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I got a speeding ticket...so what!

11/4/2015

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When you ask most people what they fear the most about travelling over the speed limit, interestingly they say being caught and getting points. 

So why is that interesting? 

Well not many people consider that travelling over lets say a 30 mph limit is an 'unsafe' thing to do. Mainly they are considering the fine and the points they may attract on their driving licence. So is that a selfish, inconsiderate, uncaring attitude or are most people just missing the point about speed limits?

Here are some figures:

"In 2009 government research showed that exceeding the speed limit was reported as a contributory factor in 5% of all accidents. However, the factor became more significant with the severity of the accident. It was reported in 14% of fatal accidents and these accidents accounted for 362 fatalities, 15% of all deaths... The factor travelling too fast for conditions was a contributory factor in 8% of accidents. Again, the proportion of accidents where it was reported rose with the severity of the accident and 9% of fatal resulting in 224 fatalities, 10% of all deaths (Excluding accidents and casualties in accidents which had exceeding the speed limit reported as a contributory factor"

So actually speed limits are not set so they can fine drivers. Speed limits in the UK are used to define maximum desirable traffic speeds for the purposes of road safety (to reduce the number of road casualties), to reduce negative environmental impacts of traffic, to increase fuel use efficiency and to satisfy local community wishes.

Speed limits are there for a reason and surprisingly may be that reason is NOT to collect a fine from you. 

Speed limits are based on situations where local needs and considerations deem it desirable for drivers to adopt a speed which is different from the national speed limit. Local speed limits can be reduced or increased, depending upon the conditions and evidence.

So here are some questions to ask yourself:

"If your son, daughter, brother or sister went to the local primary or secondary school where a 20 mph limit on the road outside the gates existed, how would you feel if you saw a driver travelling 25, 30 or 40 or more along that stretch of road when the kids are coming out of school? Would your view change if it was a Sunday?"

"Might on another day that driver be you?" 

"If the road speed limit is set who are you to determine that you can travel safely over the set speed limit no matter what time of day you are travelling on that road?"  

"How would you explain to the loved ones, family and friends of your passengers or the person you hit that they died because you were travelling too fast?"

Speed limits are set for a reason..surprisingly its NOT to add points to your licence. 

Why is the speed limit set at certain speeds in certain areas?

The Department for Transport have issued guidance to be used for setting all local speed limits on single and dual carriageway roads in both urban and rural areas. 

The criteria for setting the right limit for any road takes into account existing traffic speed, accident history, level of traffic, frequency of junctions and building development and amenities. 

Why it's 30 

The standard speed limit in urban areas in 30mph, representing a balance between the mobility and safety of road users, especially the more vulnerable groups. These are generally built-up areas where frontage development with individual accesses on both sides of the road exist, such as city streets, towns and residential areas. Hazards such as junctions, inadequate visibility, pedestrian crossings, schools, recreation grounds and public amenities support the need for a 30mph limit and make it appear sensible to the motorist.

Why it's 40

The 40mph limit is used in similar built-up areas to the 30mph limit, but where the traffic hazards cause less risk of accidents. For example, the buildings may be set back from the road and be in an area of lower density, perhaps sometimes with service roads, or grass verges between the road and pavement. Main traffic routes (e.g. ring and radial routes) with good width and layout, but with a high proportion of two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians may be restricted to the 40mph limit. By-passes and other important traffic routes which have become partially developed, or main roads through villages, may also be included within a 40mph limit.

Why it's 50 and 60 

A speed limit of 50mph can be made on high standard roads where the area has become lightly built up with some frontage development. The traffic composition is likely to be light in terms of pedestrian and cycle activity, and crossings are provided by means of subways and bridges. High standard roads with restricted visibility or junctions may be considered for the 50mph limit and also rural roads, not necessarily developed, but with features that attract traffic manoeuvres such as cafes, sports grounds and filling stations. Dual carriageways may be restricted to a 60mph limit where some of the above features exist.

So you think "it wont happen to me" 

Part of changing your behaviour is understanding what the REAL consequences of our actions are. If you haven't done so already take a look at the YouTube clips on this page. These things happen to real people and they WILL happen to you if your speeding behaviour does not change. Its not a case of if...its when. Just because its not happened yet and you may have been driving 30 years or more..does not mean it wont happen the next time you drive of your speeding behaviour persists.

Click 'Like' and 'Share' or comment below if you enjoyed this post.

Why pupils choose us: By bringing the total cost of learning down with modern high quality driver training, we help pupils of all ages every day to pass their driving test FIRST TIME! We teach in Coventry, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Bedworth and all surrounding areas.

My contact phone number is below. Call me or email me your questions by clinking here. 

Drive safe, keep safe.

Ray 

Ray Seagrave ADI
DSA ADI Car, DSA Fleet Trainer, IAM Advanced Driver, RoSpa GOLD Advanced Driver, DIA member, MSA member,

Complete Driver Training
www.complete-driver.co.uk
‘Teaching with a Passion for Success’
M: 07870861572 

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How to 'Parallel Park' using the 1:2:1 Method

23/8/2014

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Summary:

Most drivers would attest that parallel parking is possibly one of the hardest parts that they would have to learn in driving. Even experienced drivers would agree that this kind of move actually still brings some sweat out. On the other hand, Complete Driver (Ray Seagrave) suggests that if you would really like to do parallel parking with ease, it is best if you practice. By doing so, you become used to the whole drill and everything comes as second nature to you. 

Keeping your mind and concentration on the whole task ahead would help you out do parallel parking. Also, it is important that you are calm and collected as to go through the whole experience.

The 1:2:1 method is one of the easiest methods for carrying out a parallel park and refers to how to steer the wheel. 1 turn left, 2 turns right and finally 1 turn left again. There are also a couple of reference points to use to get a perfect park every time! Here's how its done.

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Signalling

To parallel park, you should use your signal if necessary. This would indicate exactly the direction of the parking space or area that you are intending to park in. If the space is not yet vacant but you notice that the car occupying that spot is about to leave, wait behind the spot so that you can park there. Signal your intention to that driver and any other by indicating left. Turn your signal off when you have put the car into reverse.

Positioning

Image Ref(1) When the space is already vacant, pull ahead of it. Pull up until the nose of your car is just past the end of the car you are reversing behind into the space you are planning on occupying. You can use your left mirror lined up with the front of the car you want to reverse behind as a guide. You should have about two feet of road between your car and the car you pulled up beside. 

Reversing

Image Ref(1) Start by putting your car in reverse. After checking all around making observations from your right shoulder begin reversing slowly. As soon you are half way past the vehicle you are at your point of turn. If the car you are reversing behind is parked facing the wrong way, line up your left wing mirror with the target cars right wing mirror. That will put you in the right place.

Turning and reversing toward the kerb

Image Ref(2) Before you turn the wheel again check all around making observations from your right shoulder blind spot around to your left shoulder blind spot. Turn the steering wheel '1 full turn' towards the curb. Look out the back window and around as you reverse. During the whole manouver remember to stop and give way if anything approaches you from any direction (including pedestrians). Assess if it is safe to proceed then carry on.

Image Ref(3) Keep observing as you reverse, the majority of the observation out the back window. When the left door handle (as seen in the left mirror) is completely on the pavement, then turn the wheel right '2 turns' away from the kerb. Reverse back and slowly toward the kerb observing as you go. 

Straightening up

Image Ref(4) When you reach this point, turn the steering wheel gradually (1 turn left). You should time the turn of the steering wheel so as the car becomes almost straight along the kerb you have completed the 1 turn off. After looking around, you should pull forward or back into the space centring your car between the cars in front of you and behind you.

Your car should finish a reasonable distance from the kerb (around six to eight inches) when you are parked in the space you chose.

Then practice, practice, practice making little adjustments to the reference points to get the perfect park.

Once again reference points used were:

"Reversing half way past the vehicle you are at your point of turn. then steer left"

"When the left handle is on the pavement as viewed in the left mirror. Then steer right"

"The car is almost straight along the Kurb, steer left once more."

Ray 

Ray Seagrave ADI
DSA ADI Car, DSA Fleet Trainer, IAM Advanced Driver, RoSpa GOLD Advanced Driver, DIA member, MSA member,

Complete Driver Training
www.complete-driver.co.uk
‘Teaching with a Passion for Success’
M: 07870861572 
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Steering and driving like a BOSS, Chucking the wheel like Chav?

23/8/2014

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Hi, 

Good steering is all part of good car control. I met Jensen Button a few years ago and had a chance to speak to him for about 20 minutes and see him in his own car. Think it was an Aston Martin! I didn't see him driving with his seat to the floor and his right wrist on top of the steering wheel peering over the dash. Hmm..wonder why?

The answer is not that he is one of the best drivers in the world and that if he chooses to he could steer like that. The answer is, it's because he is one of the best drivers in the world that he doesn't choose to steer like that.  

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Twenty something men the most likely age group to be disqualified

16/8/2014

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According to new figures obtained by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), male drivers between the ages of 20 and 30 were the most common group to be disqualified from driving in the 12 months between July 2013 and June 2014.

The figures were supplied by the DVLA following a Freedom of Information request made by the IAM, Britain’s leading road safety charity.

The statistics reveal the age groups most commonly carrying out a driving offence that then lead to a subsequent driving ban.

As of 21 June 2014, 92,136 people in total across the UK were disqualified from driving between July 2013 and June 2014. Of those about 62,000 are still disqualified.

The age with the greatest number of disqualified drivers is 25 – 3,748 are serving a driving ban, made up of 3,294 males and 454 females.

Some 31,668 males – just over one-third of the total number of people disqualified from driving during this period – were between the ages of 20 and 30.

Males also outnumber females considerably when it comes to carrying out offences leading to a driving ban. In total 13,481 females were disqualified during this time period – less than 15 per cent of the overall total.

And in the 20-30 age group just 4,333 females were disqualified in the 12 month period, compared to 31,668 males.

While 36,001 people between 20 and 30 were disqualified in the last 12 months, 10,025 people in their fifties and just 3,874 in their sixties were.

The information supplied to the IAM also shows 230 people under 17 and therefore under the legal driving age for the UK were disqualified – including four 12 year olds and four 13 year olds. One 12 year old girl is currently disqualified before her driving career even starts.

Simon Best, chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “These statistics strongly reflect the research we have already carried out in this area – that young males are very much the at risk group when it comes to driving safety.

“We believe targeting the attitudes of these drivers specifically, through advanced training for example, should be a major part of future road safety campaigning. Reducing offending in this age bracket would dramatically improve safety on our roads for all road users.

“It is also of great concern that youngsters not even eligible to hold a provisional licence are being banned at such young ages. Parents need to be aware their children are putting their own lives and those of others at huge risk by taking the wheel of a car on public roads.”

For more information on the Institute of Advanced Motorists go here: IAM.org.uk


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Lane Change Etiquette - Are you causing problems?

14/2/2014

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We can change our mind, change our job, change the clothes we wear all quite easily. We open doors for each other at the petrol station. So why can't some drivers change lanes courteously? 


When it goes wrong and a car pushing into your lane, it feels to you a bit like someone steeling a biscuit from a packet without asking or being offered. 

A lot of drivers who have this problem fail to realize a few fundamental things. Namely:


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The Coventry Ring Road - Why so many get it wrong

28/1/2014

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Does driving around the Coventry ring road confuse you? Ever wondered what the rules actually are for exiting and entering correctly and safely? Are you adding to confusion and traffic build up without knowing it?

I see vehicles being driven incorrectly on the ring road every time I use it. There are rules about using the ring road that every driver should be following. From what I am seeing daily, I am sure some drivers are completely unaware what the rules are or have not worked it out from all the information given to them. This adds to confusion, congestion and the potential for accidents.

Here are my top 5 tips for safely dealing with one of Coventry’s business parts of the road network.


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Why Young Drivers Should NOT be Taught to Pass a Driving Test

11/1/2014

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Ray Seagrave delivers high quality driving lessons in Coventry, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Bedworth and surrounding areas. In his latest blog Ray talks about parents and how they can support their young learner drivers.

Supporting your youngster through the process of learning to drive from the very first lesson to passing their test and letting them take to the road for the first time - perhaps in your car! Is a crucial and important part of the whole learning to drive process. Your youngster is going to need as much help, support and guidance as you can give them.


But you have some worries! What are the things that you can you do that will encourage and support your youngster to become not just a good driver but a really excellent driver?


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Wow, that was a surprise - Thank you!

6/1/2014

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Wow, that was a surprise!

So, there I was during the Christmas break just finishing off the last of the turkey in a nice sandwich and then 'DING'! My iPad notifies me I have an email confirming that I have been shortlisted to receive an Driving Instructor Industry Award! a GOLDEN 'L' 

Wow! I was a little surprised to say the least. The nomination for the Award in my category is presented to a particular Driving Instructor who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help their pupils or others succeed. To then go on to read some of the fantastic comments by past pupils who nominated me, really made my Christmas.


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Top 10 Tips For Dealing With an Aggressive Driver  

22/12/2013

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Ray Seagrave delivers high quality driving lessons in Coventry, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Bedworth and surrounding areas. In his latest blog Ray gives you 10 Tips for dealing with an aggressive driver.

On today’s roads where many people are in a hurry, the road can become a place that is fraught frustrations and problems. Aspects of aggressive or unsafe driving can become regular things you see every day.  If you find yourself in a situation where someone close by is driving dangerously, has taken exception to the way you are driving, or is behaving in an aggressive manner towards you, it may well come down to how you respond and the actions you take that make all the difference between a pleasant or unpleasant outcome.


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Driving Test Tips For Passing 1st Time!

14/12/2013

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Make sure you are ready to take the test

The biggest driving test tip is not to book a driving test unless you feel ready! If you don't feel confident, check with your driving instructor whether you are ready for your driving test.

Practising as much as possible before the driving test can help you to become more comfortable behind the wheel and confident when you're out and about. You should only apply for a driving test when you feel confident that you will pass (it can be pretty expensive otherwise).

You'll be ready when you can confidently drive safely without any help from your driving instructor. You would have had enough practice to be able to drive on busy roads at all times of the day and deal with other vehicles and hazard you may face in plenty of time without having to brake suddenly. You should also be totally confident with your reversing manoeuvres, performing each of them without any mistakes, first time every time. If you are still getting help and advice from your instructor then you are not ready. During the test, you need to drive without any help, so it’s this standard you need to be at which will determine if you are test ready.

Drive Safe, Keep Safe.

Ray 

Complete Driver Training
www.complete-driver.co.uk
"Teaching learners to pass FIRST TIME in Coventry, Nuneaton and all surrounding areas"
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    Author

    Ray Seagrave ADI is a fully qualified DVSA, professional driver trainer and highly qualified Advanced Driver.

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