Misuse of level crossing where man died caught on CCTV

CCTV pictures have been released of joggers, drivers and dog walkers breaking safety rules at a level crossing where a man died in January.

Harminder Dhillon, 62, was killed when his car was hit by a train at Lidlington, Bedfordshire, on 3 January.

Network Rail has released a video showing other crossing users ignoring warning lights and signals that a train is coming.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-39224866

"We are shocked that despite the fact that a motorist died at this level crossing, there is still routine misuse there," said Ben Parish from Network Rail.

"In January, somebody's father, son, husband or friend was killed because of level crossing misuse. That is one death too many.

"I understand that people lead busy lives and we all have somewhere to be - to get to work, pick the kids up or care for a loved one.

"However, waiting for a crossing to open will only add a few minutes onto your journey. Wouldn't you rather get to your appointment a few minutes late than not at all?"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-39224866

VW diesel compensation stalled in UK

VW diesel compensation is on track in US but not elsewhere

It has been a year and a half since the diesel emissions scandal at the German carmaker Volkswagen first came to light. 

Since then, the company has agreed to pay substantial compensation to people in the US who bought cars equipped with illegal software, capable of disguising their true emissions levels.

But Volkswagen has not yet made any payments to buyers in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, even though millions of cars sold in the region were also fitted with similar software.

Nor does it have any plans to do so.

However, efforts are now being made to force the company to change its mind, orchestrated by the European Commission. The Department for Transport has been involved in the discussions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39255554

Driverless cars 'could reduce congestion'

Driverless cars could drive faster and closer together because of improved safety standards, an Oxfordshire-based firm claims. 

Oxbotica has been developing "autonomous cars" which use sensors and networks so vehicles of the future can talk to one another. 

Graeme Smith said a future with autonomous car networks would mean reduced congestion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-39231936

Car crashes on a roof in China

Car crashes on to house roof in China

A car lost control in China's eastern town of Taizhou, skidded off the road and... ended up on the roof of a house.

The driver said he had tried to avoid a collision but accidentally stepped on the accelerator while changing direction.

Police had to use a ladder to rescue him, while the SUV was extricated by a crane.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-39242984

Where next for car technology?

The extraordinary technological innovations that we are currently seeing, or can soon expect to see, on modern vehicles.

Driving without distraction.

Tudor Cobalas nearly crashed his car while driving and texting on his phone. 

It was this near-death experience that inspired him to turn the smartphone from a weapon of mass distraction into a tool for safer driving. 

Mr Cobalas, 30, from Romania, developed SafeDrive, an app that rewards drivers for ignoring their phones while driving. 

Once a driver exceeds 6mph (10kmh), the app launches a "Release" button on the screen, effectively locking the phone. Driving without checking the phone generates points that can be converted into shopping discounts in the SafeDrive Marketplace.

Pressing the Release button while driving wipes out the points earned during that journey. 

It's a simple idea that has attracted nearly 100,000 users globally and 30 commercial partners, from insurance companies to retailers.

Mr Cobalas has also developed an app, Milez, aimed at teenage drivers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38954975

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Impressing your driving test examiner.

How to impress your driving test examiner.
Every pupil who is about to take the driving test wants to impress the driving test examiner and pass the driving test.  But nerves and other factors play there part and lots of pupils come back stressed and upset because the driving test did not go to plan.
So if we assume that you(the pupil) has taken driving lessons with a driving instructor and you have both planned the driving test date to coincide with you finishing all your lessons and you have reached the standard to take your driving test.   What else can you do?

1.  Get advise off your driving instructor on how to prepare for your driving test dayhttps://youtu.be/dUOGaJtcJbk
2.  Ask how you can cope with the driving test nerves https://youtu.be/liExsNrsF_o
3.  Be ready while waiting in the driving test centre

When the driving test examiner comes into the waiting room and calls out your name, be ready, be confident and smile, then pass them your driving licence.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Eco-driving. Train-the-trainer course for ADI's

Recently went of the Train the trainer eco-driving course.   I found the course very interesting and what I learned  I have started to pass it onto my pupils who have said it is benefiting them.
The first part of the day is working in the classroom and the second part of the day is practical driving.  This is the course information, if you are interested just send them a e mail asking for information on course dates.  I do know that they have started to advertise new dates in 2017.

ecodriving@est.org.uk
 020 7227 0394.


www.drive-travis.co.uk

Updated code of practice for ADI's

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the driver training industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics.

This industry code of practice has been agreed between the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) and DVSA.

It is a framework within which all instructors should operate. These professional bodies expect their members to adhere to this code of practice. The current NASP member groups are:

• Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (ADI NJC)
• Driving Instructors Association (DIA)
• The Motor Schools Association of Great Britain (MSA GB)

If you’re an approved driving instructor (ADI) who agrees to follow the code, you can:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-instructor-code-of-practice/approved-driving-instructor-adi-code-of-practice

Vehicle Recalls. What you need to know.

Vehicle recalls: what you need to know

DVSA is urging drivers to check that their vehicles, parts or accessories aren’t subject to a safety recall. New figures show that 2.6 million vehicles were affected by a recall between April 2015 to March 2016. How recalls work Manufacturers should recall vehicles when they become aware of a safety problem, and repair them free of charge. Some parts and accessories - such as child car seats and tyres - aren't registered to drivers like vehicles are, so manufacturers can't always trace the owner. It’s vital that you check for recalls that affect these. Check for vehicle, part or accessory recalls Reporting serious safety defects If you find a serious defect that affects the safety of your vehicle, one of its parts, or an accessory, report it to the manufacturer immediately. Tell DVSA if you’re not happy with how the manufacturer is dealing with your report. Get new recall alerts You can sign up for email alerts to get a monthly summary of the latest recalls.

Update/meeting on the new driving test.

I will be going to the next meeting of Milton Keynes Approved Driving Instructors Association (MKADIA).  
I am hoping the DVSA can fill in any blanks about the new driving test.  

If you are an ADI/PDI who would like to attend the next meeting or future meetings just follow the links below for more information.

The next meeting is on: 


23rd Feb. - Update for the new driving test by a guest from DVSA

7pm arrival for a prompt 7.15pm start

Location: Perrys (Citroen/Peugeot Dealership)
Bilton Road, Bletchley, MK1 1HX

Please e-mail MKADIA in advance to advise of your attendance

Guest: DVSA Guest Speaker

http://mkadia.co.uk/meetings.php

For more information
http://mkadia.co.uk/index.php


MKADIA is an independent association formed in July 2011 made up of voluntary Driving Instructors in the Milton Keynes & surrounding areas.

The association benefits both instructors and learner drivers alike and is committed to providing quality resources to our members to ensure pupils are given the highest quality training.