- Elderly driver re-test debate
- American woman set to battle the boys in Nascar
- Titanic car to go on show
- Live updates from Google Maps
- Motorway moggy
- Women are better drivers than men – Fact!
- Is James Bond all cars and girls?
- Bottom-print car security
- Maybe exercise isn’t so good after all!
- Award fails to panda to critics
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Friday, February 3, 2012
Elderly driver re-test debate
Every so often a sad and alarming story emerges about an elderly motorist having put themselves in motoring danger.
Last year an old man drove his vehicle into a tree after confusing the brake and accelerator pedals, and last week an elderly female driver made a wrong turn on to railway tracks after waiting at a level crossing.
The experienced female motorist and her young passenger were left in shock by this unexpected turn of events. However, they should count themselves very lucky to have escaped without serious injury.
A witness to the incident said, “They were very lucky they were not hurt – the route is very busy at the time of the morning.
“When I saw it I just couldn't believe there was a car on the tracks. I think the lady was taken away in a taxi – I don't think she'll be getting behind the wheel ever again.”
While it would be a shame for this woman's motoring days to come an abrupt end, one can't but feel that it might be best for her own safety. This case raises questions about the place of potentially dangerous elderly drivers on the UK's roads.
With regards to this topic the ex Formula One racer Stirling Moss said, “I do think older drivers should be re-evaluated because first of all a lot of the road signs are changing and the road ethics are changing and the way the roads are formed.
“I think it would be a good idea to have a new evaluation when we reach 70 and then 75, 80.”
It would be very interesting to hear what you readers think about this issue! Please send us your comments.
Last year an old man drove his vehicle into a tree after confusing the brake and accelerator pedals, and last week an elderly female driver made a wrong turn on to railway tracks after waiting at a level crossing.
The experienced female motorist and her young passenger were left in shock by this unexpected turn of events. However, they should count themselves very lucky to have escaped without serious injury.
A witness to the incident said, “They were very lucky they were not hurt – the route is very busy at the time of the morning.
“When I saw it I just couldn't believe there was a car on the tracks. I think the lady was taken away in a taxi – I don't think she'll be getting behind the wheel ever again.”
While it would be a shame for this woman's motoring days to come an abrupt end, one can't but feel that it might be best for her own safety. This case raises questions about the place of potentially dangerous elderly drivers on the UK's roads.
With regards to this topic the ex Formula One racer Stirling Moss said, “I do think older drivers should be re-evaluated because first of all a lot of the road signs are changing and the road ethics are changing and the way the roads are formed.
“I think it would be a good idea to have a new evaluation when we reach 70 and then 75, 80.”
It would be very interesting to hear what you readers think about this issue! Please send us your comments.
Photo © Ben Sutherland via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: accelerator, brake, danger, driver, elderly, level crossing, motoring, motorist, passenger, railway tracks, road, safety, vehicle
Monday, January 30, 2012
American woman set to battle the boys in Nascar
There’s to be no fooling around when the female racing sensation Courtney Force takes to the track in a Funny Car this year.
As the daughter of Nascar superstar John Force, Courtney has grown up with little else on her mind but breaking the mould as a professional racer.
As if the inspiration of achieving a podium place wasn’t enough, Force has also had to put up with the derogatory attitude of her fellow racers, most of whom are male.
Ms Force said, “Now I get my own 8,000hp, 300mph Ford, I can’t wait to start beating up on the boys.”
The first opportunity to step out of her dad’s shadow will come at the Kragen O’Reilly Winternationals in California, on the 9th of February.
This prestigious race has previously been won by Force’s teammate Robert Hight and Jason Line.
John Force said, “She’s kind of an extrovert, ready to attack and go after the boys, knowing they were going to beat her up. She’s ready.”
Ladies car insurance policyholders will be keeping their fingers crossed that Courtney Force and Formula One hopeful Danica Patrick will finally dispel the myth that women can’t reach the racing heights.
As the daughter of Nascar superstar John Force, Courtney has grown up with little else on her mind but breaking the mould as a professional racer.
As if the inspiration of achieving a podium place wasn’t enough, Force has also had to put up with the derogatory attitude of her fellow racers, most of whom are male.
Ms Force said, “Now I get my own 8,000hp, 300mph Ford, I can’t wait to start beating up on the boys.”
The first opportunity to step out of her dad’s shadow will come at the Kragen O’Reilly Winternationals in California, on the 9th of February.
This prestigious race has previously been won by Force’s teammate Robert Hight and Jason Line.
John Force said, “She’s kind of an extrovert, ready to attack and go after the boys, knowing they were going to beat her up. She’s ready.”
Ladies car insurance policyholders will be keeping their fingers crossed that Courtney Force and Formula One hopeful Danica Patrick will finally dispel the myth that women can’t reach the racing heights.
Photo © cole24 via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: California, Courtney Force, Danica Patrick, Ford, Formula One, Funny Car, ladies car insurance, Nascar
Friday, January 27, 2012
Titanic car to go on show
The Titanic movie was once vehemently attacked by film critic Mark Kermode for appealing solely pandering to the emotions of teenage girls. It is highly doubtful whether the self-proclaimed ‘doctor of film’ will get so worked up about the interest garnered by the exhibition of the Titanic ‘Ghost’.
This magnificent vehicle was built for the Harland and Wolf Chairman Lord Pirrie 101 years ago. It has a charm and elegance which has drawn oohs and aahs from men and women of various ages and tastes.
It is bound to be the greatest attraction at the County Down Vintage Car Show, which is also set to feature the exhibition of a Derby Bentley and grand old Morris Minor.
One of the event organisers said, “This car has a unique link to a special time and place in our history and we are thrilled to be able to bring it back to Northern Ireland in this year when so much attention will be focussed on the Titanic.
“I'm sure visitors to the show will find themselves transported back in time by the experience. You can just imagine Lord Pirrie driving to the shipyard in this Rolls Royce to check on the progress of the great ship.”
It is only hoped that the present owners of this valuable collector’s item have guarded against fate by investing in comprehensive car insurance.
This magnificent vehicle was built for the Harland and Wolf Chairman Lord Pirrie 101 years ago. It has a charm and elegance which has drawn oohs and aahs from men and women of various ages and tastes.It is bound to be the greatest attraction at the County Down Vintage Car Show, which is also set to feature the exhibition of a Derby Bentley and grand old Morris Minor.
One of the event organisers said, “This car has a unique link to a special time and place in our history and we are thrilled to be able to bring it back to Northern Ireland in this year when so much attention will be focussed on the Titanic.
“I'm sure visitors to the show will find themselves transported back in time by the experience. You can just imagine Lord Pirrie driving to the shipyard in this Rolls Royce to check on the progress of the great ship.”
It is only hoped that the present owners of this valuable collector’s item have guarded against fate by investing in comprehensive car insurance.
Photo © meikel_nai via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: comprehensive car insurance, Derby Bentley, Mark Kermode, Morris Minor, Northern Ireland, Rolls Royce, Titanic, vintage car
Monday, January 23, 2012
Live updates from Google Maps
Google Maps is quite useful when it comes to estimating journey times, miles, and petrol costs, but if you’re giving your car a rest, don’t fancy walking, and think there might be train delays, what do you do?
Well Google has teamed up with thetrainline.com and released a new route planner which has live updates and information about 170,000 rail timetables, 2,500 rail stations, 8,000 bus stop timetables, and 250 London Underground stations.
It works the same way as before, but now there’s a lot more information so planning a journey is easier and you’re less likely to be late to your destination.
The release of this improved route planner has been timed to coincide with the impending arrival of visitors for the London Olympics.
The chairman of VisitBritain stated, "We want to encourage visitors to explore the whole of Britain. With the Olympics less than 200 days away Google's initiative is exciting news.
“Millions of visitors plan their itinerary using Google Maps and this additional information will act as a catalyst and inspire them to discover all that is wonderful about our great country."
Well we look forward to using the new live updates on Google Maps and we hope all of the Olympics visitors enjoy the games and their stay.
Well Google has teamed up with thetrainline.com and released a new route planner which has live updates and information about 170,000 rail timetables, 2,500 rail stations, 8,000 bus stop timetables, and 250 London Underground stations.It works the same way as before, but now there’s a lot more information so planning a journey is easier and you’re less likely to be late to your destination.
The release of this improved route planner has been timed to coincide with the impending arrival of visitors for the London Olympics.
The chairman of VisitBritain stated, "We want to encourage visitors to explore the whole of Britain. With the Olympics less than 200 days away Google's initiative is exciting news.
“Millions of visitors plan their itinerary using Google Maps and this additional information will act as a catalyst and inspire them to discover all that is wonderful about our great country."
Well we look forward to using the new live updates on Google Maps and we hope all of the Olympics visitors enjoy the games and their stay.
Photo © engineroomblog via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, Google Maps, journey, journey times, live updates, London Olympics, miles, petrol costs, route planner, thetrainline.com, visitors
Friday, January 20, 2012
Motorway moggy
Sometimes it can feel like you’ve been on the motorway for an eternity – especially if there are traffic jams slowing you down.
However, usually we’re not actually on the highway for as long as we think and we can always pop into motorway services along the way for a break – unlike a cat that recently made some news reports.
The poor over-adventurous feline found its way up the 50 foot high concrete feet of an M4 road sign, but couldn’t get back down again.
It was stuck for 24 hours next to the busy motorway before traffic officers coaxed the cat back down to safety using a crane lift and some cat food.
Despite its ordeal, rescuers could tell that the cat was well looked after, and the RSPCA managed to return the moggy to its owners.
If I was that cat, I’d just stick to climbing onto the back of the sofa from now on.
However, usually we’re not actually on the highway for as long as we think and we can always pop into motorway services along the way for a break – unlike a cat that recently made some news reports.
The poor over-adventurous feline found its way up the 50 foot high concrete feet of an M4 road sign, but couldn’t get back down again.
It was stuck for 24 hours next to the busy motorway before traffic officers coaxed the cat back down to safety using a crane lift and some cat food.
Despite its ordeal, rescuers could tell that the cat was well looked after, and the RSPCA managed to return the moggy to its owners.
If I was that cat, I’d just stick to climbing onto the back of the sofa from now on.
Photo © Red Junasun via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: cat, highway, M4, motorway, motorway services, road sign, traffic jam
Monday, January 16, 2012
Women are better drivers than men – Fact!
We all have an opinion on the long-standing myth that men are better drivers than women, so you will be pleased to hear that conclusive evidence has at last emerged to prove what we knew all along – women actually are the superior motorists.
An American insurance quote provider has released the new study ‘Women are bad drivers – fact or fiction?’ which compares traffic accident, violation and insurance price statistics between men and women to dispel the notion that women are bad drivers.
The results of the study have found that 80% of car accidents involving serious or fatal injuries are in fact caused by male drivers. It also reveals that women are 27% less likely to cause a road traffic accident than men.
Plus, you will be pleased to hear that the study confirmed that the number of traffic violations (motoring offences) is also higher for male drivers in every possible category than for women. These include reckless driving, speeding, seat belt violations and the more serious legal matters such as driving while intoxicated.
So, at last we can show once and for all that women are the better drivers! Whether due to their high testosterone, higher tendency to take risks or higher levels of aggression, the fact now remains – men make more mistakes behind the wheel than women. Well, in America anyway!
An American insurance quote provider has released the new study ‘Women are bad drivers – fact or fiction?’ which compares traffic accident, violation and insurance price statistics between men and women to dispel the notion that women are bad drivers.
The results of the study have found that 80% of car accidents involving serious or fatal injuries are in fact caused by male drivers. It also reveals that women are 27% less likely to cause a road traffic accident than men.
Plus, you will be pleased to hear that the study confirmed that the number of traffic violations (motoring offences) is also higher for male drivers in every possible category than for women. These include reckless driving, speeding, seat belt violations and the more serious legal matters such as driving while intoxicated.
So, at last we can show once and for all that women are the better drivers! Whether due to their high testosterone, higher tendency to take risks or higher levels of aggression, the fact now remains – men make more mistakes behind the wheel than women. Well, in America anyway!
Photo © Steven-L-Johnson via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car accidents, drivers, insurance, road traffic accident
Friday, January 13, 2012
Is James Bond all cars and girls?
I had always avoided watching James Bond films after writing them off as a man’s fantasy flick, full of semi-clad girls, fast cars and ridiculous gadgets. However, my own interest in the Bond phenomena was sparked when I saw a billboard advert featuring the latest 007 star wearing nothing but a very tiny pair of swim shorts. I decided then that it was high time I got to grips with James Bond myself!
As Britain goes into Bond frenzy, celebrating 50 years since Sean Connery first graced our screens as the archetypal 007, now seems a better time than any. So, I’ve committed myself to an education in all things Bond by watching all 23 of the films.
I’m currently on the 4th movie and already I can see why men love this character, he is the epitome of cool; a suave, sophisticated and well-dressed man driving flash cars and dating attractive girls.
With each chapter in the Bond saga, the girls get more exotic and the names more far-fetched. I mean who would name their daughter Honey Rider, Pussy Galore or Mary Goodnight? The same could be said for the cars which get as extravagant and seductive as the women who join Bond’s adventures, from Aston Martins and Lotus Esprits to BMW sportscars and the Vanquish.
So, maybe I haven’t quite caught the Bond bug yet, but I’ve got another 19 films to go and of course there is still the infamous Daniel Craig beach scene to look forward to!
As Britain goes into Bond frenzy, celebrating 50 years since Sean Connery first graced our screens as the archetypal 007, now seems a better time than any. So, I’ve committed myself to an education in all things Bond by watching all 23 of the films. I’m currently on the 4th movie and already I can see why men love this character, he is the epitome of cool; a suave, sophisticated and well-dressed man driving flash cars and dating attractive girls.
With each chapter in the Bond saga, the girls get more exotic and the names more far-fetched. I mean who would name their daughter Honey Rider, Pussy Galore or Mary Goodnight? The same could be said for the cars which get as extravagant and seductive as the women who join Bond’s adventures, from Aston Martins and Lotus Esprits to BMW sportscars and the Vanquish.
So, maybe I haven’t quite caught the Bond bug yet, but I’ve got another 19 films to go and of course there is still the infamous Daniel Craig beach scene to look forward to!
Photo © johanoomen via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: cars, driving, James Bond, sportscar