Monday, August 20, 2012

 

Unlucky registration plates

Superstitious drivers who are looking to purchase a new car soon are apparently getting a little worried because registration plate numbers are going to change on March the 1st 2013.

Registration plates change twice every year – once in March and again in September – so that the age of a car can be narrowed down to a six month period.

This doesn’t usually cause any problems, but this time it’s different. This time, when the plates change in March, the number 13 will feature on registrations. 

Yes, unlucky number 13 – the number which some drivers feel might cause them to be involved in a traffic accident, breakdown in the middle of nowhere, or not be able to find cheap car insurance. 

Apparently the DVLA, probably aware that car sales may suffer due to this digit, are allowing motorists to continue having the 62-plate which will be available at the beginning of next month.

However, these will be treated like personalised registration plates, and so drivers will have to pay for them. 

Still – if you’re superstitious enough – having to pay for a safe number plate might actually reduce your risk of suffering an accident, as driving around thinking that you’re going to crash might actually lead to you being involved in a collision. 

Photo © Like_The_Grand_Canyon via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence

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Monday, August 6, 2012

 

Being a pillion passenger has brought me closer to my car

I recently got on the back of my brother’s motorbike for the first time, and I can tell you that I’ve grown much closer to my car as a result.

I’ve always found my car useful and I’ve often gratefully loaded the boot with heavy shopping, or made a break for it from my front door when the rain was coming down in sheets, but now I love my vehicle even more.

Nothing compares – road vehicle-wise – to the protection it offers.  Obviously you should still drive safely, motorists can die in car collisions just as motorcyclists can, but I feel so much safer in my driver’s seat than as a pillion passenger.

Taking corners was the worst! Having to lean towards the road with the vehicle made me feel like by knees were going to hit the tarmac or the bike was going to slide out from beneath us.

Unfortunately my brother bought a motorbike helmet especially for me – so I’ll have to get back on the motorbike soon…

I’ll just have to close my eyes and pretend I’m in my lovely car.

Photo © Alasdair Middleton via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence

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