DriveOn - Slough Edition

H ELPI N G YO U D RIVE SAFELY FOR LONGER BUY THE RIGHT CAR

Safe, practical – and fun!

MOTORING ON A BUDGET

Easy ways to cut your fuel and insurance costs

LIFE AFTER DRIVING

How to stay active and mobile

Still in the

DRIVING

SEAT

In front of the camera and behind the wheel, actor Jack McKenzie has led an exciting life

PLUS... Switch on to electric cars | Check your eyes | Master modern tech

The Official DVSA Guide to Better Driving Helping you feel less stressed, anxious and angry when driving. All while supporting you to Stay safe: understand how your thoughts and feelings impact driving.

Boost your confidence: advice on coping with roundabouts, motorways, bad weather and more.

Enjoy driving: evaluate and improve your safety and performance.

Stay legal: keep up to date with the latest rules on speed, drink- and drug-driving, and mobile phones.

Understand your car’s technology: an in-depth look at advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

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The Official DVSA Guide to Better Driving e-learning course and book are now available on the Safe Driving for Life shop.

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24/02/2025 13:16

Upfront

Drive On TU RN

T

O: J MCKAECK I NTE N Z I E

RV I ON P6EW

Foreword AS PEOPLE LIVE TO A GREATER AGE MORE OF US ARE DRIVING LONGER. At

last count there were nearly 800 people over 100 with a valid driving licence.

It’s very reassuring for those of us who dread the thought of losing our licence and the freedom our car gives us. It may happen... none of us know. But it doesn’t need to be as bad as we may think. We might discover a local bus or train, friends and family will often be there to help, and maybe a bit more walking might be good for us.

Getting into bad habits can be a problem the longer we are on the road. A few years ago,

I took a driver assessment course through the GEM Motoring Assist breakdown provider in my own car and on roads I know.

Whatever the outcome there was no risk of losing my licence. It was invaluable and has greatly increased my confidence in my car.

I do hope you find the advice in DriveOn useful however you choose to stay mobile in the future.

Valerie VALERIE SINGLETON TELEVISION AND RADIO PRESENTER DriveOn magazine 3

Contents

Contents

34 6

Actor Jack McKenzie’s fascinating life

16

Find out how careful driving could cut your fuel bill

48 12

Boost your confidence behind the wheel with a driving assessment

THE TEAM...

Publisher: James Evans Editor: David Motton Art Director: Caroline Creighton-Metcalf Contributors: James Barrell, Richard Dredge, Dan Sherwood Commercial Director: Richard Storrs Photography: Richard Faulks and Matt Howell CONTACT: driveon@firstcar.co.uk 08451 308 853 4 DriveOn magazine

Disclaimer: The contents of this magazine are copyright First Car Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted, in any form in whole or in part, without written consent from the editor. Neither First Car Ltd nor its staff can be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it.

UPFRONT 6: Interview: Jack McKenzie How to protect the most vulnerable

34

How a Blue Badge could help you

18

DRIVING 10: Renewing your licence 12: Refresher driving courses 16: Cut your fuel bill 18: The Highway Code 22: The A-Z of car technology

SAFETY 24: Avoiding distractions 25: The importance of seatbelts 26: Appropriate speed 27: How to combat fatigue 28: Child seats and ISOFIX 30: Drink and drugs

48

Keep your car running smoothly

32: Eyesight and visibility

STAY MOBILE 34: The Blue Badge scheme 36: Motability explained 38: Choose the right road

OWNING A CAR 42: Buy the right car 44: Understand electric cars 46: Save on your insurance 48: Maintenance essentials 50: Your collision checklist DriveOn magazine 5

Upfront

BEHIND THE WHEEL and on the screen

T

here can’t be many people who have been in the Royal Marines and the Rebel Alliance. In fact, actor Jack McKenzie may be the only one.

Jack’s life has been nothing if not varied.

From the military at 15 to a career in the police at 19, Jack then made a new start as an actor with a role in second Star Wars film, The Empire Strike Back. There have been many more appearances on film, television, and the stage. Through it all Jack’s interest in driving has been a constant.

Jack attended George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh. From school, he joined the Royal

6 DriveOn magazine

Marines in Deal aged just 15. “I’d just come out of the cadet corps in school, so I was quite used to uniform.”

The next four years were exciting. “Oh, I loved it!” recalls Jack with a glint in his eye. “It was an adventure. We were doing all the things that young men should do – swimming, jumping, running, climbing hills, all that sort of stuff.”

Although he enjoyed the Marines, Jack hankered after a different career: “I told my colonel I wanted to join the police.

He said to me, ‘You’re awful small for a policeman.’ I was just 5’ 8½” and you had

WORDS: David Motton IMAGE: Matt Howell

Jack McKenzie’s acting career has taken him all over the world. Cars have been a big part of his life, both on and off camera

anything from prisoners to bodies – even animals.”

Once Jack had his driving licence, he took another test to join the traffic department, eventually becoming the chief constable’s personal driver. This role would lead to a chance meeting and another change of direction.

“My chief constable was a great patron of disabled and disadvantaged children.

Now, when Disney finished the film, Grey Friar’s Bobby, the chief constable adopted the dog. We would take the dog in our patrol car to visit all these kids – Bobby was a great favourite. I must have been the only police officer in the world to have a real live nodding dog in the backseat of the patrol car!”

One event supported by the police and their adopted canine star was an annual picnic. “The taxi drivers organised it for kids from homes and disabled children. We used to escort cavalcades of taxis with balloons and streams down to the beach.”

to be 5’10 or 5’11” at that time.”

Fortunately, Jack’s colonel had a solution.

“I know a little chief constable – you’ll tower above him.”

Jack met the chief constable of the Lothian and Peebles Constabulary, and sure enough he was taller. “His name was Willie Merrilees and he went on to write a book called The Short Arm of the Law. Within a couple of years, I’d become the chief’s driver, but first of all I had to pass my driving test.

LEARNING TO DRIVE “In those days, 1961, you had to learn to drive in the police van. You could be carrying

A CHANCE MEETING It was at one of these picnics that fate grabbed the steering wheel and steered Jack in a new direction. “The kids were getting a bit bored and I thought, what can I do? So, I did some funny voices and the kids fell about laughing.

“This man came across to me and said, ‘How long have you been doing this?’ I thought he meant being in the police. He said, ‘I’m a BBC producer, could you do those voices on the radio?’”

Jack wasn’t sure at first. “I said, ‘Hold on a minute, I’m not an actor, I’m a policeman.’

But the producer was a great friend of the chief constable, and I was allowed to do some radio work in my own time. It was on the condition that any money went to charity, because in those days you couldn’t

We were doing all the things that young men should do — swimming, jumping, running DriveOn magazine 7

Upfront have another job if you were in the police.”

The acting bug bit, and bit hard. Jack progressed from doing funny voices to a walk-on part in a film as a bobby directing kids across the street – not a huge stretch for the acting skills of a policeman!

“Being in the city of Edinburgh with the famous Edinburgh Festival, there were hundreds of productions all looking for people to help. I got involved in that, met other actors, and did bits and pieces on television.”

Jack was at a crossroads. Did he stay in the police and continue to act on the side, or should he pursue an acting career and see where it led him?

“It was 1972. I couldn’t see promotion coming my way, so I thought, ‘I’ll have a go at this.’ I caught the 5.45 flight from Edinburgh to London and never went back.”

An actor friend recommended an agent, and Jack went to see them when he arrived in London. “This tall woman came and said, ‘I’m looking for a beery face for a Guinness commercial. You’ll do.’ So I got the job!”

As Jack’s acting career took off, his driving skills came in handy as art imitated life. “I became Regan’s driver in The Sweeney. And then we did Return of the Saint, and they said, ‘Can you crash through that gate?’

Then I appeared in several car commercials for Saab, Ford, and Renault, so driving played quite a big part in my career.”

A part in the sci-fi TV series, Space 1999, followed, where he met his future wife, Rosemary (who also appears on the cover of this edition). “That was 1974. She was in the production and casting department. She and I had tea and that was the last time I saw her for 21 years!”

JACK’S MOST FAMOUS ROLE Although Space 1999 is a cult classic, a role in a much bigger sci-fi project was to come a few years later. Jack’s agent booked him for “a space thingy”, which turned out to be The Empire Strikes Back. The second film in the Star Wars saga, Empire became the highest grossing film of 1980.

After weeks of waiting around, Jack’s

8 DriveOn magazine

Jack in The Empire Strikes Back

moment came. “The director asked me, ‘Can you do an American accent, Jack?’”

As we speak, Jack’s voice switches from a gentle Edinburgh brogue to an American twang, and he delivers his character’s dialogue. “Sir, all the patrols are in. Still no… still no contact from Skywalker and Solo.”

Appearing in the biggest film of the year was a long way from doing funny voices for children on the beach. “Think of all that money behind the camera that was staring at me! Oh, wow!”

Some 45 years later, Jack still attends Star Wars conventions all over the world, as well as meeting fans of Space 1999 and Blake’s 7.

His sci-fi roles aren’t the only parts which Jack remembers fondly. Look closely enough, and you’ll see the back of Jack’s head in several scenes in the classic war film, A Bridge Too Far. “You could play different roles in different scenes,” he

In Edinburgh with the festival there were hundreds of productions looking for help

If the time comes when I think, hold on a minute, I can’t do this anymore, I’ll stop explains, “but we had to conceal our faces because once you had been featured you were sent home!”

The film’s director, Sir Richard Attenborough, invited Jack to join him on another project. “Some years later, he said ‘I’m doing Gandhi, darling, come out to India.’ I flew out to play my part as the Royal Army Medical Corps doctor.

“Have you seen Gandhi? The funeral scene is just remarkable. There was catering planned for 180,000 and almost half-amillion people turned up. Everyone was paid and everyone was fed!”

Jack has appeared on stage as well on screen. The production he looks back on with the greatest fondness is a touring production of Dirty Dancing. “I played Max Kellerman, the owner of the establishment. The first tour was in 2011 and 2012 and they invited me back in 2019. It was just a huge pleasure, the young people were wonderful to work with.”

BACK TO SCHOOL Jack has his police driver training to fall back on, but many of us have never sat beside an instructor since the day we took our test.

Whether you have enjoyed further training or not, it’s never a bad idea to call on a professional’s help. There’s a wide variety of driver assessments available, ranging from simple sessions to boost confidence through to detailed appraisals for those with specific medical conditions or disabilities.

One of the best known is the IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review. This costs £85 and will be carried out in your own car on roads that will be familiar to you.

Turn to page 12 to find out more about driving courses for mature drivers.

STILL IN THE DRIVING SEAT Now in his 80s, Jack has slowed down a little but is continues to be in demand on the convention circuit. He’s still behind the wheel, too, putting into practice the skills he learned as a police driver in Scotland all those years ago.

Has he changed much as a driver? “I would say I’m more cautious. I know my limitations. If the time comes when I think, hold on a minute, I can’t do this anymore, I’ll stop.”

Incidents which Jack attended as a policeman, including some fatalities, have left their mark and contributed to his considered, safety-first approach to driving.

“As long as you are careful and alert you’ll get there safely.”

Does Jack enjoy driving in his 80s? “Oh, I love it,” Jack says. “The sheer convenience and freedom is still appealing.” ❑

DriveOn magazine 9

Driving

RENEWING

your licence is easy Mark your 70th birthday by renewing your driving licence. It’s doesn’t take long and it won’t cost a penny

It’s hard to believe that it’s more than half a century since you were first old enough to drive a car. But time flies, and if you’re nearing your 70th birthday, you might be alarmed to hear that your driving licence is about to expire. But there’s no reason to panic – everybody’s driving licence expires when they hit three-score years and ten, and it’s simply a case of reapplying for it, free of charge. After this you’ll have to renew it every three years to make sure you’re still legally allowed on the road.

10 DriveOn magazine

Renewing your licence requires you to declare that you’re still fit to drive; there’s no need for a health professional to agree with you. But for the safety of yourself and those around you, it’s worth talking to your GP each year to make sure they think you’re still fit to get behind the wheel. And just to be certain, why not undertake a refresher driving course (see page 12)? Even if you don’t go this far – and we’d recommend you do – it’s well worth getting your hearing and eyesight checked each year.

IN THE KNOW Not just at 70...

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT

If you need to share your driving licence details you ca n do so by gene rating a licence check code on line at www. gov.uk/view-d rivinglicence

HOW TO RENEW YOUR LICENCE The DVLA will send you a D46P application form 90 days before your 70th birthday.

If you already have a photocard licence, just fill in the form and return it to the DVLA. Your new licence should be with you within three weeks, and you can drive while

If you’re web savvy, you can save time by applying online

It’s not just when you reach 70 that you need to renew your licence. If you move house or change your name, your licence will need to be updated.

Photocard driving licences have been issued in the UK since 1998. Unlike the earlier licences, these have a 10year lifespan (to keep the photo up to date) – and if you don’t renew yours after 10 years, you’re liable for a £1000 fine. However, you’re more likely to receive a £100 penalty – but you won’t get one at all if you renew in good time.

Since 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to photocard licences has been abolished, so if you update your details you can expect a photocard licence with no counterpart. Likewise if you have an old paper licence, issued before 1998, you’ll receive a photocard if you update your licence. you wait for the new licence to arrive.

If you still have your old paper licence, you’ll have to fill in the form and send it back with your current licence, a passport photo, and proof of identity. If you don’t have the D46P form, you can use the D1 form, which you can request by ringing 0300 790 6801 or by going to a post office.

If you’re web savvy, you can save time by applying online at www.gov.uk/ renew-driving-licence-at-70. Your new licence should arrive within a week. ❑

DriveOn magazine 11

Driving

Never too old

TO LEARN

Give your driving an MOT with some help from the professionals

A

ge brings experience, but we can also become set in our ways. That applies to driving as much to other aspects of life.

If you’re concerned that you have some bad habits behind the wheel, or just want an honest and independent assessment of your ability, consider a driving course.

12 DriveOn magazine

Any approved driving instructor should be able to help with some refresher lessons, but there are a number of courses and assessments tailored to the needs of older drivers. The IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review is one, and is available to drivers aged 70 or over. The assessment lasts for an hour, and takes place in your own car on

IN THE KNOW Back to school

Age is no barrier to learning. A driving course will improve your driving. Here’s a quick guide to what’s on offer...

IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review What is it?

An hour’s drive with a verbal/written report.

How much does it cost? £85.

Is it specifically for older drivers?

Yes, drivers should be 70 or over.

How can I find out more?

Call 0300 303 1134 or visit www.iamroadsmart.com

RoADAR Driving Review

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT

The number of drivers aged 70 or more is growing at a rate of 10,000 per month, according to re search undertaken by IAM RoadSmart.

familiar roads to help put you at ease. IAM RoadSmart is happy for a friend or family member to come along for the ride to lend some moral support.

After the hour-long drive the assessor will prepare a confidential written report.

Drivers reaching a high standard will also receive a certificate recognising ‘Excellent’

What is it?

It’s not a formal test, but the hour-long assessment will give an honest evaluation of your skills. You’ll receive a verbal and written report after the drive.

How much does it cost? £70, or £85 within the M25.

Is it specifically for older drivers?

The assessment is for anyone who wants to prove they are a competent driver, or wants the reassurance of an independent check on their driving. It’s not just for older drivers.

How can I find out more?

Call 0121 248 2099 or visit www.rospa.com

AA Driving School refresher lesson What is it?

A refresher lesson is for a driver who would like to improve their skills, or address an aspect of driving they struggle with.

How much does it cost?

AA lessons vary in price, and the refresher lesson lasts at least two hours. Expect to pay around £90.

Is it aimed specifically at older drivers?

No, the lessons are for any qualifed driver, not just older motorists.

How can I find out more?

Visit www.theaa.com

DriveOn magazine 13

Driving

THE OLDER DRIVERS FORUM

Training is just one of the ways The Older Drivers Forum offers support

Instructors are there to help

or ‘Competent’ driving, while those who don’t make the grade will receive advice on what they can do to improve.

The IAM RoadSmart assessment and other similar courses help older drivers stay on the road as long as it’s safe to do so, boosting confidence and brushing up the skills of competent drivers. That’s so important when research by the RAC Foundation suggests up to 15% of older drivers give up too early because they lack faith in their own abilities. They also help less able older drivers and their friends and families with the difficult task of deciding when to stop driving and look for other ways to stay mobile and independent. ❑

14 DriveOn magazine

Driving assessments are a great way to brush up your skills and boost your confidence, but help for older drivers can take many forms.

The Older Drivers Forum is a not-for-profit national organisation run by volunteers to support mature motorists who wish to continue driving safely for longer.

The chair of the forum, Rob Heard MBE, says, “We shouldn’t be seeking to prevent mature and older people from driving. We need to embrace and celebrate the older generation and support those who wish to continue driving with practical and informative advice on how to continue driving safely for longer, as well as advice about when it is the right time to retire from driving.

Some older drivers give up driving early due to lack of confidence and a few continue driving beyond their abilities.

“We pride ourselves as being a one-stop place to get everything you need to know.

Whether as a mature or older driver, an interested friend or family member, a medical practitioner or optometrist, we are there to

help or signpost you to the right person or organisation.”

Mature drivers have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance. However, sight, hearing, reaction time and judgement of speed and distance may not be as sharp as they once were.

The forum is passionate that none of us become complacent about our driving but take steps to make sure we are safe to drive, as long as we are fit to do so.

HERE ARE FOUR THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOURSELF CARRY ON DRIVING SAFELY FOR LONGER: Have a regular eyesight test with an optician (see page 32).

Check with your doctor regarding any medical condition, or your pharmacist about any medication that you take to make sure you are fit to drive.

Don’t be complacent about your driving.

Consider an independent mature driving assessment.

We will all need to retire from driving at some point. Seek advice to help you plan when the time is right for you.

1 2

3 4

The forum’s website is full of practical information and tips, including how to renew your licence, how to identify eyesight and medical conditions, and where to book a confidence-boosting assessment to refresh

The forum is about keeping mature motorists on the road safely driving skills. You’ll also find advice about more formal assessments for those with a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.

The forum regularly run events and webinars.

Many are recorded and can be found on the website for drivers to watch at any time.

So do dip in and take a look! Also register to receive regular updates on the forum’s activities by clicking on the website’s ‘follow’ button.

Don’t worry, the forum does not perform any legal function, and does not have the authority to revoke driving licences.

It works nationally with road safety organisations, the Department for Transport, and other government departments, constantly seeking the most effective means to support safer driving into older age.

REMEMBER, THE OLDER DRIVERS FORUM IS HERE TO HELP: ✔ With practical advice on how to keep driving safely for longer. ✔ Planning an independent life without a car when the time comes. ✔ Giving advice and support to families and carers concerned about a mature driver.

Visit www.olderdriversforum.com.

DriveOn magazine 15

Driving

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT

The truth about

Electric cars are increasingly popular. They may not be cheap to buy but the cost of fully charging an electric car’s batteries is much less than a tank of fuel.

FUEL ECONOMY

Choosing an efficient car and driving with economy in mind can make a dramatic difference to your fuel bill Most drivers know to take a car’s official combined economy figure with a pinch of salt. It’s often difficult to achieve similar fuel efficiency in real-world driving. The trouble is, not all cars fall short of the official figures by the same amount, so how do you know which cars will really save you money at the pumps?

A company called Emissions Analytics has been carrying out its own independent testing of fuel economy and emissions since 2011. Cars are tested on a variety of road types and gradients. As the car drives along, its exhaust gases are measured by a Portable Emissions Measurement System

16 DriveOn magazine

How do you know which cars will really save you money at the pumps?

(PEMS). The system also records vehicle data from the engine control unit and weather conditions. This allows Emissions Analytics to take account of variables such as temperature, road conditions and traffic levels to make sure that the test results are consistent and repeatable.

The real-world mpg figures for all the cars tested – covering thousands of models – are now available on Airindex.com. ❑

CUT YOUR FUEL BILLS

Follow these tips and you’ll pay less at the pumps Drive smoothly, avoiding heavy braking or acceleration.

Read the road ahead, so you can drive more smoothly.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight in the boot.

Be sparing with the air conditioning and don’t open the windows at high speed; it increases drag.

Keep your car serviced properly, to maintain optimum engine efficiency.

Maintain your tyre pressures; under-inflated tyres use more fuel and need replacing more regularly.

Travel at quieter times; traffic jams are inefficient.

Don't rev the engine hard and use the gears correctly by changing up early.

Stick to speed limits – sitting at 80mph uses more fuel than sitting at 70mph.

Avoid excessive idling of your engine; it’s often more economical to switch it off.

Fuel prices can vary significantly, so shop around.

Plan your route in advance so you don’t cover unnecessary miles.

Avoid short journeys; the first two miles use fuel at almost twice the rate.

Don't warm up the engine before setting off in the morning; instead, drive straight off – it’s better for the engine, too.

Don’t carry things on your roof if they’ll fit inside your car. Fitting a roof box will increase fuel use.

DriveOn magazine 17

Highway Code

The hierarchy

OF ROAD USERS

There have been some big changes to the Highway Code intended to protect vulnerable road users. Here’s what you need to know

Y

ou can do a lot more harm with an HGV than a small hatchback.

And a hatchback can do a lot more damage than a child crossing the road.

That’s now reflected in the Highway Code.

Lots of changes were made in a big update in January 2022. Some existing rules have been tidied up or clarified, but the guiding principle is the ‘hierarchy of road users’ – those who can do the greatest harm must take the greatest responsibility.

The likes of HGV

MOST VULNERABLE

18 DriveOn magazine

and coach drivers have the greatest duty to look out for other road users, because they’re driving the biggest, heaviest vehicles with the most potential to do damage. Pedestrians are at the opposite end of the hierarchy, as they’re likely to come off worst in any collision. Car drivers must take a great deal of responsibility, as although they are vulnerable to larger and heavier vehicles, they need to take extra care around horse riders, cyclists, and people on foot.

These rules are

ORDER YOUR COPY To maximise the benefits of some fantastic changes, the rules need to be widely communicated, understood, and ultimately backed up with visible and effective police enforcement.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns sometimes misrepresented as allowing vulnerable road users, in particular cyclists, to do as they please with the car driver always getting the blame. That’s not what the changes are all about. Everyone needs to stick to the rules, and use the roads safely, however they choose to get from A to B. Rather there’s a shift of emphasis, and an acknowledgement that might isn’t right. Those with the greatest potential to

cause harm shoulder the greatest responsibility.

Just as an HGV driver should remember that car drivers and passengers are more vulnerable than they are in a collision, so we drivers should keep in mind that a horse rider, cyclist, or pedestrian is likely to come off worse if we hit them.

We all need to take care of each other, and especially the most vulnerable people on the road.

We all know we should regularly brush up our Highway Code knowledge, but how many of us can put our hands on our hearts and say we’ve kept up to date?

The recent changes mean now is the ideal time to order a copy of the Highway Code, so we can remind ourselves of all the rules, old and new.

You can order your copy from www. safedrivingforlife. info. The new edition costs £4.99.

GREATEST RESPONSIBILITY DriveOn magazine 19

Highway Code

THE HIGHWAY CODE

DOS AND DON’TS PEOPLE CROSSING ➔ THE ROAD AT JUNCTIONS

DO give way to pedestrians who are crossing (or waiting to cross) the road at junctions.

GIVING AWAY AT JUNCTIONS

DO give way to cyclists who are riding straight on when you are turning into or out of junctions.

ROAD POSITIONING WHILE CYCLING

DO remember that cyclists are allowed to ride in the centre of the lane, or two abreast, while allowing you to overtake when it’s safe to do so.

DUTCH REACH

DO use the ‘Dutch reach’ when opening a car door. This means using your left hand to open the driver’s door, which encourages you to turn towards the road, giving you a better view of any vulnerable road users such as cyclists who may be passing close to your car.

20 DriveOn magazine

OVERTAKING ➔ CYCLISTS

DON’T make a close pass on a cyclist.

Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and leave more space when overtaking above 30mph.

OVERTAKING HORSES DON’T pass close to a horse or a horse-drawn vehicle. Give at least two metres of space and overtake at no more than 10mph.

PARKING AT NIGHT

DON’T park against the direction of traffic at night, unless you are parked in a marked bay. This is because reflectors on the back of a car facing the wrong way won’t be picked up by the headlights of other vehicles, which could make a collision more likely.

The changes to the Highway Code are a reminder that all road users have a responsibility to look after one another, in particular the most vulnerable ones: pedestrians, cyclists, other two-wheeled transport and horse riders. Edmund King, AA president DriveOn magazine 21

Driving

OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY Don’t know your AEB from your ESP? Let us guide you through the safety technology fitted to modern cars

ABS Anti-lock Braking System (or simply anti-lock brakes). This prevents the wheels from ‘locking up’ under braking (the wheels are said to be ‘locked up’ when they are no longer turning but the car is still moving).

By preventing lock ups, ABS ensures the driver is able to steer the car while braking heavily in an emergency.

ACC Adaptive Cruise Control. While regular cruise control keeps a car at a set speed, adaptive cruise control varies the speed to prevent the car becoming too close to the vehicle in front. It does this using sensors (often radar, cameras, or a combination of the two) which detect other vehicles and can measure how far away they are.

22 DriveOn magazine

AEB Autonomous Emergency Braking.

This uses sensors in much the same way as Adaptive Cruise Control, but can apply the brakes if the driver fails to do so to prevent a crash or at least reduce its severity. Some systems only operate at low speeds, but the best AEB systems are increasingly sophisticated and can operate over a wide range of speeds.

EBA Emergency Brake Assist (sometimes simply called Brake Assist). Even in an emergency, drivers can be reluctant to brake hard. EBA is designed to detect a ‘panic stop’ by interpreting the speed and force with which the brake pedal is pressed, and will apply the brakes fully, unless the ABS activates to prevent a lock up.

DriveOn TOP TIP

ESC/ESP Electronic Stability Control or Electronic Stability Program. By easing off the throttle or braking individual wheels, stability control systems help the driver maintain control if they corner too quickly for the conditions, leading to a loss of grip.

Different car makers use different names for stability control, including ASC, DSC, DSTC, PSM, VDC, and VSC. LDWS Lane Departure Warning

System. Sensors detect if a car is drifting out of its lane when the driver isn’t indicating. The driver is alerted by a warning light, a sound, or a vibration through the wheel. A Lane Keeping System (LKS) goes further, gently steering the car to keep it in the lane.

Autonomous emergency braking is one of the biggest recent safety advances. There's a list of cars fitted with this technology at www.thatcham. org/files/pdf/stop_the_ crash_AEB.pdf

SRS Supplementary Restraint System.

Quite simply, this is just another name for a vehicle’s airbags. They’re described as a supplementary system because they are intended to supplement seatbelts – so be sure to belt up on every journey.

TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

This keeps a check on the level of pressure in all four tyres, and warns if one or more tyres start to go flat. ❑ DriveOn magazine 23

Safety

Driven to distraction When you’re driving it’s easy to lose your focus for a moment or two. But doing so can have very serious consequences...

If we asked you to name the number one cause of car crashes, what would you say? Speed? Alcohol? Drugs?

Statistics show that the biggest cause of accidents is, in fact, distractions. At 70mph you’re covering the length of a football pitch every three seconds, so even the shortest lapse in concentration can have deadly results.

Dealing with distraction ■ I f you need to do something distracting, find a safe place to pull over.

■R ecognise what makes you distracted, then work out whether or not you really need to do it.

■C oncentrate on your driving – although this is sometimes easier said than done.

■M ake sure you’re ready to drive. After an emotional event, you might need time to calm down.

■P lan your journey in advance, so you’re not having to work out your route as you go along.

THE PENALTIES.: If you’re convicted of careless driving or driving without due care and attention, you can be fined up to £5000 and get 3-9 points. ❑

24 DriveOn magazine

IN THE KNOW

The most common distractions...

Don’t want to crash your car?

Then don’t do any of these things; they’re the most common distractions that cause car crashes.

■ Using a mobile phone ■ Changing music ■ Staring at an accident ■ Eating or drinking ■ Dealing with children ■ Chatting to a passenger ■ Having an argument ■ Lighting a cigarette

TOP TIP

Show some restraint

Use the seatbelt’s height adjustment to make sure the diagonal strap fits over your shoulder, not your neck.

That way you’ll be safer and more comfy.

A few seconds belting up before setting off could mean the difference between life and death further down the road The seatbelt is the simplest piece of safety kit in a car, and by far the most effective.

You’re twice as likely to die in a crash if you’re not wearing a seatbelt, yet two million of us refuse to buckle up, more than 30 years after seatbelt use became mandatory.

How can this be? A recent study found that 85% of over-65s find seatbelts too restricting. It’s true that as we get older it gets harder to reach around for the belt to put it on, but if you want to stay safe on the road, buckling up is a must.

Even a low-speed crash can have potentially lethal consequences if you’re not belted up. Crash at 30mph and your body will be thrown towards the windscreen with a force of between 30 and 60 times your bodyweight. However you look at it, that’s going to hurt... ❑

IN THE KNOW ■ Penalties - The fine for not wearing a belt is at least £100 and up to £500. You’re also responsible for ensuring that any passengers aged up to 14 are wearing theirs.

■ Airbags - If you think you don’t need to wear a seatbelt because your car has airbags, think again. An airbag is a Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) – supplementary to the seatbelt.

■ Exemptions - If you think you’re exempt on medical grounds, your GP may be able to provide an exemption certificate. There are no medical conditions which grant automatic exemption, though.

DriveOn magazine 25

Safety

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT One in seven residents of Watlington in Oxfordshire has points on their licence – the highest ratio in the UK, and twice the national average.

Sensible speed Driving above the speed limit risks a fine. Driving too fast for the conditions risks something far worse Drive at 70mph on a motorway and you’re probably safe – but the same speed on a busy high street would lead to utter carnage. The problem is, things aren’t usually so obvious. On a blind brow, you can’t see what’s just over the horizon. On a twisty rural road you don’t know what’s just around the bend, whether or not there’s a tractor about to emerge from the field that’s fast approaching – or if a horse has just dumped its breakfast on the apex of the next corner. So while speed on its own won’t necessarily harm anyone, the wrong speed for the conditions could easily be lifechanging – for you as well as those around you.

THE PENALTIES.: If you’re not driving like an idiot, but you’re caught driving over the speed limit, you’ll be fined £100 and given three points. You might be offered a speed awareness course instead, typically for £100, but without the points. Not everyone gets the option, though, and you can attend only one course every three years. ❑

26 DriveOn magazine

IN THE KNOW Don’t try to wriggle out of a fine by trying any of these excuses: ■ “I picked up a hitchhiker who said they liked my car. I let them drive the vehicle. I don’t have their name or address.”

■ “My car was stolen overnight and returned to the same point. I didn’t report it, as the first thing I knew was when a summons turned up.”

■ “I was in the airport’s flight path and I believe the camera was triggered by a jet overhead.”

Combat fatigue If your eyes start to feel heavy when you’re driving, battling on regardless could prove to be a very bad decision...

Driving while tired can be as dangerous as drink-driving. One French study found that drivers who have been drinking alcohol or who are sleepy are both twice as likely to be responsible for a collision as someone who is sober and well rested.

Being tired worsens our alertness and reaction times, but perhaps the greatest danger is falling asleep completely. Nod off behind the wheel, and you won’t brake or take evasive action. That’s why sleeprelated accidents are more likely than others to result in serious injury or death. Research suggests that one-in-five accidents on major roads are sleep-related.

You might think you can beat fatigue by winding down the window or playing loud music, but there’s only one really effective remedy – and that’s sleep. ❑

IN THE KNOW

Here’s how to stay alert: ■ Get plenty of rest before you set off.

■ Avoid alcohol before a journey – just a bit can make you tired.

■ Take regular and proper breaks – include one 15-minute rest for every two hours of driving.

■ Caffeinated drinks can help boost energy, but they take 20 minutes to have an effect.

■ Avoid heavy meals before and during journeys, especially at lunchtime.

■ If you can, share long journeys with another driver.

■ If necessary, schedule an overnight stop for really long drives.

DriveOn magazine 27

Safety

Child protection If you’ve got to transport little ones, by law they have to be in a child seat. But which one?

If you have grandchildren, the only way of ensuring that your loved ones are safe in your car is with the right car seat.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know TOP TIP what to look for when buying a car seat and it’s estimated that up to two-thirds of seats Almost all modern cars are fitted incorrectly, risking a child’s safety. have ISOFIX mounting points.

If you are borrowing a seat from mum and These allow compatible child dad, make sure you know how to use it. That seats to attach securely means understanding how to secure it in your and quickly without car, and how to strap the child in correctly. using the car’s For regular trips with the grandchildren, you seatbelts. may want to buy your own seat. Choosing the right seat means picking one that’s appropriate for the child’s weight. Group 0 seats are for children weighing 0-10kg, while Group 0+ seats are suitable for children weighing up to 13kg, Group 1 seats are for children weighing 9-18kg, Group 2 seats are for kids weighing 15-25kg, and IN THE KNOW Group 3 seats cover the 22-36kg weight range.

Bin the booster You may also see seats referred to as ‘i-Size’. This is a new European standard for seats which uses If you need graphic proof that all child a child’s height rather than weight to determine seats don’t offer equal protection, just the correct size, and all i-Size seats are fitted using watch child seat manufacturer Britax’s ISOFIX fixings rather than a car’s seatbelts (see the ‘Bin the booster’ video. You don’t need ‘Top tip’ on this page to learn more). to be an expert to see how much more Whatever type of seat you are looking for, ask protection is offered by a high-back for a thorough demonstration and if possible try booster than a basic booster cushion. the seat in your own car before you buy it. ❑ Simple booster seats are a popular option for older children, lifting them up so they can use the car’s seatbelt rather than sitting in a seat with its own harness. However, Britax has found that many seatbelts used to secure child seats may be twisted, too high,

DriveOn

It’s estimated that up to two-thirds of child seats are fitted incorrectly, risking a child’s safety

28 DriveOn magazine

The right seat will help keep children safe

or fitted around the seat and not the child. Basic booster cushions also offer no head or side-impact protection.

Britax is urging all parents – and grandparents – choosing a Group 2-3 car seat to pick a high-back booster, which locates the upper belt better and provides additional protection for the head, especially from side impacts.

“We are calling for all parents using booster cushions to switch to a high-back booster option and help us further spread the word about the inadequate protection these cushions provide - it could save precious lives,” says Britax’s Mark Bennett.

■F or more info and to see the footage visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8hlFdEH0Cc

DriveOn magazine 29

Safety

Keep a clear head

Alcohol isn’t the only drug that impairs driving. Did you know that some prescription medication can be just as harmful to driving as illegal drugs or drink?

As we age, it’s more likely that we’ll need to take regular medication. While this might help keep our health in check, it can have a serious effect on our driving. So if you’re taking medication, are you still fit to drive?

The simple answer to this question is ‘probably’. However, the long answer depends on the type and/or combinations of medications you’re on.

The key thing to remember is that if you’re unfit to drive through taking prescription drugs, you can be prosecuted – it’s not all about being high on illegal drugs. Since March 2015 the law on drug driving has changed, making it an offence to drive with more than a set level of certain legal (and illegal) drugs in your system.

POTENTIAL REACTIONS Taking any drug can have an effect on your driving. Before you take any medicines, check with your doctor that you’re not likely to suffer from any of these: ■ Sleepiness/drowsiness ■ Fainting ■ Blurred vision ■ I nability to pay attention ■ Dizziness ■ Slowed movement ■ Nausea

IN THE KNOW

The drugs that cause problems Any medicine can lead to your driving being adversely affected. The ones most likely to have an impact include: ■ Drugs for anxiety ■ Anti-depressants ■ Products containing codeine ■ Some cold and allergy remedies ■ Tranquilisers ■ Sleeping pills ■ Pain relievers

THE PENALTIES.: Driving, or attempting to drive, with too much drink in your system means a minimum 12-month ban – or three years if you’re caught twice within 10 years.

You can face six months in the slammer, an unlimited fine or, in more serious cases, both. The magistrates who hear your case will decide.

Too much alcohol means anything over 80mg of booze per 100ml of blood in England and Wales, and just 50mg in Scotland, something which would be tested at the station after an initial breath test.

Refusal to provide a sample, unless there’s medical proof that you can’t, has the same punishments as providing samples above the legal limit – although driving bans can be longer, as an extra deterrent. Kill someone due to drink driving and you face 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, and a ban of at least two years. ❑

DriveOn TOP TIP

You can buy a breathalyser to check if you are over the limit, but think twice about drinking to the maximum.

It’s more sensible to stick to soft drinks.

Too much alcohol means anything over 80mg of booze per 100ml of blood IN THE KNOW

Drink driving

■ Don’t try to calculate if you’ve consumed enough to tip you over the drink-drive limit.

■ Drinks poured at home are usually larger than pub measures – don’t underestimate how much you’ve had.

■ If you drive to a party and drink more than you expected to, don’t risk it. Book yourself a taxi or arrange for a friend or family member to collect you.

■ If you’re involved in a crash you’ll be breathalysed – don’t risk it.

■ A drinking session the night before can easily put you over the legal limit the following morning. Organise alternative travel plans for the next day.

■ If you know someone has been drinking, don’t let them drive – and definitely don’t let them give you a lift home.

Drink a pint of strong lager or a large glass of wine and it’ll take around three hours before your body has broken down the alcohol

DriveOn magazine 31

Safety

OUT TO SEE

Is everything starting to look blurred? Are you squinting more than you used to? If so, it’s time to book an appointment...

You should be in the habit of getting your eyes tested every year. It’s normal for your eyesight to begin to deteriorate from your mid-40s, so if it’s a decade since your peepers last got a decent inspection, you may find they’re not as good as you thought.

It’s not just about being short or long-sighted though; there’s a raft of potential issues, with night-time driving being a particular problem for older drivers. The minimum amount of light needed for you to see is known as the absolute threshold and this increases as you get older.

For every decade over 25, you need twice the brightness at night to receive visual information, so by the time you’re 75, you may need 32 times the brightness you did at age 25 to see properly.

Glare can also be a problem. Between the ages of 15 and 65, the recovery time from glare increases from two to nine seconds, and susceptibility to it also increases. So if you’re dazzled by a vehicle on main beam, it’ll take you longer to see clearly again – you could end up driving a considerable distance while blinded by glare.

There’s nothing you can do to prevent or slow down this deterioration, but you can mitigate it by having an annual check with a qualified optometrist who will be able to advise you on whether or not you should still be driving – and he or she will also be able to ensure you have the best possible correction for your vision, should you need it. ❑

It’s normal for your eyesight to begin to deteriorate from your mid-40s; there’s a raft of potential issues 32 DriveOn magazine

Regular eye tests are important

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT Driving with defective sight is an offence. Fail to meet the required standard and you could be prosecuted or have your insurance invalidated.

IN THE KNOW

Driving and vision See the signs. Generally, the older we are, the closer we need to be to road signs to see them clearly. We also need them to be lit more brightly and we need to look at them for longer to process the information they’re giving us. So if we see a sign too late we have less time to make the necessary decision.

It’s not just you – it’s all of us!

It’s the law. You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary)

a number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres. You must also meet the minimum eyesight acuity standard; that’s your central vision. Your field of vision must be up to scratch, too – along with your peripheral vision.

It’s a fact. In a typical year, more than 5000 drivers have their licence revoked because their eyesight isn’t up to the required standard.

■ For the full story on driving eyesight rules, log on to the official website at www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

DriveOn magazine 33

Stay mobile

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT Blue Badge holders are exempt from the London Congestion Charge, so long as they register in advance with Transport for London.

ACCESS all areas If you’ve got mobility problems, help is at hand – whether you’re a passenger or a driver The Blue Badge scheme exists so that people with mobility problems and other disabilities can park nearer to essential amenities than they otherwise could.

Crucially, the scheme isn’t just for drivers with mobility issues; it’s also in place to benefit passengers.

Cars displaying a Blue Badge are exempt from some parking restrictions, and they’re also able to park in designated spaces. Blue Badge holders are generally allowed to park for free at on-street parking meters and in pay-and-display bays, as well as on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, except where there’s a

34 DriveOn magazine

ban on loading or unloading. It’s always worth checking at a car park pay station to be sure whether free parking applies.

Some local authorities put additional restrictions on Blue Badge holders and the scheme doesn’t apply in some London boroughs, which have their own parking concessions.

If you want to apply for a Blue Badge, you can do so through your local authority, or you can do it online via the gov.uk website – just go to www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge where you’ll find a list of what you’ll need to apply. In Northern Ireland you apply through www.nidirect.gov.uk.

IN THE KNOW Are you eligible?

The rules for who can and can’t have a Blue Badge changed in 2019 so that people with hidden disabilities, such as autism, could also apply. A badge costs £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, and is free in Wales. Badges usually need renewal every three years.

Eligibility criteria vary across

Great Britain. If you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres you should automatically qualify.

Check on the www.gov.uk website to be sure.

IN THE KNOW

Blue Badge cheats At the end of 2018, the Local Government Association estimated that the theft of Blue Badges had risen by 45% in 12 months and increased six-fold since 2013.

The misuse of Blue Badges is also a serious problem, with some drivers borrowing a Blue Badge belonging to a friend or relative, which they have no right to do. It is a criminal offence to misuse a Blue Badge and can lead to its confiscation and a fine of £1000. The

Blue Badge and its concessions must only be used by the badge holder.

DriveOn magazine 35

Stay mobile

Ticket to

RIDE

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT

Motability helps more than half a million people stay mobile and independent, many with specially converted vehicles You’ve probably heard of Motability, but you may not know it’s an independent charity rather than a government-run scheme. It also runs the biggest car fleet in the country, with around 650,000 people enjoying the benefits.

A registered charity that’s been going since 1978, Motability enables people to use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. The scheme works brilliantly in that you can have a new car every three years (every five if it’s a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), and everything is taken care of. That means

36 DriveOn magazine

There’s no upper age limit to the Motability scheme.

As long as you already receive one of the relevant allowances, you are eligible to apply.

your insurance, tax, maintenance and breakdown cover are included – even replacement windcsreen cover. You’re restricted to 20,000 miles per year, but that’s double the typical UK driver’s average.

Most importantly, Motability can ensure that your car is suitable for you to use, so it can install whatever controls are needed for you to drive safely. And with around 450 different car models available, you shouldn’t struggle to find something suitable. For everything you could ever need to know about what Motability could do for you, log on to www.motability.co.uk or give them a call on 0300 456 4566. ❑

MY STORY... Rosemary’s wheels Rosemary, 67, has been enjoying the benefits and freedom of Motability since it began, and has found it makes a big difference to her life. She says: “Motability has been a tremendous help to me. It’s changed a lot – there are many more makes and models available and new adaptations to make driving easier, but what never changes is the difference it makes to my family every day.

“Before we discovered Motability we had an unreliable old banger that I couldn’t drive because

IN THE KNOW

it was a manual, so my husband had to drive us everywhere. I got my first Motability car when my son was a small child and having access to a safe and affordable automatic car was a godsend. I could take him to school, clubs and friends’ houses with ease. I got some of my independence back.

“Now I’m retired, we use the car for everyday tasks and getaways. We’ve been able to travel around the country in confidence and comfort, knowing my ‘legs’ are waiting outside for me!”

Motability has changed a lot, but what never changes is the difference it makes

Are you eligible?

You must receive one of these benefits: ■ Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

■ Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

■ Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

■ War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.

The parent of a child over three who gets one of these benefits can also apply.

Rosemary couldn’t imagine life without her Motability car

DriveOn magazine 37

Stay mobile

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROAD Deciding whether or not to continue driving isn’t easy.

But ending your driving career doesn’t mean giving up your independence altogether

W

ith good health and a careful attitude, it’s possible to drive well into old age.

But none of us want to continue driving if we’re no longer safe behind the wheel. Older drivers may have a lifetime of experience to fall back on, but slower reactions, reduced dexterity, failing eyesight and other health problems can hinder our ability to control a car

38 DriveOn magazine

safely and deal with hazards.

Deciding to stop driving isn’t easy, although the checklist opposite will help.

If you do decide your driving days are over, it’s important to remember this doesn’t have to mean the end of your independence, especially if you live somewhere that’s well served by public transport.

Anyone old enough to claim a state pension is entitled to free off-peak bus

DriveOn TOP TIP

You don’t have to stop driving entirely. It may be better to gradually cut back, driving regularly but avoiding more stressful and difficult journeys.

travel anywhere in England. Off peak is defined as between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and anytime at the weekend and on public holidays. You’ll need to apply for a pass through your local authority so there’s no doubt that you’re entitled to travel for free.

Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish bus users get an even better deal, with anyone over 60 being able to travel free of charge

THE OLDER DRIVER’S CHECKLIST Deciding whether to carry on driving isn’t easy.

It takes honesty and not a little courage to admit your driving days are behind you. Here are some things to consider: Is my eyesight good enough?

You have to be able to see clearly. By law, you should be able to read a number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

Night vision worsens with age and the time it takes to recover from glare increase, so regular eye tests are a wise precaution.

(For more on this, see page 32.)

How’s my health?

Conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes or arthritis can all harm our ability to drive in different ways. Think about any medication you take, too, and ask your GP about any side effects which may reduce your ability to drive.

Am I annoying other drivers?

Just because another driver sounds their horn at you, it doesn’t mean you are in the wrong.

But if you find that other drivers are frequently frustrated by your driving, it could be that you are making more mistakes and becoming erratic.

Have I had any mishaps?

After years of being a careful and safe driver, have you started to have any parking bumps or near-misses? Minor errors of judgement can be warning signs that you should cut back on your driving or stop completely before a more serious accident.

Have I done everything I can to help myself?

If you find busy roads stressful, are you planning your journeys to drive when there is less traffic on the road? If long journeys are becoming daunting, how about taking the train instead and saving the car for shorter journeys? If operating the clutch and gearbox have become a strain, why not swap to an automatic?

What do people I trust think of my driving?

Has anyone ever told you that your driving makes them feel unsafe? A close friend or relative may feel awkward about bringing this up, so be bold and ask a regular passenger for their honest opinion. If in any doubt, have your driving professionally assessed (see page 12).

DriveOn magazine 39

Stay mobile Are you still a confident driver?

MY STORY... John Motton’s bus-pass adventure Most bus passes are used for short journeys like popping to the shops for a sliced loaf. But John Motton’s bus pass has really clocked up the miles, including a trip from his home in Folkestone, Kent to Land’s End. “The leaflet that came with the bus pass said to use it and enjoy it,” says John, 76.

And that’s exactly what he has done.

“I’ve read about other people making long journeys with their bus passes, and I thought travelling all

40 DriveOn magazine

the way along the south coast seemed like quite an adventure.” So John and his wife, Christine, started to plan their 350-mile journey.

“We decided that we would do it three nights at a time so we didn’t have to take too much luggage.” John and Christine made use of discounted travel on the railways and the National Express coach network to get home, and then to travel west

to restart their bus journey again a few weeks later.

“We visited lots of interesting place along the way,” John says. “On a bus you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

IN THE KNOW

DriveOn TOP TIP

Need more help deciding whether to continue driving?

GEM Motoring Assist has lots of advice on its dedicated website for older drivers, www.stillsafetodrive. org.uk

Deciding whether or not to continue driving doesn’t mean giving up your independence at any time so long as they have a pass.

If getting to the bus stop is a struggle, many local authorities operate ‘Dial-a-Ride’ services for the elderly and people with limited mobility. You make a phone call and a minibus is sent to collect you.

Taking the train can be a less stressful way to cover long distances than driving.

Anyone over 60 can buy a senior railcard which gives a third off most railway fares in England, Scotland and Wales. A one-year card costs £30, and a three-year card £70.

After a few trips to visit the grandchildren the card should more than pay for itself.

THAT DIFFICULT CONVERSATION ❑ Talking about giving up driving is awkward. It’s not easy for the senior driver, or for the friend or relative who feels the time has come to persuade someone to hang up their car keys for good.

It’s a conversation to be approached carefully. ❑ If someone brings up the subject, don’t be defensive.

Remember, it’s difficult for anyone to criticise a loved one’s driving, and if they’re prepared to risk your feelings they are doing so because they are concerned for your safety. Listen to their reasons. ❑ Maybe you are the one who wants to persuade a friend or relative to stop driving. Do so with respect and tact, and emphasise that your main concern is their safety. Point out the advantages, such as the money saved, and help them consider alternative ways to get around.

If you don’t live close to a bus stop or train station, getting about without a car won’t be so easy, but don’t forget you’ll be saving a lot of money if you stop driving.

With no finance, insurance, fuel or servicing to pay for, you could be thousands of pounds better off. Driving 5000 miles a year in a new petrol car worth £13,000 costs £2817 per annum, according to the AA. That’s money that could be put towards a mobility scooter or regular taxi rides.

Stopping driving doesn’t have to be the end of the road; it just means finding other ways to get around. ❑

DriveOn magazine 41

Owning a car

Buy the right car Finding the ideal car takes time, and our needs tend to change as we get older. Do plenty of research and don’t let anyone rush you into a hasty choice Buying a car is a big decision. It’s a choice most of us have made many times before, but some of the things to consider tend to change as we age.

Drivers young and old need to think carefully about their budget, and whether or not a car offers enough space. But as we grow older and develop the odd ache

42 DriveOn magazine

and pain it becomes doubly important to make sure a car is comfortable to sit in. Many drivers find cars with a high-up seating position (such as an MPV or a crossover) are easier to get in and out of. Also, pay close attention to how easy it is to operate the controls. If your fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be big buttons

will be easier to use than fiddly little switches.

Perhaps until you retired you ran a diesel-powered car. If you’ve cut back on your mileage since you stopped work, a diesel may no longer be the best choice.

Petrol cars generally cost less to buy, and are better suited to short journeys than modern diesels.

IN THE KNOW New vs used

TOP TIP Don’t home in on just one model when buying; devise a shortlist and shop around to see what deals are available.

This week’s perfect buy may not be next week’s...

Take your time and look at several cars before parting with any money

If you live with a more serious health issue, RiDC (the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers) can help with your car-buying decision. You’ll find them online at www.ridc.org.uk or you can call them on 020 7427 2460.

RiDC’s website covers topics such as how to keep driving when you suffer with

arthritis, multiple sclerosis or after you’ve had a stroke.

There’s also guidance on buying a car that might need modifications for you to use it comfortably.

Whatever your health needs, look at several cars before you buy and only spend your money when you are entirely happy with your choice. ❑

Most of us would like a new car, but we know a used car will be more affordable.

While that generally holds true, there are other pros and cons to consider besides price.

New cars have the advantage of longer warranties, generally covering three years but with five or even seven years of cover offered by some makes. A used car from a main dealer will typically have the remainder of the original warranty or a year’s cover.

Buy privately and you can’t expect any warranty or protection against unexpected bills.

Another advantage to buying new is the availability of low-rate finance packages which make for surprisingly affordable monthly payments.

However, new cars lose their value more quickly than a well cared for used car. And used car buyers can protect against costly repairs with an aftermarket warranty from the likes of www.warrantydirect.co.uk.

Be fore buying, hagg le for th e be st poss ibl e deal

DriveOn magazine 43

Owning a car

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT The public charging network is often criticised, but according to Zap-Map there are now just over 57,000 chargers in more than 32,000 locations.

Electric cars: time to switch?

The pros and cons of EVs explained

44 DriveOn magazine

Electric cars have become hugely popular in recent years, and now account for more than one in ten cars old in Britain. But not everyone is enthusiastic about switching from petrol or diesel to electric power. One recent survey by Which? found that only 23% of people aged 65 or over intend to buy an electric vehicle (EV) in the future, compared with 56% of those aged 18-24.

Is the more mature generation right to be cautious? What are electric cars really like to drive and live with?

Are electric cars hard to drive? No. In fact one of the great advantages of an EV is just how easy it makes life for the driver. There’s one forward gear and one reverse gear, and every electric car is an automatic, so there’s no clutch pedal or gearchanges to worry about.

Some aspects of driving an electric car do take some getting used to, though. Electric cars use regenerative braking to top-up the batteries when slowing down. Some EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, have a one-pedal driving mode. This makes the regenerative braking strong enough to drive using the accelerator alone in most circumstances, as backing off the throttle slows the car down sufficiently to make applying the brake pedal unnecessary.

This is something of a love-hate feature, so you

can normally reduce the strength of this braking effect to make the car feel more like a regular automatic if you prefer.

How expensive are electric cars? They do tend to cost more than an equivalent petrol or diesel.

At the time of writing (spring 2024), new prices start from around £8000 for a two-seater Citroën Ami, while the larger MG4 is around £26,000.

There are more and more electric cars on the used market. You can pick up a Nissan Leaf Mk1 for £2500 or so.

Will I save money on fuel? If you have space to install a home charger on your driveway or in a garage, then yes. Charging overnight on a special EV-owner tariff could cost as little as 10p per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity.

That means a full charge for a 77-kilowatt battery would cost £7.70. Assuming a realworld range of 250 miles, that’s an electricity cost of just over 3p per mile. Based on a price-per gallon of £6.74, a petrol car capable of 50mpg would cost £33.70 to go the same distance.

However, the cost of recharging is greater during the day, even at home, while using a public charger could cost 75p per kWh or more. So if you can’t charge at home it’s tougher to make the sums add up.

What about range? If the budget stretches to a brand

IN THE KNOW Are electric cars really green?

More carbon dioxide is produced in manufacturing an electric car than one with an internal combustion engine, but they are greener in use. According to Volvo, its C40 EV is responsible for less CO2 overall once it has covered 48,000 miles.

new electric car, many have an official range of 250-300 miles. However, range drops in cold weather.

Do the batteries degrade?

Yes, just like the batteries in phones and laptops, the batteries in electric cars lose capacity over time. According to Geotab, a company providing telematics services for company car fleets, over sixand-a-half years a battery will degrade by around 13.5%. That would reduce a 250-mile range to 216 miles – plenty for many drivers.

So, is it time to change?

An electric car won’t suit everyone, but if you have somewhere to charge at home they are cheap to run and very easy to drive. ❑

DriveOn magazine 45

Owning a car

A fair deal on insurance

Many 70-year-olds have half a century of driving experience under their belt, but that doesn’t guarantee a great deal on car insurance

You deserve a pat on the back. If you are reading this, the chances are you are over 65 and have probably been driving for nearly 50 years, perhaps more.

You would think all that experience would be rewarded with cheap insurance premiums. Unfortunately the reality isn’t so rosy. Other risk factors increase as we age, with slower reactions and other health problems offsetting the benefit of all those years behind the wheel, at least in the eyes of many insurance companies.

46 DriveOn magazine

Some big-name insurers start to lose interest in people over 65, and finding cover gets more difficult again once you reach the age of 75.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Competitive cover is out there if you know where to look. On the next page we list some easy steps you can take to keep the cost of insuring your car affordable. With the right car, the right insurer and the right kind of policy, you should be able to find high-quality cover at a fair price. ❑

DriveOn

IT’S A FACT Drivers over 65 are least likely to have penalty points for driving without insurance (under 4000 people) according to IAM RoadSmart.

IN THE KNOW

Cut your premium ■ Contact a specialist in older drivers, such as Age UK, RIAS or Saga. www.ageuk.org.uk www.rias.co.uk www.saga.co.uk ■ Make a thorough search. Don’t just contact insurers you have used before, and try price comparison sites, too.

■ If you don’t drive as often or as far as you used to, try a limited mileage policy.

■ Consider a larger excess to bring down your premium, so long as it’s an excess you could afford to pay if you had to.

■ Think about a black box insurance policy.

IN THE KNOW

Dash cams: your impartial witness Imagine you’ve had a crash.

There’s just you and the other driver, and no other witnesses.

Their version of events is very different from yours. Just who will be believed?

In situations like this dash cams really prove their worth.

These discreet video cameras film as you drive, and will automatically record any incident that occurs.

A dash cam doesn’t take sides. By recording a collision, you have evidence of your actions and those of the other

driver or drivers involved.

It’s a lot harder to argue with a video recording than somebody’s fallible memory of who did what.

Being in a crash can be stressful and intimidating, and it’s easy to forget to write down details like the number plate of the other car if you feel flustered . A dash cam will remember what you forget.

And if the other driver sees you have a dash cam, they’re more likely to behave calmly if they know they are being filmed.

They can be a worthwhile investment even if you never have an incident or collision.

That’s because many insurers offer discounts as high as 20% for drivers using a dash cam.

The cameras aren’t expensive, with good quality models from around £50.

DriveOn magazine 47

Owning a car

DIY basics

Park your car on level ground and let it cool.

Dig out the handbook then do these basic checks:

LIGHTS With the ignition on, check the headlights and rear lights, including main beam.

Do the same for the indicators. If alone, check the brake and reversing lights by reversing towards a wall and looking for the reflection.

48 DriveOn magazine

COOLANT Your engine and radiator contain coolant to stop overheating. Most cars have an opaque plastic coolant expansion tank containing a coloured liquid (green, pink, orange or purple), with the level sitting between the minimum and maximum marks. If it needs topping up, add anti-freeze so the coolant doesn’t become too dilute. Topping up shouldn’t be necessary; if needed, there may be a bigger problem.

BRAKE FLUID Your car’s brakes work hydraulically; the fluid in the system activates the brakes at each wheel.

Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which is why it must be replaced every two years. A dropping level suggests leaks in the system. The reservoir is mounted under the bonnet, below the windscreen. Don’t remove the cap; just rock the reservoir gently so you can see the fluid move. It shouldn’t be below the minimum mark.

IN THE KNOW Well oiled

Let your engine run out of oil and it won't be long before the whole thing is wrecked. That's why you must ensure there's always enough oil in your engine.

It takes just a couple of minutes; here's how. ❏ Park on level ground and switch off the engine. ❏ Open the bonnet and leave the car for five minutes. ❏ Pull the dipstick out. ❏ Wipe the dipstick clean. ❏ Push the dipstick all the way in. ❏ Pull the dipstick back out. Towards the bottom are two markings. The oil level should be between these; if there's no oil showing at all, the engine will soon be wrecked. ❏ If the oil on the dipstick is below the bottom line, add a small amount of oil. ❏ Add oil by unscrewing the oil filler cap, on top of the engine. ❏ Using the correct type of oil (check the handbook), top up the level.

IN THE KNOW

❏ Check the level again and add more if necessary.

Tyres

Check the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, and be sure there’s plenty of tread left. The law states that there should be at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyres all the way around.

However, wet weather stopping distances in the

wet increase long before this level of wear. Research

by Tyresafe.org has shown that a car with barely legal tyres needs a further 11.9 metres to stop from 50mph on wet roads than the same car with brand new tyres.

That’s around three whole car lengths.

❏ Replace the oil filler cap and dipstick. ❏ Ensure the dipstick is back in place as well.

DriveOn magazine 49

CUT OUT AND KEEP

Collision checklist

Nobody wants to crash, but if you do, make sure you’ve got this page handy, along with a pen and sheet of paper. If it all goes pear-shaped, just follow the instructions.

FIRST: ■ Stop and warn other road users of the incident. If anybody has failed to stop, take their registration number or a description (make, model, colour). Even just a partial registration number may be of use.

■ Switch on your hazard lights and, if possible, move the vehicles to a safe place. Assess any injuries and offer first aid if you can. If anyone has been injured, contact the police or ambulance service straight away.

■ Call the police if there’s debris on the road or an obstruction to traffic; don’t put yourself in danger making the crash scene safe. Call the police if any other driver is aggressive or uncooperative.

ACCIDENT INFORMATION: Date: Time: Weather conditions (low sun, foggy, raining, sunny): Road conditions (wet, dry, muddy): Road where accident occurred:

Brief description of what happened, using a diagram if it helps:

OTHER VEHICLES:

Note: If more than one other vehicle is involved, make sure you collect their details too.

Registration:

Make & model:

Driver’s name:

Description of driver:

Number of occupants in car:

Driver’s contact number:

Car’s insurer:

Insurer’s contact number:

Colour:

Policy no:

YOUR VEHICLE

OTHER VEHICLE

DAMAGE TO VEHICLES:

YOUR DETAILS:

Fill this section in right away, so in the event of an accident, you can simply tear it out and hand it over.

Name:

Contact number:

Make:

Model: Colour:

Insurer:

Car registration: Policy no:

Insurer’s contact number: I confirm that all details on this sheet are to the best of my knowledge, correct and accurate: You: Other driver: Signed: Signed: Date: Date:

■ Don’t admit liability – even if you think it was your fault. If you do, it’ll only cause problems later on.

■ Don’t put yourself in danger to make the area safe – call the police and stay out of the way of any moving traffic.

■ Don’t leave any valuables in your car if you have to leave it at the scene – damaged cars are often looted.

■ Take photos of the scene, the cars involved and any other damage – photograph from every angle you can.

■ Contact the police – even if you think the accident is only minor, they will have it on their records if any dispute arises.

■ Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident – and certainly within 24 hours.

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