Such thefts have started occurring in the Midlands and east London. Thieves took advantage of a combination of vulnerabilities in factory-fitted alarm systems and a diagnostic port used to read fault codes during servicing. They gained access to the port without triggering the alarm and used it to reprogramme blank keys. The whole process only took a few minutes allowing the thieves to make off with expensive BMWs.

In addition, cyber-security researchers based in the US have shown how the latest safety and self-driving car technology could be used to allow hackers to accelerate, brake and steer as though they were playing a video game.

The concern here is that with widespread availability of wireless technologies as well as automation in new cars, wireless attacks are possible. However, as cars are not highly integrated like laptops and phones, manufacturers do have a decent shot at restricting the potential for hacking.

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Although we all hate to admit it, it seems that summer has finally gone, and we are left with the lukewarm embrace of autumn around us. While this may offer a welcome break from the blazing sunshine and soaring temperatures, it can provide us with hazardous driving conditions. Here are Britannia’s top tips for autumnal driving:

– Remove condensation. This can obscure your view and make driving much more dangerous. Clear your windscreen before any journey.

– Watch out for leaves. Leaves falling provide a huge hazard for motorists, as not only can they block up your windscreen and impair your vision while on the road, combine them with the all-too familiar autumn rain and suddenly wet leaves become as dangerous a slipping hazard as icy roads.

– Keep headlights on.  As the days get shorter and the evenings get darker, keeping headlights on becomes more of a necessity. Illuminate the road as much as you can to maximise your field of view and to make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers.

Safe driving this autumn from Britannia!

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According to research by Kwik Fit, young drivers are ‘failing their oil levels’. The research identified that less than half of 18-24-year-olds get their oil changed at least every 12 months, with some even leaving it for three years.

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The government has been called to tighten up requirements for motor insurance by the parliamentary transport committee. Louise Ellman MP, committee chair, says that whiplash injuries can be debilitating for genuine claimants but a greater burden of proof should be required.

She argues that the government should consider requiring claimants to provide proof of having been seen by a doctor or attended A&E shortly after the accident. There should be a presumption of not accepting claims where adequate proof has not been provided.

Ellman said that she was concerned that current proposed changes from the government would put genuine claimants off and that genuine claimants whose condition cannot be picked up on a scan should not be demonised.

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We all know the annoyance of wearing a seatbelt. It is uncomfortable, unflattering, and a downright nuisance when getting in and out of the car. But seatbelts are a compulsory part of being a driver or a passenger in the car, and they have been since 1991.

The Seat Belt Legislation states that one must wear a seatbelt if one has been provided for their seat.

The only exceptions to this rule are:

– If you are a driver who is reversing, or supervising a reversing driver.

– If you are in an emergency vehicle.

– If you are a passenger in a trade vehicle and investigating a problem

– A licensed taxi driver who is carrying passengers.

There are very few medical exemptions from wearing a seatbelt. Even if disabled or pregnant, it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt unless your doctor has provided you with a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’. This must be kept in your vehicle at all times, and shown to Police if requested, and you must also inform your insurance company.

We know no-one likes wearing seat belts, but remember; one day it could save your life.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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It has been revealed that traffic police numbers have been cut by 12% across the country in the past five years with cuts of as much as 30-40% in some areas. Bedfordshire has seen the largest cut with numbers of traffic police being reduced by 44%.

Brake says that these cuts in traffic police are putting lives at risk and are in particular undermining progress being made by the government to tackle drug driving. Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, says that cutting traffic police is a false economy because the accidents that traffic police help prevent would be a significant drain on public services were they not prevented.

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Getting older is a part of life; but it needn’t mean the end of your driving life. Here are some of Britannia’s top tips for ageing drivers:

– Be aware of your limits. With age, other factors become more prominent, such as an increased susceptibility to fatigue. Avoid driving long distances if you are not sure if you are up to it.

– Check up on your health and fitness regularly. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are safe behind the wheel. If a new condition is diagnosed or a new treatment is begun, always ensure to ask if and how this may affect your ability to drive.

– Linking to this previous point, once over the age of 70 you will have to declare any medical conditions that may limit your ability to drive to the DVLA. While this may sound daunting, in most cases there are safety measures that can be taken to enable you to remain a driver as long as possible.

– Reapply for your licence – After your 70^th birthday, you will have to reapply for your licence every 3 years. This is merely a formality in most cases, as there is no test to retake or any medical, however you will have to make a medical declaration at this point to determine your fitness to drive.

Statistics show that drivers over 80 are still better drivers than those in their teenage years – so don’t let driving become an issue as you get older… you are simply enjoying the ride for longer!

Safe driving from Britannia!

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