or non-standard cars are in the higher groups. Performance – the higher the performance and speed of the car, the more risk there is of theft or accident, which leads to a higher group rating. Car security – security features can reduce insurance claims, so standard fitted security features can lead to a lower group rating. The kind of features that can make a difference are high security door locks, glass etching, alarm systems and immobilisers, locking devices for wheels and visible Vehicle Identification Numbers. If you want to keep the cost of your car insurance premium down, choose a car with a low group rating. You can ask a dealer which models belong to which groups; consult car magazines, or do a search on the Association of British Insurers. Choosing a car from one of the lower rated groups may mean that your running costs are less too. Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Car Insurance

Third Party vs Comprehensive Car Inusrance

Third Party The minimum level of cover you need to legally be able to drive on the roads is called ‘Third Party’. It used to be the cheapest type of insurance but now bizarrely fully comprehensive policies can often be cheaper. Never assume one costs less than the other; quote both. Third Party covers you for any damage you cause to another person’s vehicle and protection for any passengers in your car. Therefore, if you are in an accident and it is your fault, you will have to pay for any repairs to your own car yourself, as your insurance won’t cover it. It’s more expensive because it’s assumed you care less about your car and are therefore more likely to have an accident. It’s generally the most suitable for those… With cars worth less than £1000 Aged under 25 Without a no-claims bonus Or living in a high risk area Third Party Fire and Theft Third party fire and theft has the same level of cover as third party insurance. However, self evidently, it also has the additional cover of assistance if your car is stolen or is set on fire. Fully Comprehensive This is the widest level of cover but can be the cheapest. The big advantage is if you have an accident and it was your fault you will be able to claim the cost of repairing your own car as well as those of the other drivers. The cover also includes accidental damage and vandalism, for example if somebody causes damage to your car when it is parked in the street and they then drive off. Plus you’ll be able to drive hire cars or other people’s cars if you have their permission, although this will probably only be Third Party. Fully Comp is a good idea if your car is worth more than £1,500 and gets more important the more valuable you car is. Many insurers will only offer fully comprehensive cover for higher value cars anyway. There are a few ways of cutting the cost of fully-comprehensive cover, Tesco Value* insurance offers a comprehensive policy but limits the repairs to garages it has relationships with, which lowers the cost. However this doesn’t automatically make it cheapest, ensure you first use the comparison sites in the Cheapest Car Insurance article to check. Don’t think third party’s cheaper than comprehensive Counter logically lesser third-party policies often cost more than fully-comp. Why? Car insurance rates are set by actuaries, who’s job is to calculate risk. And it’s likely third-party buyers are on average a higher-risk group, perhaps as overall they care less about their cars, and so prices are pushed up. To illustrate this in one low risk driver quote, we found £290 for fully-comp compared to £406 third-party. Yet this isn’t a hard rule, third-party can win, but for price’s sake always check comprehensive out too. Good luck everyone! Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Car Insurance

The impact of motoring convictions on Car Insurance

  Car insurance prices are on the rise, with the AA reporting that the average driver is now paying £892 per year for a policy. This is an increase of 40% over the previous 12 months. These average prices mainly reflect the disproportionately high premiums offered to young and inexperienced motorists who are deemed to be a higher risk by insurance companies. However, with insurers becoming increasingly risk averse, it is convicted motorists who are on the receiving end of the largest financial penalties. Research revealed that motoring convictions can inflate car insurance quotes that are offered to motorists by up to 78%. We take a look at the impact that four common motoring convictions can have on car insurance quotes. The impact of speeding convictions Speeding offences are probably the most common type of conviction faced by motorists, with the licence points and financial penalties applied as a result relatively well known. However, it is car insurance companies who are responsible for the largest financial penalties, as a speed convictions could push up premiums by 54%. The average driver would then be paying £1,373.68 per year for car insurance, an increase of just over £480. Steve Sweeney, the head of Motor Insurance at MoneySupermarket.com, commented: ‘The cost of car insurance can be high enough, but added to that, speeding convictions can mean points on your licence and can potentially double your insurance premium, as well as landing you with a fine of up to £1,000.’   The impact of “driving without due care and attention” With technology becoming a more prevalent feature in our lives, it is therefore unsurprising that it is beginning to influence motorists. A survey conducted found that 61% of drivers have taken their eyes off the road due to audio devices such as iPods and CD players at some point, while a 23% admitted to making or receiving phone calls. Motorists who are found to be distracted in this way will be considered to be “driving without due care and attention”. This will result in a CD10 conviction which could increase car insurance premiums by up to 27%. For the average driver, this would add £240.84 to their premiums meaning that they would be paying £1132.84. The impact of drink driving convictions Drink driving commercials are common place on UK televisions, and have been for many years. Peak season for such offences is during the Christmas period when alcohol fuelled celebrations are prevalent. Motorists who are found to be drinking while under the influence of alcohol will be issued with a DR10 penalty which can have a devastating impact on car insurance premiums. Motorists with such a conviction to their name could see their premiums rise by a whopping 75%. This translates into a £669 increase, meaning that the average driver would be paying £1,561 rather than £892. Steve Sweeney explained that these increased premiums are fair in light of the dangers created by drink drivers: “Motorists who consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel will find that their reaction times, co-ordination and judgement will be impaired – making them a danger not only to themselves but also to other motorists and pedestrians. It’s not surprising that insurer’s take such a harsh view of those caught driving under the influence.” The impact of drug driving convictions A less commonly publicised issue over the years has been drug driving, but this doesn’t mean that it hasn’t be noted by authorities as a significant cause for concern. This has resulted in the trialling of new drug-driving detection technology where police take a mouth swab and analyse it for traces of illegal substances. It is expected that these techniques will be rolled out nationwide within the next two years. Drivers who are found to be driving while under the influence of drugs will be issued a DR80 penalty which research suggests would increase premiums by up to 78%. This would push up premiums by £695.76, meaning that the average driver would then be paying £1,587.76 over the course of the year for car insurance. Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Buying & Owning a Car

10 Important Car Checks

  The most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of breakdown is to get your car serviced to the manufacturer’s schedule and specification. Beyond regular servicing, the following simple checks will help you to enjoy safe, worry-free motoring. Tyres Know the correct tyre pressures for your car and check them at least every two weeks using a good-quality gauge or garage air line. Check tyre tread and condition – look for cuts on sidewalls. If anyone tyre needs regular top-ups, it may have a slow puncture. Don’t forget to check the spare as well. Toolkit Check the handbook for the location of the basic toolkit for the car that should contain at least a jack and wheel removal tools. Familiarise yourself with the jacking points used to lift the car safely. If locking wheel nuts are fitted make sure that the toolkit includes the key or removal tool. Engine oil Check the dipstick at least every fortnight and before any long journey. Have the oil and filter changed at recommended service intervals using oil of the correct specification. High oil consumption can indicate engine problems. Water Check the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary – but only when the engine is cold. Have the antifreeze concentration checked before winter. Antifreeze prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system as well as stopping the coolant freezing so is important all year round. Wipers Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn. Replace them at least once a year for best performance. Screenwash Check and top up regularly – it’s a legal requirement that the system works. Use a good screenwash additive through summer and winter – water alone won’t clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter. Windscreen Check regularly for stone damage as this can impair vision or distract attention. Minor chips can grow and crack the glass but many can be repaired by a windscreen specialist. Lights Check all lights weekly. Don’t forget indicators, brake and fog lights. Clean lights regularly. In bad weather wipe them over with a damp cloth during driving breaks. Power steering Ensure that the fluid reservoir is checked at every service, and check it yourself once a month. Top up only using the correct hydraulic fluid as advised in the car handbook. Bodywork Deal promptly with damage to bodywork to prevent rust setting in. Many cars have extended bodywork warranty schemes, which may require annual inspection at the dealer. Check that any previous owner has kept records up to date. Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Practical & Theory Tests

10 Top tips to pass your practical driving test

  It’s one of the most nerve-wracking exams you’ll ever do. So it’s no wonder people worry so much about the driving test. The huge costs involved, the time, pressure from friends,  it all adds up and places a huge burden of expectation. Then there’s the knowledge one small slip up could ruin the whole thing and send you back to square one. No wonder people get so wound up about it. To help ease your worries we’ve been talking to a man in the know to get his top tips on how to pass first time. Gary Lamb is an instructor with BSM in central London and has been teaching people to drive for the last 22 years. So he knows a thing or two. He’s seen big changes in the way people learn to drive over the years but he knows better than anyone the best ways to improve your chances of bagging your licence on the first attempt. Tip 1: Stay cool! Having decided to take the plunge and get your driving licence you’ll be keen to get mobile as soon as possible. But patience is a virtue when it comes to learning to drive. “Don’t pressurise yourself when you start to learn,” advises Gary. “You’ll find there will be an awful lot of people telling you how quickly they did it,” he warns. “And that gives you the idea you want to be doing it a lot quicker than you actually need do.” Less haste more speed in other words – take the time to do it right and you stand a better chance of passing first time round. Tip 2: Get the basics Put simply, don’t learn on the job. “Give yourself the chance to understand how to manage the controls,” says Gary. “If you’re just about managing to control the car on the road it’s going to put pressure on you and you’re going to feel nervous.”So invest some time on private land with an understanding friend or parent and learn the basics. “Learning the clutch biting point, steering, getting used to exactly what the limitations of the brakes are – all this is really, really helpful,” says Gary. Not only will you be more confident on the road – you won’t be wasting valuable lessons learning the basics. Tip 3: Do your homework “You want to use your literature like your highway code, not just to pass the theory test but to understand what’s actually going on out on the roads,” advises Gary. “Nine times out of 10 people get inside the car and you spend 15 or 20 minutes refreshing their memory on what they were doing on the previous lesson.”Lessons cost a lot of money, so make sure you’re investing it wisely. “If you actually swotted a bit and understood you’d make better use of the lesson you’re actually having,” he says. “And that’s even after you’ve passed the theory test.” Tip 4: If in doubt, ask! Driving isn’t a one-size fits all activity, says Gary. “If you’re struggling with a certain technique or style you shouldn’t be afraid of asking the instructor if there’s another method because most instructors will have lots and lots of different techniques that they can use that can be tailoured to suit various individuals.”So if you can’t nail that reverse park no matter how many times you try or your steering seems to be all over the place just admit it and see if you can work it through with the instructor. It’s in their interests too and they know all the tricks to get you up and running! Tip 5: Drive on all types of roads Don’t confine yourself to the area around your local test centre. “Make sure you drive on all the different types of road before taking your test,” says Gary. “It’s one thing to actually be confident within one small comfort zone but driving is for life.”Variety is the key and though it’s tempting to learn every last inch of the test route in the end it won’t serve you well as a driver. “You need to be comfortable on all the different roads and at the various speeds so when you actually get the keys you’re not afraid to get in the car and drive it properly,” says Gary. Tip 6: Ignore the rumours “Try not to listen to horror stories,” says our man in the know. “A lot of the time people only talk about the test when they’ve failed.” He’s right too – when was the last time you heard someone talk about how they actually succeeded in their driving test?”When people have passed they don’t tend to volunteer information,” says Gary. “The test isn’t as bad as you think!” So don’t be put off by rumours of people failed for wearing the wrong clothes or nightmare examiners giving out dangerous faults for sneezing and instead put all your energy into learning the skills to pass. Tip 7: Do a mock test “Mock tests with another instructor are a good indicator of how independent you are on the variety of roads,” is Gary’s next pointer. “If you simulate the actual test itself you can see whether you can drive independently and also you get the chance to see what it’s like to drive with a stranger.”It also avoids costly – and basic – mistakes. “If someone comes to me to do a mock test it happens in exactly the way it would happen on the real test from – checking the licence right through to the eye sight test,” says Gary. “For example, if you turn up with just your card licence you’d fail in the real test.”   Tip 8: Practice outside of lessons Lessons cost an awful lot of money and driving is as much about experience as anything so drive with parents or other suitably qualified people whenever possible. But there are provisos. “Private practise is good so long as the person you’re[…..]

Read more
Practical & Theory Tests

8 ways to deal with nerves on practical test day

Exams are nerve-wracking at the best of times, and driving tests can feel particularly harrowing. After all, with written exams if you get something wrong you can always go back and cross it out, whereas if you reverse into a bollard on your practical test then your fate is sealed. Knowing that someone is watching and judging your every move can be pretty bizarre as well. It would be enough to make most people feel self-conscious if they were just carrying out an everyday task such as opening their post, let alone demonstrating a complex skill like driving. So if you’ve got your test coming up and you’re feeling anxious about it, then remember you’re not alone. Most people suffer from nerves to some extent and they can in fact be beneficial by raising your adrenaline levels and making you more alert. The challenge is keeping them under control. And getting it right first time is more expensive: the practical test now costs £62 and the theory is now £23. Here are the top 10 tips for overcoming your driving test nerves and passing your practical test. 1.Confidence Remind yourself that instructor wouldn’t be putting you in for your test if he or she didn’t think you were good enough. During your lessons you’re already driving at a standard where they consider you’re safe and responsible enough to be on your own. Now all you’ve got to do is to show the examiner what you’re capable of and that driving licence is all yours! 2. Visualise Tap into the power of visualisation and positive thinking – sports stars use it regularly to help them attain their peak performance. Spend time imagining yourself successfully carrying out difficult manoeuvres and dealing confidently with heavy traffic. This will reinforce the message to your subconscious mind that you can do these things and lessen the likelihood of you falling apart on your test. 3. Support Get support. Talking through any anxieties with friends, family and your instructor will help you feel more positive, and many of them will be able to give you useful advice and encouragement. Herbal remedies for nerves such as Kalms can be helpful – but you do have to start taking them a couple of weeks in advance to reap the full benefits. 4. Breathe Breathing exercises can be very useful – practicing them doesn’t have to involve sitting cross-legged in a room surrounded by burning incense. Just focusing on your in and out breaths will have a soothing effect – you might like to try counting the breaths, or focusing on a mantra such as ‘I feel calm’. 5. Flower power Many ex-learners put their success down to Bach Rescue Remedy. This is a new-age concoction of ‘flower essences’ developed by Dr Edward Bach, a Harley Street doctor and homeopath. It’s available from most health food shops and has a reputation for being very effective in stressful situations. 6. Eat a banana Shortly before your test, eat a banana. It’s well-known among instructors as the driving test superfood, for the following reasons – bananas are full of B vitamins, which help calm the nerves. They contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into seratonin, the ‘happy hormone’ – which will keep your mood upbeat. And they’re also high in potassium. When we are stressed our metabolic rate rises and potassium levels decrease. Eating a high-potassium snack like a banana will help rebalance the levels of this important mineral, normalise your heartbeat and send extra oxygen to the brain. 7. Distract yourself Sitting in the waiting room before your test is often the situation where people feel the most anxious. It’s a good idea to bring a book or magazine to distract yourself. If you’ve been practicing breathing exercises, this is an excellent time to get them going. And remind yourself that this is the worst bit – once you’re actually on your test you’ll be so busy concentrating on the road that your nerves will ease off. 8. Pretend to be a taxi If the thought of being tested freaks you out, stop thinking of it as a test – instead imagine that you’re taking someone home and as you don’t know where they live they have to give you directions. If you’ve failed your test through nerves several times, then the answer is to ask your instructor to get your driving above the standard required by the test. That way you can underperform due to anxiety on the day, but still be of a high enough standard to get that vital pass. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Learning to Drive

3 tips to get the most from your driving lessons

Leave a comment

So, they say that you should have 47 hours of professional training and 20 hours driving with parents or guardians (remember you’ll need learner driver insurance for this). Based on average of £24 on average for a driving lesson, this means it will cost a whopping £1,128 to pass, excluding all the driving test fees and what have you. Picking the right driving instructors VITAL, but once you’d found him / her, how do you get the most out of the lessons. Introductory driving lessons Always always always ask about introductory driving lessons, remember you are hiring them and YOU expect excellent customer services. This way, you get to try them out and reduce risk of committing to someone long term. We don’t like dodgy driving instructors and good driving instructors will have no problem offering them to the learners. It also might be worth asking what Grade the driving instructor is and ask for proof, don’t worry if you sound cheeky, 6 is usually good and 1 would be poor. You need to be totally confident other risk changing driving instructors during the learning process, which isn’t good.   Block Booking Now, I know not everyone can’t do this. But, it might be a good idea to save up to pay for all driving lessons THEN start learning to drive, because, you’ll get more for your money basically. In reality, you could save up to £2 per lesson, which might not seem a lot initially, but if you times that by the number of lessons required to pass on average, you’ll end up with £94. Not bad! Naturally, be wary of any instructor who is noticeably cheaper than others in your area as there have been bogus driving instructors who are not qualified to teach. The average cost of a lesson in the UK is around £24 (for one hour) so use this as a guide.   Updates & Progress Most driving instructors will actually update you with how things are going. But some, will be happy with you just doing the same things each week. If you ask how you’re getting on, you could then develop on your weaker points in your parents car and be ready to move on next week with your instructor. Also, the Driver record is produced by the DVLA to help new drivers identify where they need to work on. It has the 24 key skills you need to learn for the practical driving test and can it be downloaded from the DVLA website. Another way to save money on driving lessons is to attend an intensive course where you spend anything from three to seven days doing nothing but learning to drive. These courses have their advantages, such as immersing you in driving, but some learners find it too much to take in all at once. Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Staying Safe

3 General safety tips as a driver

1. Avoiding Certain Shoes Your brand new pair of Jimmy Choos or Gucci loafers might look fantastic but certain footwear is just not suitable for driving in. Even something as simple as changing gears could cause a serious accident in the wrong type of shoes. The sole of the foot can become trapped underneath the pedal whilst raising your foot to change gear. Wearing mules, flip-flops and other shoes without adequate ankle support can lead to the foot slipping off the pedal or missing the pedal altogether. High heels are not advised for similar reasons. These dangers can cause accidents if you don’t have enough time to recover the situation. A 2005 survey conducted by Norwich Union Motor Insurance in the UK found that flip-flops are the most dangerous item of driving footwear. Of the 1000 motorists questioned, three-quarters said that they found it challenging to drive in flip-flops, yet a quarter admitted to regularly driving in them.   2. Taking Medicines Many people in the UK have to take over-the-counter remedies and prescription medication for a number of ailments – ranging from the serious to the not-so serious. And the truth is that not many of us would think twice about jumping into the car to pick up a prescription, pop the tablets once we get them and drive off on our merry way. But maybe we should as driving safety can often be compromised if you are on prescription medication and the UK police law on driving while on prescribed medication is strictly adhered to. 3. Driving When tired Driving to work while still half asleep is something that lots of us do every single morning, and many motorists will admit to driving when we think we might actually be too tired to do so safely. Most people don’t see it as a big issue and do it without a second thought, yet driving while tired is a serious problem that results in thousands of motoring accidents every single year. To drive a car you need to be alert, aware of what’s going on around you, and able to concentrate on what you are doing. If you are overly tired then you are unlikely to be able to drive to a standard necessary to keep yourself, pedestrians and other road users safe. Why is it so Dangerous? Fatigue reduces your reaction times and makes you far less able to do things that would usually come easily to you and despite how quickly you think you can react, it’s probably nowhere near the reality. Not to mention that if you choose to ignore the obvious risks of driving tired, then you could end up falling asleep at the wheel, which could leave you seriously injured or even killed. Of course you might escape injury yourself and kill another road user, leaving you facing criminal charges and a lifetime of ‘what if’s’. Call Us Now Chat Live Now Clients

Read more
Staying Safe

Why is a seatbelt so important?

  It became compulsory for motorists to wear a seat belt at all times when on the road in 1973. Designed to prevent the occupants from coming out of their seats and suffering secondary impacts, seatbelts marked a significant improvement in driver safety levels. This represented the start of the safety crusade, with other regulations such as the Euro NCAP tests being enforced on manufacturers subsequently. These steps have been very positive, with their having been less than 2,000 car related deaths in 2010 compared to the 5,500 who would die each year on average in the mid-1980s. Nevertheless, this is still far too many people and it shows that no one should get complacent about safety. However, a survey conducted found that 15% of motorists still regularly go without wearing a seat belt. We therefore take a detailed look at some statistics which prove how important seat belts are and chronicle the various regulations enforcing their usage which are in place in the UK. Statistics The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recently revealed that 370 people are killed each year as a result of failing to wear a seat belt while on the road. This was corroborated by Direct.gov.uk whose research indicated that a vehicle occupant in a 30 mph accident will face an impact between 35-60 greater in force than their own body weight with whatever is in front of them (i.e. steering wheel, glove box, seat of other passenger etc.). Conversely, the same research indicated that the chances of potential injury of even fatality would drop by 50% if a seat belt was correctly used. People are most likely to fail to wear a seat belt in the back of a car according to RoSPA, with 30% of people admitting to regularly committing this crime. However, this is not only endangering their own lives but also potentially the lives of occupants in the front of the vehicle. Seat belt laws Since 1973 it has been compulsory for people in the front of a vehicle to wear seat belts at all times while on the road; and this regulation has encompassed back seat passengers since 1991. Along with seat belts, children are also required to use booster seats when passengers in vehicles until they either reach a height of 135cms or 12 years of age, whichever of these milestones comes first. However, it is legally permissible not to wear a seat belt if: • You are reversing or supervising a learner driver who is reversing. This is due to the potential restriction which seat belts can cause to movement. • You are an appropriately licenced Taxi driver who is carrying paying passengers or ‘plying for hire’ • You are driving a delivery vehicle which is carrying goods and no more than 50 metres between shops. • You are an occupant in an emergency services vehicle (i.e. police car, fire engine etc) • You are investigating a fault in a trade vehicle. The only other time when it is permissible not to wear a seat belt is when a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’ has been issued by a qualified doctor. There are no specific conditions which automatically results in this being issued, with each case having to be assessed individually by the doctor. However, the one precondition of this exemption is that the certificate must be kept in the vehicle at all times so that it can be shown to police if you happen to be pulled over. For car insurance purposes it is also required that you inform the insurer of this affliction and its consequences. What about classic cars? You are only required to use seat belts if your vehicle is equipped with them. This obviously rules out certain classic vehicles. However, you will not legally be able to carry children under the age of 3 in such vehicles and any children older than this will only be able to travel in one of the back seats. How to use a seat belt This might seem elementary, but too many people fail to take into account how easily the effectiveness of seat belts can be stifled. It is therefore vital that you take the time to ensure that there is no slack in your belt prior to setting off and that the belt is not twisted at any point. The seat belt should also go across the chest and over one of your shoulders. If you fail to take this advice, then you may as well not wear a seat belt at all; heavily increasing the likelihood of you being injured or even killed in an accident. Seat position is also important; with it suggested that you maintain a 25 centimetre gap between yourself and the steering wheel/dashboard; sitting any closer than this could result in the airbag actually doing more harm than good. In addition, make sure that the top of the head rest is level with the top of your ears and as close to your head as possible. Failing to do this could result in neck injuries in the event of an impact. If you are pregnant you will still be required to wear a seat belt unless you have been issued with a Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing by a doctor. According to the DVLA, seat belts reduce the possibility of doing harm to an unborn child in an accident by 70%. If you are pregnant you should therefore make sure that the lower strap is positioned under the bump and the belly button and across the hips, with the higher strap diagonally positioned between the breasts and around the side of the bump. Possible penalties Anyone who is caught by police failing to adhere to the stated seat belt regulations when in a mobile vehicle will be liable to pay a fine of up to £500. This penalty is also likely to be issued to the driver of the vehicle if[…..]

Read more

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVE

FAQ's

If you have any questions that are not answered on this page have a look at the FAQs which are here.

Stay In touch

Things are always happening, join our newsletter mailing list to keep up to date with what we're up to and much more.

Contact Us

Copyright ©2020. S.A.M.E Academy. All Rights Reserved.    Your Privacy