NewsAt Auto Risk Solutions we endeavour to keep right up to date with current legislation, trends and Government initiatives so that you can review your Occupational Road Risk assessments and Work Related Road Safety policies in an informed and appropriate manner
INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS FOR MOBILE PHONE USERS
EYE TESTS FOR DRIVERS EVERY THREE YEARS?
Drivers' eyesight should be checked at least every three years; after more than one in three motorists failed a basic sight test.
Specsavers tested the eyesight of 500 drivers at a recent motoring event in London and found that over a third fell "way short" of the minimum legal requirement, as set out in the Highway Code.
92% of the drivers questioned said they believed regular eye examinations should be compulsory at least every three years.
Rule 92 of the Highway Code makes it clear that drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres. Those who need to wear glasses or contact lenses to do this must wear them at all times while driving.
Whislt most drivers are only ever asked to read a number plate from the required distance as part of their driving test, the police do have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test at any time (Section 96 Road Traffic Act 1988 and Regulation 40 and Schedule 8 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licence) Regulations).
According to previous research by Specsavers, around one in five motorists have not had their eyes tested for over 5 years and apparently 83% of employers do not insist on their drivers having an eye test.
Mobile Phones It is understood that the Department for Transport is again looking at an outright ban on the use of mobile phones whilst driving, irrespective of whether currently legal hands-free kits are used or not. It is very early days and no timescale is given as to any implementation.
Speed Limiters From January 1st next year EU law dictates that vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes registered on or after January 2005 will be limited to 56mph, bringing this class of vehicle into line with existing LGV legislation. According to the SMMT this affects 226,022 vehicles currently not required to have speed limiters fitted, of which 85,245 are classed as vans.
Be Aware Of The Latest Car-Jacking Scheme You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. Then you lock all your doors, start the engine and engage a forward or reverse gear. You look into the rear-view mirror and you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you change back into park or neutral, unlock your doors and jump out of your car to remove that paper or whatever it is that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car the car-jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and drive off. Your engine was running, you would have left your purse in the car and they may even try and mow you down as they speed off in your car. A purse contains all identification, and you certainly do NOT want someone getting your home address. They already HAVE your keys! Just drive away and remove the paper later.
Work Related Stress Road safety professionals will be very aware of the influence that work related stress can have on the ability to drive safely. A new 'step-by-step' guide to tackling work-related stress has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Based on the HSE's management standards, the guide aims to help employers, their staff and representatives manage the issue "sensibly". The guide, which currently costs £10.95, can be purchased from HSE Books
Revision Of Penalties On The Way For Speeding The figures came as the Government announced it was considering
tougher plans for motorists caught driving well over the speed limit.
Those caught driving at 45mph or above in a 30mph limit could receive
a fixed penalty of six points, an increase on the current flat rate
of three points. As a result speeding drivers would be more likely
to receive a six-month driving ban for accumulating 12 points within
three years. The higher penalty could also apply to drivers caught
at 57mph or above on a 40mph road and 94mph or above on a 70mph
road.
Sentencing Proposals For Corporate Manslaughter Companies found guilty of the new corporate manslaughter offence
could be fined 10% of their annual turnover, under proposals which
have been published recently. The Sentencing Advisory Panel (SAP)
said firms could be fined an even higher sum for a particularly
serious offence, or if they had previous convictions. The new offence
- due to come into force next April - is designed to make it easier
to prosecute companies whose negligence causes death. A report by the SAP said its recommendations could lead to larger fines than those previously handed out by the courts for health and safety offences. It also suggested that large national companies convicted of the crime could be forced to publish details of the case in a newspaper, TV or radio advert. The legislation will allow courts to impose a "publicity order" to name and shame offenders. In addition, the SAP suggested that details of the conviction be included in the company's annual report and shareholders notified.
New Road Craft Launched
The Police Foundation has launched a brand new edition of ‘Roadcraft:
the Police Driver’s Handbook’. The publication is an
essential tool used to train police drivers and is also the recognised
bible for advanced and emergency response driver training. Roadcraft
aims to save lives and to help people become better drivers by increasing
awareness of all factors that affect driving – the capability
of the driver, characteristics of the vehicle, and the road and
traffic conditions.
Police Road Death Investigation Manual Launched The Revised Police Road Death Investigation Manual has been launched and is available via email. Please contact us if you require a copy.
News ArchiveSmoking Ban The Smoke-free (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007 come into force on 1 July 2007. The position in respect of company vehicles is that: Enclosed vehicles which one or more persons use for work will be no-smoking premises and covered by the ban. The ban applies to cars/vans/lorries at all times. Corporate Manslaughter Bill A long-overdue revision of the law has finally made it through Parliament and is now ready for Royal Assent. The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act will be implemented on April 6, 2008. Adhering to the speed limit - helpful information The Government is committed to ensuring that speed limits are complied with and enforced as a means of reducing deaths and injuries on our roads. Speeding is a traffic offence with potentially serious consequences and driving at excessive speeds continues to be a problem that results in accidents, fatalities and serious injuries. Road Safety Act 2006 The Road Safety Bill received Royal Assent on 8th November 2006. It is now known as the Road Safety Act 2006. It contains a raft of measures designed to help achieve casualty reduction targets and improve safety on Britain's roads. Work related road safety One part of the Government's Road Safety Strategy Tomorrow's Roads: safer for everyone is to see whether more can be done to reduce road traffic incidents that are connected to work. Many vehicles are used for work, ranging from heavy goods vehicles through cars to bicycles. And many people work on or by the road and are exposed to risks from traffic (maintenance workers, postal workers etc). |
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