The recent Toyota recall problems mask a much greater problem. VOSA report that, for last year, they processed 252 different vehicle recalls, affecting 940,000 motorists' vehicles. The Toyota recall affected 200,000 vehicles, for accelerator and brake problems, while a Fiat recall for steering problems affected 56,000 vehicles.
How safe is your windscreen? Last year saw a four-fold increase in MoT failures due to windscreen damage. Any vehicle with a crack more than 10mm within the swept area, or more than 40mm outside it, will fail the MoT.
Although a reported two-thirds of drivers want to see tougher action and higher fines for mobile phone users whilst driving, almost half a million drivers have points on their licence relating to mobile phone offences. A recent survey found that almost 700,000 people surf the net and read emails whilst driving. Using a mobile phone for just talking whilst driving increases the average person's reaction time by 30%, equivelant to being at the Legal Drink/Drive Limit. Despite increased penalties, there has been a 27% increase in the number of drivers spotted on the phone: many are van and lorry drivers.
Off all the driving offences that are dealt with by Magistrates' Courts, 86% of defendants are male. Last year, out of 1.4 million motoring cases heard, only some 200,000 were women. Of 6,870 Dangerous Driving cases, women were defendants in 302 instances. It is estimated that, of all female drivers who receive a speeding ticket (only 18% of all tickets issued), as many as 10% accept the ticket on behalf of their boyfriend, husband or partner, in order to prevent him losing his licence under the 'totting-up' provisions!
The snowy conditions in January brought more trouble than some people bargained for: up to a fifth of all collisions were caused by hit-and-run drivers colliding with parked vehicles. Insurers have processed record levels of claims, but an amazing 20% have involved drivers who fled the scene without leaving any details. The average damage claim is around £1,500.
Contact us today! Freephone 0808 120 1123 or email odt@sky.com
