THE company for driver risk management

COMPANY CAR COMEBACK SET TO CONTINUE INTO 2008

The comeback of the traditional company car is set to continue into 2008, according to GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services in its quarterly ‘Company Car Trends’ report into developments in the fleet sector and based on 686 respondents.

When asked, 96% of employers said they expected more drivers who need a car for their job to opt for a company car - up 8% on the same period in 2006 - and 67.9% predicted more employees would be offered a company car as part of their employment package - up 6.7% year-on-year.

These figures continue developments seen in ‘Company Car Trends’ for more than a year, with the traditional company car staging a dramatic comeback following years when it has been widely accepted to be in decline. Almost 100% of job-need drivers are now offered a company car by their employer as well as 78% of non-essential car users - this latter figure up 8.8% in the last 12 months.

This resurgence of the traditional company car has taken place largely at the expense of uncontrolled cash for car schemes. Popularity of these has dipped by 5.8% year-on-year among job need drivers, for example, and employers expect a further fall of 4.2% during the next 12 months.

In fact, uncontrolled cash for car has dropped generally in popularity as a method of acquiring a car by 9.6% since 2006 while contract hire, outright purchase and outsourced fleet management have all increased slightly in use. Overall demand for all types of business car is set to rise at a predicted 4.2%.

The migration back into traditional company cars is continuing thanks to a combination of factors, believes Rich Green, managing director at GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services. He said: “A situation has developed where employers are trying to pull both job-need and non-essential drivers back into traditional company cars, and employees are also pushing to get back into them.”

The move, says Green, has arisen due to three issues: it is much easier for employers to meet their legal responsibilities surrounding employee safety on the road if they are driving company cars; the importance of environmental issues with employers wanting to be good corporate citizens, and evidence shows that it is easier to ’green’ business transport if a company has direct control over vehicles drive; and many employees who have tried taking the cash for car option have switched back into a company car when given the opportunity because they have found that the cost of running a car higher than they believed it would be and that keeping it on the road was more trouble.

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CARS THAT CAN’T CRASH’ UNVEILED BY THATCHAM

It sounds like a sci-fi fantasy – cars that can’t crash!

But the fictional notion is about to become reality thanks to new technologies being fitted to vehicles driven in Britain – that in time could save more than 125,000 injuries each year.

Thatcham – the insurer funded research centre – unveiled three revolutionary systems at a major European media conference held at The Transport Research Laboratory in February.

The systems mitigate and in some cases prevent low speed shunts and collisions – the most common type of accident – which creates billions of pounds worth of damage to vehicles and untold pain and misery to motorists and their passengers.

This type of accident makes up no less than 75 percent of all motor accidents.

Thatcham – the not for profit organisation which strives to make vehicles safer – has been putting the cutting edge technologies to the test.

So are crash test dummies heading for the employment centre or an early retirement in the sun?

Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research Manager – Crash, said: “These systems are a massive breakthrough for keeping motorists safe. Vehicle manufacturers should be congratulated for developing and introducing this technology which is significant for the safety of all UK road users.

Collision avoidance systems represent the future of accident and injury reduction on UK roads.

“They will make a major impact on the number of slow speed accidents – in Britain and across the World.

“Thatcham believes that if manufacturers embrace the new systems and fit them as standard – more than 125,000 injuries will be prevented each year in Britain alone.

“It will take a number of years before enough cars in the UK ‘car parc’ are fitted with the technology – but once a threshold is reached injury figures will tumble.

“Most accidents involve two or more vehicles – so every car fitted with the kit can save damage and injury to multiples of others.”

Thatcham has been evaluating three different systems:

The Volvo City Safety – which will be fitted as standard to their XC60 which will be on sale from November.

The system is active at up to 20 mph. It uses a form of laser radar (LIDAR) mounted in top of the windscreen. It is programmed to respond if the vehicle in front is either at a standstill or is moving in the same direction as the car itself.

The brakes are pre-charged and should a collision be imminent it applies them and cuts the throttle.

If the car is travelling below 10mph it should prevent the collision entirely and at a speed of up to 20 mph will reduce the impact by 50%.

The Mercedes Distronic Plus is currently available on some S-class models. It uses two radar systems linked to the car’s cruise control system to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front.

It provides a continual calculation of the distance between the vehicle in front and the speed differential between them and will bring the car to a complete stop if necessary.

The Honda CMBS currently on the CR-V is a radar system that again calculates the distance and the speed differential with the vehicle in front. Should this become out of kilter the driver receives visual and audible warnings before brakes are progressively activated. Seat belts are also tightened to alert the driver of an impending problem and lessen any resulting injuries.

Commenting on Thatcham test results Matthew Avery said:

“All three systems offer enhanced protection – the Volvo in particular impressed because of its autonomous operation and the fact that it intervened at the last second and can completely avoid a crash.

“It is imperative that driver vigilance is not lowered by the inclusion of such systems in their vehicles.

“These systems should not allow the driver to compensate – and take additional risks.

“The car is not the driver – the driver drives the car.

“This is just the beginning of the collision avoidance revolution. We will see systems that can detect pedestrians and other vulnerable road users and even steer the car to avoid a crash.”

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HAIR TO DIE FOR...

Almost 190,000 female motorists have had an accident or ‘near miss’ as a result of their hairstyle -

As the celebrity trend for long, eye-skimming fringes rages on, Britain’s female motorists are putting themselves and their passengers at risk. Almost 190,000 admit that they have had an accident, ‘near miss’ or made a sudden manoeuvre as a result of their vision being limited by their hair whilst driving.

The research conducted by female-friendly car insurer Sheilas’ Wheels, reveals that a massive 67 per cent of women currently have a hairstyle that can fall in their eyes whilst driving. However, despite this risk, only a fifth of women (21 per cent) always secure their hair off their face before getting behind the wheel.  Indeed, more than 9 million female motorists say that they never secure their hair back before driving.

The most common reasons cited by women for not securing hair back in the car include: not believing it necessary (33 per cent), not remembering to bring a hair tie (8 per cent) and not wanting to ruin an existing hairstyle (8 per cent).

Considering more than half of women (53 per cent) prioritise style over practicality when it comes to hairstyles, and more than 9 and a half million female drivers admit to giving no thought to how their peripheral vision might be affected when sitting in the hairdresser’s chair, this is an issue that women should be taking more seriously

As well as obstructing female motorists’ sight, the latest hair trends are also distracting women’s attention in the car – 57 per cent of women confess to taking their hands off the wheel to rearrange their hair or push it off their face, leaving them temporarily out of control of their car.

Women in Northern Ireland are the most trend-conscious, with a massive 80 per cent admitting to changing their hair to follow their latest celebrity or style icon. In contrast, female motorists in the North East are the least fashion-following, with over half (55 per cent) saying that celebrity hair trends never influence their hair style. Female motorists in the South West are the safest drivers – 53 per cent of drivers in this region rate their hair style as ‘totally practical’.

Martyn Maxey, hairdresser to the stars, commented: “For some celebrities, a change of hairstyle is headline news. Take Kate Moss and The Fringe for example – in recent weeks we’ve been inundated with requests for the long fringe and despite it falling over the eyes, it’s now a fashion statement and people want it.”

Martyn Maxey’s top tips for safe driving and gorgeous hair:

The following hairstyles were voted the top three most dangerous on the roads:

Sheilas’ Wheels understands that fashionable hairstyles are not always going to be the most practical, which is why they are appealing to female motorists to keep hair accessories in their glove compartments at all times.

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NEW PASSAT CC LAUNCHED WITH SELF-SEALING TYRES

The new Passat CC four-door, first seen at the Detroit Motor Show, leaves the plant equipped with self-sealing Continental tyres. Using technology called the ContiSeal, the leading tyre manufacturer has developed a system that makes it possible for a vehicle to continue on its way even after a tyre has been punctured with a screw or nail: A protective layer on the inside of the tread immediately seals holes that develop when screws or nails puncture the tyre, so that no air can escape. "The seal works on nearly all leaks caused by objects up to 5 millimeters in diameter", says Detlef Zschörner, head of the Automotive Group Volkswagen / Audi at Continental. "That means they can prevent of about 85 percent of typical flat tyres."

Depending on the wheels fitted, the ContiSeal tyres for the Passat CC are manufactured in two sizes; 235/45 R 17 W or 235/40 R 18 W. The ContiSeal tyre has the high performance ContiSportContact 3 tread pattern.

Because the motorist won’t always notice that an object has gone into the tyre, Continental recommends that tyres be examined regularly for nails or screws. If in any doubt, motorists should consult with a car dealership or tyre dealer. Tyres with ContiSeal technology were first introduced as concept tyres at last year's IAA.

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DAYTIME CAR LIGHTS TO BE MANDATORY

All new cars are to be fitted with automatic daytime headlights within four years as the UK Government falls into line with a European Union directive.

Historically the Government has opposed the idea on the grounds that using lights in the daytime would increase fuel consumption and emissions. However, it has now conceded that it is unable to oppose the EU legislation.

Responding to a Parliamentary question, Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “The UK has been successful in arguing against the introduction of mandatory use of dipped headlamps during daylight hours by drivers of existing vehicles.

“However, from early 2011 all new types of passenger cars and light vans will have to be fitted with dedicated daytime running lamps in accordance with the relevant European directive. By summer 2012, all new vehicles will have to be so fitted.”

The European Commission says that the lights increase fuel consumption by only 0.3% because they use separate bulbs that are less bright than headlights.

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ANOTHER IRRESISTABLE OFFER

On a car allowance or cash for car scheme? How about this great deal from our friends at AFL.

Call AFL on 0800 458 0113, ask for Laura and quote Drive & Survive offer. If you enter into an agreement with AFL, you'll receive £25 in M&S vouchers!

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FREE 'MANAGING ROAD RISKS' SEMINARS

Our first Open Day of the year, to be held at Donington Park at the end of March, is fully subscribed, however we are also offering a series of free 'Managing Road Risk' Seminars.

We can come to you as we have full UK coverage, all we ask is that you supply the venue, a laptop projector and screen.

Further details by clicking HERE

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D&S TRAINERS HAND OUT INSURANCE BENEFITS

Drive & Survive has teamed up with Chris Knott insurance brokers who have an enviable record in providing excellent insurance deals, particularly within the more ‘enthusiast’ areas of the market; such as specialist car clubs and the like. Realising the dramatic effect that Drive & Survive Training can have on claims, Chris Knott are offering discounts on ‘personal’ motor insurance to all drivers who participate in a Drive & Survive Training, on-road course. For more details, contact Chris Knott on 0800 917 2274 and quote ‘Drive & Survive’ when you are asked how you heard about them.

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BRITISH MOTORISTS GET FREE WIPER BLADES

A survey revealed that British motorists replace their wiper blades less often than their European counterparts – as a result a free pair of wipers will be provided to encourage safer driving in the UK.

According to the Department for Transport, poor vision is a major contributor to road accidents in the UK. Research found UK motorists are less likely to replace their wipers until vision is badly obscured or their wipers fail on the annual MOT.

The survey carried out by mail order specialist, Car Parts Direct questioned their online customers in France, Spain, Germany and the UK. The Germans came out on top replacing their wipers every 15 months, while British drivers only replaced on average every 27 months.

Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct said: “The problem in the UK is education. Ten years ago adverts would appear on TV showing the benefits of replacing wiper blades and the safety aspects – but not anymore. TV advertising is too expensive for the wiper blade manufacturers and the Government, yet replacing worn windscreen wipers is very important to reduce the risk of road accidents.”

Car Parts Direct has produced an online video to show motorists how to replace their own wiper blades and offers tips on how to produce perfect streak, smear and crystal clear vision.

In an effort to improve road safety Car Parts Direct is giving away a free pair of their award winning wiper blades to all their online customers - for more details visit www.carparts-direct.co.uk

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