02/07/2012
Watch out for Rupert the chartered surveyor!
A recent study by a car insurance provider found that depending on what your name is, you are apparently more or less likely to break the speed limit.
Furthermore, which profession you’re in also has an impact on your need for speed.
Reportedly, if you are called Juliet, Susannah, Justine, Deirdre or Alexis, or Rupert, Julian, Piers, Giles or Justin, you’re much less likely to decide to stick to the speed limit, preferring rather to leave other motorists in a cloud of your dust.
On the other hand, anyone called Molly, Shannon, Bethany, Lily, Courtney or Caitlin, or Terrence, Jake, Jordan, Joshua, Jacob or Declan, tends to stay safe by obeying speed signs.
Apparently men employed as chartered surveyors, sales managers, surgeons, TV producers, company chairmen or barristers are the worst offenders when it comes to driving too fast, and for women the speediest professions are commissioned officers in the Armed Forces, chartered surveyors, GPs, business consultants, heads of personnel and vets.
Looks like chartered surveyors are the very worst on both sides then!
Is there any science behind these findings? Erm, I’m not sure. But it’s certainly interesting, I can’t deny!
Furthermore, which profession you’re in also has an impact on your need for speed.
Reportedly, if you are called Juliet, Susannah, Justine, Deirdre or Alexis, or Rupert, Julian, Piers, Giles or Justin, you’re much less likely to decide to stick to the speed limit, preferring rather to leave other motorists in a cloud of your dust.
On the other hand, anyone called Molly, Shannon, Bethany, Lily, Courtney or Caitlin, or Terrence, Jake, Jordan, Joshua, Jacob or Declan, tends to stay safe by obeying speed signs.
Apparently men employed as chartered surveyors, sales managers, surgeons, TV producers, company chairmen or barristers are the worst offenders when it comes to driving too fast, and for women the speediest professions are commissioned officers in the Armed Forces, chartered surveyors, GPs, business consultants, heads of personnel and vets.
Looks like chartered surveyors are the very worst on both sides then!
Is there any science behind these findings? Erm, I’m not sure. But it’s certainly interesting, I can’t deny!
Photo © oddsock via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car insurance, driving, motorists, name, profession, safe, speed limit, speed sign
13/02/2012
Red or yellow or pink or green, purple or orange or blue?
Recently a worldwide survey undertaken by a website called Kaggle, which collects “real-world data”, has found that the colour of the car you buy might be less irrelevant than previously thought.
Some people might make fun of drivers who don’t know what model of car they want to buy but know they won’t settle for any other paint job than blue, but the research has proven that potentially these colour-motivated motorists have the right idea.
Reportedly, when purchasing second-hand cars, the colour vehicles most likely to have suffered dodgy repairs or to have been clocked are the yellow ones.
But don’t feel safe buying an outlandishly coloured vehicle yet! When it comes to rarer colours, the riskiest purchases are apparently gold or purple cars.
Your safest bet is orange, according to the data, but stay well clear of any cars which have been modified with extras like fancy suspension and alloys, whatever colour the vehicle may be.
Good luck with any second-hand purchases you make – and remember to perform an HPI check before you hand your money over!
Some people might make fun of drivers who don’t know what model of car they want to buy but know they won’t settle for any other paint job than blue, but the research has proven that potentially these colour-motivated motorists have the right idea. Reportedly, when purchasing second-hand cars, the colour vehicles most likely to have suffered dodgy repairs or to have been clocked are the yellow ones.
But don’t feel safe buying an outlandishly coloured vehicle yet! When it comes to rarer colours, the riskiest purchases are apparently gold or purple cars.
Your safest bet is orange, according to the data, but stay well clear of any cars which have been modified with extras like fancy suspension and alloys, whatever colour the vehicle may be.
Good luck with any second-hand purchases you make – and remember to perform an HPI check before you hand your money over!
Photo © mlpdesign via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: alloys, car, clocked, colour, driver, HPI check, kaggle, motorists, orange, paint job, repairs, second-hand, suspension, vehicle, yellow
27/01/2012
Police spot female driver practicing eulogy
After catching a rugby player heading towards the motorway in a golf buggy and a U.F.O doing whatever a U.F.O does above Cardiff, the police could be forgiven for claiming that they’ve seen it all. That is until Scottish officers spotted a woman reading The Bible while driving in Scotland.
Apparently the female driver felt so unprepared as she made her way to a funeral in Perth that she felt impelled to seek holy inspiration. She failed to realise that by perching The Bible on her legs she was placing herself and other motorists in danger.
A representative of the Tayside Police said, “This weekend a road policing unit patrol car travelling on the A90 dual carriageway between Dundee and Perth noticed the female driver deep in concentration and apparently talking to herself.
“As the officials drew alongside the car, the driver was found to be reading from a bible propped up on the steering wheel.”
Although the officers had great sympathy for the woman’s situation they were left with little option but to issue a fine and add points to her driving license. This case should act as a reminder of the dangers of multi-tasking while on the road.
Apparently the female driver felt so unprepared as she made her way to a funeral in Perth that she felt impelled to seek holy inspiration. She failed to realise that by perching The Bible on her legs she was placing herself and other motorists in danger.A representative of the Tayside Police said, “This weekend a road policing unit patrol car travelling on the A90 dual carriageway between Dundee and Perth noticed the female driver deep in concentration and apparently talking to herself.
“As the officials drew alongside the car, the driver was found to be reading from a bible propped up on the steering wheel.”
Although the officers had great sympathy for the woman’s situation they were left with little option but to issue a fine and add points to her driving license. This case should act as a reminder of the dangers of multi-tasking while on the road.
Photo © jmwk via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: Cardiff, driving licence, motorists, police, road
13/01/2012
Satnavs send motorists round the bend
Have you heard the story about the football loving daughter of the Earl of Spencer being driven to the wrong Stamford Bridge by a misguided taxi driver?
Or how about the tale of a group of schoolchildren who were looking forward to a day out at Hampton Court Palace and actually ended up at Hampton Court in Islington?
The three words that connect these two unhappy stories are ‘satellite navigation system’. Yes that's right, the cutting edge technology that is supposed to be of help to drivers.
In reality the motoring gadgets have caused some people to get lost and others to be involved in near scrapes and accidents.
But the situation could improve if Transport Minister Norman Baker has his way. He is calling for a “satnav summit, where the highway authorities, motoring organisations and satnav manufacturers can map out their ideas for improvements to the system.
Mr Baker stated that “This will help prevent huge lorries from being sent down inappropriate roads and ensure motorists are given the best possible directions.”
Until these plans come to fruition your best bet is to keep a traditional road map in the car. They might be harder to follow than a satnav but at least they won't guide you into a fast flowing river.
Or how about the tale of a group of schoolchildren who were looking forward to a day out at Hampton Court Palace and actually ended up at Hampton Court in Islington?
The three words that connect these two unhappy stories are ‘satellite navigation system’. Yes that's right, the cutting edge technology that is supposed to be of help to drivers.
In reality the motoring gadgets have caused some people to get lost and others to be involved in near scrapes and accidents.
But the situation could improve if Transport Minister Norman Baker has his way. He is calling for a “satnav summit, where the highway authorities, motoring organisations and satnav manufacturers can map out their ideas for improvements to the system.
Mr Baker stated that “This will help prevent huge lorries from being sent down inappropriate roads and ensure motorists are given the best possible directions.”
Until these plans come to fruition your best bet is to keep a traditional road map in the car. They might be harder to follow than a satnav but at least they won't guide you into a fast flowing river.
Photo © Unhindered by Talent via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: lorries, motorists, satellite navigation system, Transport Minister
09/12/2011
Boost your car speed with a missile
When buying a new car, drivers usually take the engine size into account. Some motorists are happy with relatively small engine, whereas others are willing to pay extra for an engine with a bit more bite.
The Indy Boys Inc team from Indianapolis, US, have gone to extreme measures to ensure that their 1967 Chevrolet is the fastest car in town. And by extreme, we mean they strapped a cruise missile engine to the roof.
Now the vintage car is capable of reaching speeds of up to 300mph, as well as firing out 30ft flames which leave an impressive trail of smoke behind the vehicle.
The Indy Boys team have already built the world fastest toilet (yes, really) and a jet powered school bus which can astonishingly reach speeds of 750mph – but parents can relax, this bus isn’t actually used for the school run.
Fortunately the driver of this vehicle only uses the car for shows. We have a funny feeling he’d be hard pushed to find a car insurance provider which would offer cover for a car as modified as this!
The Indy Boys Inc team from Indianapolis, US, have gone to extreme measures to ensure that their 1967 Chevrolet is the fastest car in town. And by extreme, we mean they strapped a cruise missile engine to the roof.Now the vintage car is capable of reaching speeds of up to 300mph, as well as firing out 30ft flames which leave an impressive trail of smoke behind the vehicle.
The Indy Boys team have already built the world fastest toilet (yes, really) and a jet powered school bus which can astonishingly reach speeds of 750mph – but parents can relax, this bus isn’t actually used for the school run.
Fortunately the driver of this vehicle only uses the car for shows. We have a funny feeling he’d be hard pushed to find a car insurance provider which would offer cover for a car as modified as this!
Photo © Dave Hogg via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, Chevrolet, drivers, engine, motorists, US
15/07/2011
Up, up and away
Have you ever wished that, when stuck in a traffic jam or waiting at the longest red light you’ve ever witnessed, you could just press a button and take off Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-style?
Well, we certainly have – and now there’s a car which may one day reach UK shores which could let us do just that.
The Terrafugia Transition has been “sky legal” for more than a year in America already, and now it’s been made “road legal” too it is set to hit USA showrooms next autumn.
It’s going to cost American motorists $200,000 to buy, that’s around £123,800, and it can only go up to 65mph on the road but it speeds over the land below at 115mph once it unfolds its wings and is in the air.
Now, you know how we said that we might be able to one day fly out of traffic jams – well we lied – sorry. The fact is that this “roadable aircraft” needs 1,700ft (around 500 meters) of road for take-off – so you’re unlikely to be able to escape with only 30cm moving space either end of the vehicle…
Ideally someone will create a flying car which can take off vertically like a Harrier Jump Jet, then we’ll really be happy!
Well, we certainly have – and now there’s a car which may one day reach UK shores which could let us do just that.The Terrafugia Transition has been “sky legal” for more than a year in America already, and now it’s been made “road legal” too it is set to hit USA showrooms next autumn.
It’s going to cost American motorists $200,000 to buy, that’s around £123,800, and it can only go up to 65mph on the road but it speeds over the land below at 115mph once it unfolds its wings and is in the air.
Now, you know how we said that we might be able to one day fly out of traffic jams – well we lied – sorry. The fact is that this “roadable aircraft” needs 1,700ft (around 500 meters) of road for take-off – so you’re unlikely to be able to escape with only 30cm moving space either end of the vehicle…
Ideally someone will create a flying car which can take off vertically like a Harrier Jump Jet, then we’ll really be happy!
Photo by bucket072 via photobucket
Labels: car, motorists, red light, road legal, Terrafugia Transition, traffic jam, UK
21/04/2011
Hot dogs
As the weather hots up in anticipation of the summer, motorists might want to remember the suncream and a bottle of water for trips out.
However another very important thing to keep in mind are the needs of any canine friends accompanying a driver on a journey.
Dogs might not be able to vocalise the fact that they’re getting a bit too warm and dehydrated, but if your top is stuck to your back and the faint breeze from the window isn’t enough – the likelihood is that your dog is also feeling the effects of the hot weather.
Humans and dogs can suffer from heatstroke, so keep your pet hydrated on a long journey, take breaks so that you can both breathe some fresh air, and find a shady patch to cool down in – even if it’s in an un-picturesque motorway services car park.
The RSPCA are warning car owners of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars too. Apparently, within an hour the temperature inside a vehicle can be twice that of the temperature outside, so leaving an animal there could have disastrous consequences.
They may not need suncream – but dogs still need to be kept safe on sunny days!
However another very important thing to keep in mind are the needs of any canine friends accompanying a driver on a journey.
Dogs might not be able to vocalise the fact that they’re getting a bit too warm and dehydrated, but if your top is stuck to your back and the faint breeze from the window isn’t enough – the likelihood is that your dog is also feeling the effects of the hot weather.
Humans and dogs can suffer from heatstroke, so keep your pet hydrated on a long journey, take breaks so that you can both breathe some fresh air, and find a shady patch to cool down in – even if it’s in an un-picturesque motorway services car park. The RSPCA are warning car owners of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars too. Apparently, within an hour the temperature inside a vehicle can be twice that of the temperature outside, so leaving an animal there could have disastrous consequences.
They may not need suncream – but dogs still need to be kept safe on sunny days!
Image by malias via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, car park, dog, driver, motorists, motorway
24/03/2011
In for a penny
Good news everyone – petrol costs won’t be going up again for a while since the Budget was announced yesterday!
George Osborne lowered the price of fuel by one penny on each litre from 6pm last evening, introduced the stabiliser so many motorists had wanted for so long, and halted the five pence rise in fuel costs until next year.
Now, a penny less doesn’t sound like much – but at least it’s not a penny more – and as one famous proverb and well-known company says, “every little helps”.
After all, 100 pennies make one shiny pound, and with a pound you can buy almost two whole chocolate bars in most shops – or any one item at your closest pound shop.
Go out and enjoy yourself – don’t spend it all at once!
George Osborne lowered the price of fuel by one penny on each litre from 6pm last evening, introduced the stabiliser so many motorists had wanted for so long, and halted the five pence rise in fuel costs until next year.
Now, a penny less doesn’t sound like much – but at least it’s not a penny more – and as one famous proverb and well-known company says, “every little helps”.
After all, 100 pennies make one shiny pound, and with a pound you can buy almost two whole chocolate bars in most shops – or any one item at your closest pound shop.
Go out and enjoy yourself – don’t spend it all at once!
Image by CJ Isherwood via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: budget, fuel, motorists, petrol
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