The DVLA saw a new law come into effect on the 19th January that will allow 16 year olds to drive lightweight microcars

Teens that pass CBT Compulsory Basic Training, including theory and practical tests, will under the new laws be eligible to drive both mopeds and a quadricycles.

So what classes as a quadricycle? A vehicle that weighs less than 350kg and has a maximum speed of 28mph. This will bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe.

One manufacturer keen to sell to the UK is a French quadricycle firm called Aixam. Justin Bond, UK manager for Aixam Mega said: “People need to see it as an alternative to a moped, rather than comparing it to car.”

They don’t come cheap mind you and many 16 year olds will not be able to afford the £10,000 quadricycles. But this didn’t stop Jamie Coley, the UK’s first 16 year old to drive an Aixam under the new rules. He said: “I’ve seen people of any age that should not be on the road, and a 17 year old can be driving at 70 or 80mph whereas this is much slower.”

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We know that for a lot of us, the snow is a complete nightamre when it comes to driving; it causes our cars to skid and can make you feel unsafe when driving.

However, when the snows starts to melt away, we are left with ice, and ice as we know is very slippy. So how do we cope with this when driving? Here are a few tips:

1) If you can try and avoid driving in icy conditions opt for public transport
2) Have a can of de-icer in your car, this stuff works great when your car has been parked up for a while and it is iced over
3) Wear shoes with a good grip. If you can, carry a spare pair of shoes in the car that aren’t covered in snow.
4) Make sure that all of your windows are clear before you set off, even if this means sitting in the car for a little while. Reduced vision can affect your severly
5) Try and stick to major roads.

Good luck, and we look forward to the ice going away just as much as you do!

Drivers could face fines of £60 and even points on their licence if their windows are not completely clear of snow.

Rule 229 of the Highway Code states that drivers should: “remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.”

Police forces are using their discretion and not targeting drivers but can take action if they feel necessary.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “There is no specific legislation on driving with snow on the roof of a vehicle however, if it slips over the windscreen or flies into the path of another car it could leave the driver open to being penalised for driving without due care and attention or careless or inconsiderate driving.”

Yet, what motorists know about this? With no public awareness providing information for drivers, everybody muddles through the snow and does the best they can.

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More than one in ten motorists subjected to a roadside breath test to determine blood-alcohol levels failed the test over the Christmas 2012 period in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Police carried out a total of 1,721 roadside breath tests throughout December and early January, and of this number 192 were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving; An 11.2% failure rate.

Compare this figure to the rate of Christmas 2011, when out of 2,320 drivers tested, only 150 proved positive- a failure rate of just 6.47%- and the cause for concern becomes clear.

Staffordshire Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis has praised the efforts of the police force, and called the operation a success, saying: “There has been a big drive to encourage people to tell the police when they believe someone is drink driving. This has been massively successful. Better intelligence has led to more people being caught… I am content with that.”

Of this total figure, it is unclear how many passed the secondary test at the Police Station, or how many simply refused to take the test, which is classed as as much of an offence as being over the legal limit of 35 BAC (Blood-Alcohol Content). However the dramatic rise in failed tests should act as a warning to all drivers to never consider drink-driving, especially during the Christmas period when a crack-down is in operation on drink-drivers.

More than half a million breath tests are carried out each year, and an average of 100,000 are found to be positive. The most responsible group are men aged 17-29. On average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in alcohol-related vehicle collisions, and nearly 1 in 6 of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit. If you are caught driving or attempting to drive under the influence, you could be subject to a £5,000 fine, a minimum 12 months driving ban, and 6 months imprisonment. And that is without even a collision; causing death by dangerous driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, at least 2 years driving ban, and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before being legally allowed to drive a car again.

So if you’re going to have a drink, leave the keys at home. Make the choice; Not a mistake.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Most people will have experienced some sort of travel disruption, whether you are a walker, catch public transport or drive.

With more than 4inches settling in parts of the country, car break down services are expecting a high call volume.

So if you need to drive, what should you do:

Firstly make sure your car is up to it. Ensure you have enough screen-wash (strong enough that it won’t freeze), you have good wipers without cracks (as they will have heavy duty usage during this period) and that your tyres on the car are safe. Many people will invest in winter tyres which is a good idea however, if you have regular ones, then you need to ensure they have good tread and are not damaged in any way.

Drive at speeds that seem safe and sensible. Even on motorway, cars have been seen travelling as low as 10mph as the roads are extremely icy.

People will tend to rev the engine like crazy when they are stuck on ice/snow, this does not help! Instead put the car in a higher gear. You may also find it useful to carry a small piece of carpet and if the wheels start spinning, put the carpet under the wheels and this will give the car extra traction.

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With flights cancelled, warnings on the news and hospitals on red alert, it can only mean one thing…snow!

I have had numerous phone calls today, with pupils asking if their lessons are still going ahead or if their driving test has been cancelled.

Although most test centres have closed and tests have been cancelled this is more due to allowing the pupil the best possible chance to pass. So any adverse weather conditions, poor lighting, or faulty car will be refused on the grounds it’s not fair on the pupil.

Yet what about driving lessons? As long as you are not a complete beginner needing to use the side roads which of course are very slippery, there is no reason why your driving lesson can’t go ahead.

Imagine you hold your full driving licence, have had your car a few months and you drive to work, when you finish its snowing and you need to drive home. Having never experienced driving in the snow will create problems for you, so let your instructor use this opportunity today to teach you how to drive safely in the snow.

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We’ve always been upfront and honest about our view on using your phone when driving: don’t do it, ever!

The recent tragedy of a man who was killed on the A19 near Northallerton, North Yorkshire by a women who was texting is a real tragedy.

This is yet another example of the horrific things that can happen when you are distracted by your phone.If you are someone who is tempted to use their phone when you drive, have a look at these tips:

1) Before you set out to drive check your phone for any messages, is there any one you need to get back to?
2) Put your mobile on silent so that you aren’t distracted by it.
3) If you’re phone keeps ringing and you sense it’s an emergency, simply find a convenient place to park up.
4) Update your answering machine message updating people to leave a message.

Please don’t use your phone whilst driving.

Following on from a not-so-white Christmas, winter has finally settled in firmly, covering the majority of the UK in a blanket of snow and frost. Whilst this may be attractive to look at, it can only mean bad news for motorists. Here are some valuable tips to ensure safe and trouble-free driving in these extreme weather conditions;

– Clear your car of all frost and snow- Whilst this may sound obvious, many accidents are caused by obscured vision from rooftop snow sliding on to the windscreen, as well as car trouble caused by snow melting around the engine. Also ensure that your vision is not impaired by excessive condensation. Remember, it is illegal to drive with obscured vision.
– Ensure your electrics are working- Be economical with your electric usage: Don’t use non-essential electric loads like wipers and heaters more than are absolutely necessary. Ensure that your battery is fully charged before long trips, and if your battery is reaching the end of its estimated 5-year life, consider a new one before your current battery leaves you stranded.
– Keep plenty of windscreen washer fluid and Anti-freeze handy- Keep an ear out for a high-pitched squealing noise, as this could be a sign that the water pump is frozen. Stop the car immediately for up to half an hour to allow the engine to thaw out. Always carry a bottle of anti-freeze in the car with you, but never mix two types as this can cause more damage than good. Keep a 50/50 mix of Anti-freeze and water in the cooling system; this will give optimum protection down to -34º. Remember, a bottle of anti-freeze might only cost a couple of pounds, but having a frozen and cracked engine repaired could cost hundreds.
– Allow extra time for journeys- Accept that your journey will take longer in extreme weather conditions. Set out a third of the usual travel time earlier, drive at a reasonable speed, and ensure safety is your priority. Try and stay to major roads that are much more likely to have been cleared of snow and gritted, and remember that being late for work is better than having an accident.

Driving tips in snow and ice- Remember gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving- Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.
– Wear sensible shoes with good grip to drive in.
– Pull away in 2nd gear, easing the clutch out gently, and avoiding wheel-spin.
– When driving up-hill, leave plenty of room from the car in front, so that you can make it all the way up the hill without stopping and starting again.
– Use a low gear when going down-hill and avoid using the brakes if possible.
– If driving an Automatic transmission vehicle, drive in ‘2’ if there is no ‘Winter Mode’ in your car. This limits the gear changes and makes you less reliant on the brakes, which can cause a skid.

Most importantly, just remember to drive safely and sensibly throughout these extreme conditions- and remember, spring will be here soon!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Research has found that those who drive for their job are more likely than the general public to take risks whilst driving.

It was found that:

Nearly a third text while driving

Nearly one in six admits putting on make-up or shaving whilst in the car

More than a third admits talking on a hands-free phone

And more than half admit speeding on 60pmh roads

All these statistics are higher than non-work drivers and employers are being urged to give guidance and support to their drivers.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive said: “It is appalling so many people who drive in a professional capacity are taking such horrendous and unnecessary risks, doing things we all know are unbelievably dangerous behind the wheel….We are urging all employers to ensure they have comprehensive safe driving policies in place and that staff know the importance of not speeding or driving distracted.

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Everyone is subject to the law, but the powerful sometimes forget that it applies to them too.

Recently, US Senator Michael Crapo was found guilty of drink-driving. The Republican was pulled over by police when he was caught going through a red light.

Drink driving is a still a problem and despite the many warnings, people still do it. One should never risk drink driving. Driving requires your full attention. When you drive you are also around other people and as such, if you have an accident you can potentially harm other people.

As we always say: if you’re going to drink leave the keys hung up. Take a cab, ask a friend to drive you, or take public transport.