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RAC patrols attended more than 10,000 pothole related breakdowns last year, the highest since 2018.

It’s the equivalent of 27 breakdowns per day, caused by poor-quality roads.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “The rot appears to have well and truly set in when it comes to the country’s roads with our patrols going out to vast numbers of drivers who, through no fault of their own, are breaking down because of the wear-and-tear caused by potholes.

“This is ridiculous because it is almost entirely avoidable if roads were maintained properly. With drivers contributing so much in terms of tax to the Government the very least they deserve are roads that are fit-for-purpose.

“Inevitably we have plenty of cold weather still to come this winter and we fear that by the spring the number of drivers running into problems will rise even further. Not getting our roads into a decent shape is simply storing up more problems – and more expense – for the future.”

The breakdown company’s individual members experienced a total of 10,123 breakdowns for broken suspension springs, distorted wheels and damaged shock absorbers through last year, 10% more than in 2019 (9,198) and 19% more than in 2020 (8,524).

Last year’s total represented 1.5% of all the RAC’s call-outs, which is up from 1.2% in 2020, 1.1% in 2019 and 1.4% in 2018.

In the last three months of 2021, which was characterised by generally mild, damp weather across much of the UK, drivers experienced 1,688 pothole-related breakdowns which represented 0.9% of all the RAC’s call-outs during the period.

The RAC Pothole Index, which analyses pothole-related breakdowns together with the seasonal effects of the weather to give a true long-term indication of the condition of the UK’s roads, now stands at 1.63, up from 1.48 at the end of September 2021. The RAC says drivers are more than one-and-a-half times more likely to breakdown after hitting a pothole today than they were in 2006.

Lyes added: “On National Pothole Day, our message to the Government is clear – it’s time the tide was turned when it comes to potholes and local councils are given the levels of funding they need to get their roads up to a reasonable standard.

“Clearly, promises of one-off pots of cash from the Government to fix the problem haven’t done the trick and we urgently need some fresh thinking. Ring-fencing a proportion of existing taxation and earmarking these funds purely for local roads over a long-term period would give councils the financial confidence they need to plan their road maintenance work, and finally break the back on this age-old problem. This is something we know would be popular with drivers.”

Research for the RAC Report on Motoring shows that the condition and maintenance of local roads is drivers’ top motoring related concern. Nearly half of respondents (46%) last year said the quality of local roads was a problem, up from 38% a year earlier.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Do you remember what your mobile phone looked like in 2003? It probably allowed you to text, call and maybe play Snake II. That is, if you had one at all.

These days, our phones offer endless entertainment opportunities which can be fun, but dangerous in the context of driving a vehicle.

Drivers who pick up their phones when behind the wheel are gambling with their own lives and the safety of others – as they are four times more likely to crash.

Last year on Great Britain’s roads there were 368 collisions, of all severities, where use of a mobile phone was assigned as a contributory factor.

The UK Government has recently announced that it will tighten the rules around mobile phone use while driving.

It will now be illegal to hold a phone and use it for virtually any purpose when behind the wheel.

This change is hugely welcome, as the initial legislation which banned mobile phone use while driving was passed in 2003, well before the age of the smartphone, and focused on interactive communications only.

Of course, distracted driving is a problem that expands beyond mobile phones. Playing loud music, eating or drinking, having a conversation with a passenger, reaching into the glove box or lighting up a cigarette could all divert a driver’s attention away from the road.

People cannot always safely multi-task while driving, especially if the second activity is time-consuming or complex.

Any secondary activity puts extra demands on the driver, which may reduce their driving standard.

For example, it may cause the driver to become less observant or to make poor decisions about how to control the vehicle safely.

This lower standard of driving means a driver is more likely to fail to anticipate hazards and this can, of course, result in accidents.

Distracted drivers can:

■ Be less aware of what’s happening on the road around them.

■ Fail to see road signs.

■ Fail to maintain proper lane position and a steady speed.

■ Be more likely to ‘tailgate’ the vehicle in front.

■ React more slowly and take longer to brake.

■ Be more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic.

Distracted driving is by no means a trivial matter, it can lead to serious and fatal collisions.

Road accident data suggests that in 2020, ‘distraction in vehicle’ contributed to 2,034 accidents and ‘distraction outside vehicle’ contributed to a further 914 collisions.

Alarmingly, research undertaken by Ipsos Mori shows that using a mobile phone while driving is often indicative of a deep-seated and irresponsible attitude towards the road.

In order to make our roads safer for all, we need to instil the notion that distracted driving is as much of a taboo as drinkdriving.

To achieve this cultural change, we should use a range of tools, tougher penalties, consistent enforcement and targeted campaigns aimed at shifting attitudes. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The new trailer regulations were delayed and when they were finally launched, just before Christmas, they were badly under-reported. So having just realised that I was guilty of not getting the info out there – here are the new regulations.

New rules about towing a trailer or caravan with a car, originally expected to take effect from November 15, have finally come into force.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) announced yesterday (Thursday, December 16) that, after the fleet industry had been left in limbo following the month long delay, the new rules will now apply.

The DVSA announced in September that car and trailer driving tests would no longer be required, with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) updating driving licence records automatically.

Category BE, it said, will be added to photocard driving licences when they are renewed. Tests finished from September 20, 2021.

What you now are allowed to tow?

If you passed your car driving test from 1 January 1997, you are now allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM.

MAM is the limit on how much the vehicle can weigh when it’s loaded.

DVLA will update your driving licence record to show that you are allowed to tow trailers. You will get category BE added to your driving licence when you get a new photocard driving licence. You do not need to contact DVLA for this to happen. It will be done automatically.

If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997, you are not affected by the change.

Driving a car and trailer for the first time

The DVSA says it is best to take training from a driving instructor if you want to start driving a car and trailer.

The ‘National standard for driving cars and light vans’ tells you about the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to tow a trailer or caravan.

You can also read about:

Why learning to tow is important

Safety checks you should do when you’re towing a trailer or caravan with a car

If you’d booked a car and trailer driving test

Car and trailer driving tests have now stopped. You can no longer book one.

If you had booked a test yourself, the DVSA says it has automatically cancelled and refunded it for you.

If your driving instructor booked your test for you, talk to them about what happens next, it says.

You cannot get a refund or compensation for any training that you’ve taken to help you prepare to take the test.

If you had previously passed a car and trailer driving test

You cannot get a refund or compensation for any training that you took to help you prepare to take a car and trailer driving test.

You also cannot get a refund for any tests you took, says DVSA. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

With the rules about to change as we ‘emerge’ from the pandemic and lighter evenings entice us to dust off the barbeque and crack open the beers or visit the local, I remembered this article and felt that whilst it applied to Christmas it is relevant to the seasonal changes not to mention the Queen’s Jubilee! Very sobering!

Half of motorists admit they are prepared to drive the morning after festive drinks or their Christmas party, a survey from IAM RoadSmart suggests.

Furthermore, when respondents were asked how many micrograms of alcohol are permitted in 100 millilitres of breath before they would fail a police breathalyser, on average, the answer was 52.

The actual threshold is only 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Drinking and driving simply does not mix and every driver should plan to leave the keys at home rather than face a fine, lengthy ban or time in a police cell.

“Worryingly, the research also highlights that there is still real ignorance regarding how much alcohol is enough before it is illegal to drive.

“Although motorists may well think they know how many drinks will typically tip them over the limit, individual characteristics such as body weight, food consumption, gender and metabolism will also determine the reading.

“So, if you’re planning to drink alcohol at a Christmas celebration, do not try to calculate whether or not you are over the limit. It is always best to make it none for the road.”

Roadside breath tests continue to fall

The latest available data shows that in 2020 just 252,069 motorists were breathalysed by police – an 18% fall compared with the previous year.

The fall continues the downward trend seen since the peak of 703,490 breath tests in 2009.

Yet, despite the slump in tests, 17.2% of drivers were over the limit – the highest proportion since 2003.

Hunter Abbott, managing director of personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense, said: “Separate Home Office figures show the number of dedicated roads policing officers in England and Wales had dropped to 3,850 by March 2021 compared with 5,220 in 2015 – a dramatic reduction of 26%.

“With ever fewer traffic police, testing will continue to spiral downwards.”

Abbot says that studies show people drinking more alcohol since Covid struck, particularly at home, and argues that roadside tests should be stepped up given the danger of ‘morning after’ driving with alcohol still in your system.

A recent report by Public Health England highlighted a 25% increase in alcohol sales in shops and supermarkets between 2020 and 2019, suggesting a steep rise in heavy drinking at home.

The number of killed or seriously injured drink-drive casualties in 2019 was 2,050 – an increase of 8% on 2018 and the highest level since 2011.  The figure includes 230 fatalities where the motorist was over the drink drive limit.

Abbot continued: “Even with 0.05mg/L of alcohol in breath (one-seventh of the English/Welsh limit) the driver is 37% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than when sober.”

IAM RoadSmart is calling on the Government to roll out a smarter package of longer-term measures to help drive down the number of drink drivers on Britain’s roads into the new year.

This includes a lower drink-drive limit to reinforce good behaviour, fast-track of evidential roadside testing machines to release police resources and tailored approaches to help drivers with alcohol problems. 

Greig concluded: “A prosecution for drink driving this month will not only ruin your Christmas but also impact the rest of your life through public humiliation, loss of job, family break up and a criminal record.

“At IAM RoadSmart we estimate that last drink that takes you over the limit could cost you up to £70,000. If that isn’t a sobering thought then nothing is.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Almost 100,000 drivers have nine, 10 or 11 penalty points on their driving licence, according to the latest Government data.

It means that many could reach the 12-point threshold for a driving ban with just one offence.

The latest figure (97,187) is an increase on the 92,000 that were identified as being ‘at risk’ of a ban by IAM Roadsmart, in April.

Licence Bureau is warning companies that failure to regularly check drivers’ licences could potentially result in driver shortfalls, or worse risk drivers on fleets who should not be driving.

The company has carried out more than 830,000 licence checks on behalf of clients over the last 12 months, of which 5,000 checks picked up active drivers within the workforce who should not have been on the road.

These invalid drivers had issues ranging from driving while disqualified, to provisional licence holders, drivers with revoked licences, non-GB licence holders with endorsements, and expired or voluntarily surrendered licences.

 

Andy Wheeler commented “These latest figures make for sobering reading for fleet managers, as even for companies that are actively engaged in trying to manage their driver risk compliance, they show there is a one in 166 chance that an employed driver on the road today should not be driving.

“For companies who are not actively managing their risk, these figures could be significantly higher, with potential consequences not just for compliance but also for a diminished workforce should these drivers be removed from the roads in any large numbers.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Thousands of business drivers suffer from more anxiety, stress, tiredness and mental health issues between November and February than at any other time of the year.

That’s according to analysis of more than 3,000 business drivers using Red Driver Risk Management’s Wellbeing Profiler.

Labelled by Red as ‘Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder’ (SADD), the condition can affect all types of business drivers, whether they are in a company car, delivery van or HGV, claims the risk management firm.

The combination of dark mornings and nights, winter weather and harder driving conditions, plus an increase in stress levels as the festive season approaches, is a factor in the marked spike in mental health issues during this period, it says.

Red Driver Risk Management’s research showed a fifth of drivers (20%) claim to feel tired during the winter months, and for some the issue is worse still, with 12% claiming to be ‘exhausted’. One in 10 say they experience anxiety during the darker days too.

The reporting also looks at employee attitudes and engagement in winter. There was an 8% drop in the number of employees feeling motivated, while the percentage of drivers feeling ‘very discouraged’ doubles and ‘enthusiasm’ wanes by nearly 10%.

Red Driver Training’s CEO, Ian McIntosh, said: “We ask 79 different questions that look at areas such as tiredness, anxiety, employee engagement, mental clarity, decisiveness, self-esteem and lifestyle, and in every single metric, there is clear evidence that drivers struggle more in winter than other seasons.”

He continued: “Anybody who drives a lot knows that it can be especially tough during the winter. From the moment you get out of bed in the dark and have to scrape the ice off in the cold, we know that business motoring in the winter months is hard work.

“But this is the first time we have been able to definitively get a picture of the scale of it, through analysis of our wellbeing data.”

It showed that around one in 10 business drivers suffer from some form of SADD-related issue during the winter months.

“That is a lot of employees who are struggling and need help,” added McIntosh.

This figure should also be seen in context of data from RoSPA which shows that collision rates increase by 19% in the fortnight after the clocks are turned back, and other winter-based emotional health factors, says Red.

According to the NHS, the exact cause of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is not fully understood, but it is thought that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the production of melatonin, making you feel sleepy.

Also, lower serotonin levels can affect mood, appetite and sleep, and shift the body’s internal clock out of kilter.

McIntosh said: “The fact that driving impacts more negatively on a person’s mental health during winter is another hurdle to overcome for those already experiencing tiredness or depression.

“Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder can result in more sick days being taken, reduced productivity and, of course, is a real danger too, exacerbating the risk of accidents.

“For employees who really struggle with this, employers could do a number of things. They could try and reduce their mileage by doing more video-conferencing, or reschedule appointments so employees are not doing long drives in the morning or evening when the risks are higher.”

Every time a driver completes a Wellbeing Profiler, they get a report together with specific advice, tips and suggestions on how they may improve their wellbeing, health and resiliency.

Changes to the driver’s wellbeing is measured over time and these trends are also fed back, allowing the driver and the employer to manage their emotional and physical health in the longer term.

McIntosh concluded: “We measure overall resiliency and drivers’ scores improved on average by 19.72% after training, but more interestingly those that kept going and continued with the programme for more than four months, improved on average by an impressive 30.54%, meaning they were much more able to combat the feelings of fatigue, stress and anxiety.

“Companies are far more aware of the need to support those employees struggling with mental health, and those tucked away in their cars and vans, often alone for hours on end every day, should not be forgotten.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Vehicle crashes could be investigated by a new organisation under Government plans to boost road safety.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced it is consulting on proposals to establish a Road Collision Investigation Branch (RCIB).

It would operate in a similar way to existing independent bodies which investigate air, maritime and rail accidents.

An RCIB would conduct investigations on certain themes and probe specific incidents to establish causes and make safety recommendations.

The DfT said it launched the consultation due to the “huge developments” taking place across the transport sector, such as the roll out of increasingly automated and electric vehicles.

There was no significant reduction in the number of people killed in crashes on Britain’s roads each year from 2012 until coronavirus lockdowns led to a huge reduction in traffic in 2020.

Some 1,752 fatalities were recorded in 2019, followed by 1,460 last year.

Police investigations into road crashes are primarily focused on “identifying criminal culpability”, according to the consultation document.

It went on: “Currently, no stand-alone body exists to investigate road traffic collisions with the remit of learning and prevention.

“The aim of an RCIB would be to conduct thematic investigations, drawing on all available evidence, to make recommendations to the relevant organisations to mitigate or prevent such incidents in future.”

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: “The UK’s roads are among the safest in the world but we’re always looking at ways to make them even safer.

“A new investigation branch would play a huge role in this work by identifying the underlying causes of road traffic collisions so we can take action to prevent them from happening again.

“It would also provide us with vital insight as we continue to modernise our road network to ensure better, greener and safer journeys.”

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “After excellent progress across many years, sustained road safety improvement has been hard to achieve over the past decade, both in the UK and further afield.

“We should be challenging ourselves on whether we are understanding all we can about the causes of road collisions and what could be done to prevent them.

“Our research to date suggests that more could be learnt, which is why today’s consultation is so important and so welcome.”

By Graham Hill Thanks To MSN

Drivers are being warned of major changes to the Highway Code, which take effect from Saturday (January 29). Extra warnings were issued to fleet drivers who cover higher mileages

The new rules are aimed at improving road safety for vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

The Highway Code sets out information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom. Its objective is to promote road safety.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell says that many of the rules in the code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence.

“You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving,” explained Peter Lorence, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

“In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison.”

Although failure to comply with the other rules of the code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted.

The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording.”

What’s changing in the Highway Code?

The changes to The Highway Code are extensive, says Lorence.

Previously the Highway Code had guided for all road users to be considerate towards each other, applying this principle to pedestrians and drivers equally.

“If you are looking to turn into a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you are expected to give way,” Peter Lorence, Irwin Mitchell

The new hierarchy of road users places those who can do the greatest harm with the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others.

“This is designed to protect the most vulnerable people on our roads,” explained Lorence.

The new rules place emphasis on this hierarchy applying most strongly to drivers of heavy goods vehicles and passenger vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars and motorcycles.

Likewise, cyclists, horse riders and drivers of a horse drawn vehicle have a greater responsibility to reduce dangers posed to pedestrians.

Lorence continued: “One change that should be highlighted in particular is pedestrian priorities at junctions.

“Currently, road users should only give way to pedestrians who have started to cross the road into which they are turning.”

The new Rule H2 of the revised code provides for priority to be given to pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road as well.

“Therefore, if you are looking to turn into a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you are expected to give way,” added Lorence.

“We’re concerned that this significant change poses risks to pedestrians who may assert their rights under the new rules, yet drivers may not be aware of this change.

“It is therefore important for all road users to be aware of the new rules, to ensure everyone’s safety and understanding.”

Rules for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions

Lorence says that there are too many deaths and life-changing injuries as a result of vehicles turning across the paths of cyclists at junctions.

“Drivers may fail to check for the presence of cyclists before committing to their manoeuvre, even when cyclists have been alongside them when doing so,” he said.

The new Rule H3 is designed to protect cyclists from this happening. “It sets out that when turning into or out of a junction, drivers should not cut across the path of any other road user,” he added.

“The guidance now stipulates not to cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles. This includes where there is cycle lane at the nearside.

“Road users are expected to stop and wait for a safe gap before beginning their manoeuvre. Drivers are tasked with not turning at junctions if it would cause someone going straight ahead to stop or swerve.”

Safe Passing Distances

Close passing represents a serious danger to the most vulnerable road users. “We’ve seen cases of people on bicycles being clipped by fast moving traffic, resulting in catastrophic injuries,” continued Lorence.

“We’ve also seen those cycling in our city centres be dragged under the wheels of vehicles that have attempted to pass them, but done so too closely.

“In addition, we have seen cases of horse riders and horses being hit by fast moving traffic, resulting in deaths and serious injury.

“Due to horses being flight animals that can move incredibly quickly if startled, close passing at speed can also pose dangers to riders and horses, even without an actual collision.”

Rule 163 now prescribes safe passing distances for when overtaking cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles.

This includes guiding on at least a 1.5 metre space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph. More space is expected when overtaking at speeds in excess of 30mph.

If when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road, drivers are expected to allow at least two metres of space and to maintain a low speed. Extra care should be taken in poor weather.

The guidance also sets out that drivers should not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet the clearances set out.

In addition to setting out safe passing distances, the new Rule 72 establishes the right for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane, to ensure that they remain visible.

Lorence explained: “Cyclists are only expected to move to the left to allow faster vehicles to overtake when it is safe to do so.

“At junctions or on narrow roads, cyclists can maintain their central position where it would be unsafe for a driver to overtake.”

Rule 213 has also been changed to confirm that on narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane and drivers should allow them to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see and be seen.

Safely passing parked vehicles and the ‘Dutch Reach’

When cycling by parked vehicles, the risk of doors being opened into a cyclist’s path is a real danger and a common cause of collision.

Previously, the Highway Code had warned only for cyclists to watch out for doors being opened. Rule 67 has now been revised to provide guidance on the safe distance to pass parked vehicles; it now suggests leaving a door’s width or one metre when doing so.

For those opening the doors of parked vehicles, Rule 239 has also been updated to include what is often known as the ‘Dutch Reach’.

“When you are able to do so, you should open your vehicle door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening,” said Lorence.

“For example, if you are in the right-hand seat, you would use your left hand to open the door. In doing so, this forces you to turn your body and your head, better enabling you to check over your shoulder and your blind spot.

“This better enables those in vehicles to check whether it is safe to open their door, reducing the chance of opening their door into someone’s path.”

He continued: “These changes are largely very welcome, and we were proud to take part in the Government’s consultation.

“In preparing our consultation response, however, we reflected on our clients’ stories and how the life-changing incidents they suffered could have been easily avoided had these changes been made sooner.

“Nevertheless, we celebrate these changes which represent an important step towards eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”

Welcoming the changes to the Highway Code, Brake says that the introduction of a road user hierarchy is important for road safety.

Jason Wakeford, head of campaigns at Brake, explained: “It means it is clear that road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the risk they pose to more vulnerable users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.”

The focus on better protecting vulnerable road users in the new Highway Code follows the Government’s July 2021 announcement of £338m for building segregated cycle lanes and walking schemes.

As part of the hierarchy approach, Wakeford says it is crucial that funds continue to be released for safe space for walking and cycling, with 20mph speed limits in areas where people live and work.

He added: “It’s vital that Government works hard to promote the Highway Code changes, to help all road users understand the new rules and our shared responsibility to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

“We urge all road users, particularly drivers, to look at the updated Highway Code, learn about the changes, and do their bit to put safety first.”

Changes the “right move”

Matthew Walters, head of consultancy services at LeasePlan UK, believes that putting the greatest responsibility on those who can cause the most harm in a collision is the “right one”.

However, he said: “We would have liked to have seen the Government do a wide-scale communications campaign, to ensure that all drivers and road users are aware of the new laws and guidelines.

“Without one, we run the risk of many motorists continuing on as normal, which could lead to a higher level of incident.”

For this reason, Walters says that the onus is on businesses to make sure that their drivers are aware of the changes to Highway Code and adhering to them.

He added: “Business fleet managers should be working with their drivers to improve safety across the team and reduce incidents. This includes thorough training sessions and carrying out regular driving licence checks.”

Louis Rix, COO and co-founder of car finance platform CarFinance 247, thinks we are very likely to big debates – particularly on social media – between those who prioritise motorists and those who prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

“There’s already such a big debate surrounding motorists and cyclists,” he said. “Look at Jeremy Vine, who loudly campaigns for better treatment of cyclists using roads.

“We have cycle lanes in many areas now, but in the places where they don’t exist, drivers need to be patient and treat cyclists with the same respect as other road users.

“The argument among road users around who should be prioritised isn’t going to end any time soon; we have to learn to co-exist on the roads and motorists should lead the way in changing current attitudes.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Drivers are failing to have regular eye tests to ensure they are not a risk on the road, a survey by Venson Automotive Solutions suggests.

It found that 40% of respondents have not had an eye test within the past two years – the maximum recommended period between tests.

If a driver is stopped by police and found to be unable to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’, they could receive a £1,000 fine or points on their licence, but most are likely to have their licence removed.

While it is not a legal requirement for drivers to update the DVLA if they have been prescribed corrective glasses or contact lenses since they passed their driving test, the Venson survey showed that one in three responsible drivers had taken it upon themselves to do so.

Other conditions affecting vision may need to be reported including anxiety, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes* and could mean they cannot legally drive certain types of vehicles, particularly lorries and buses.

“Leaving more than two years between eye tests puts drivers at risk of being unsafe on the road because eyesight can deteriorate rapidly within that time,” said Alison Bell, marketing director for Venson Automotive Solutions.

“Anyone can be stopped by the police and be asked to take a roadside sight test, regardless of whether the DVLA is aware of a health condition that affects your eyesight.

“Failing that test can have serious consequences and may leave someone without a licence and unable to drive. For someone who needs to drive for work, the consequences are extensive.”

Bell says that fleet operators have a duty of care to ensure their drivers are safe on the road, and that includes meeting the required standards of vision for driving.

“If a fleet driver is found to be unable to meet the required standards of vision the company could be liable as well as the driver, and the driver may not be able to continue driving,” she added

“Therefore, it is in the best interests of the fleet operator as well as the driver to ensure eye tests are carried out at least every two years and that drivers always wear any corrective glasses or contact lenses they require.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

June to September 2021 saw the RAC deal with the largest proportion of pothole-related callouts in any third quarter since 2006.

RAC patrols attended 1,810 breakdowns for broken suspension springs, distorted wheels and damaged shock absorbers which represented 1.2% of all its callouts over the three-month period.

The RAC said June to September, along with October to December, are normally the quietest quarters for pothole-related breakdowns, both in terms of pure numbers and the proportion they represent of all RAC breakdowns.

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at the RAC, said: “With Government data showing weekday car traffic is still not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, it’s very worrying that our patrols are still attending a higher proportion of pothole-related call-outs in relation to all the breakdowns they go out to.

“While it’s welcome that the sheer number of pothole breakdowns is not as high as we’ve seen in previous years, we see worrying signs in our data that implies little progress has been made in the last 12 months in improving road surfaces for drivers.

“Traditionally, the spring and summer months give authorities a chance to repair and improve roads, but unfortunately it seems many roads remain in a perilous state. We fear we’re only a bad winter away from seeing a plague of potholes which authorities will struggle to repair.

“When it comes to potholes, prevention is always better than cure. Relying on just patching potholes is a fruitless task which simply pours good money after bad as it only acts as a sticking plaster. This will anger drivers incredibly as they already feel not enough of their motoring taxes are invested in keeping roads up to a respectable standard.”

When looking at the proportion of pothole callouts as a rolling average of the last four quarters, there is a ‘worrying increase’ in the share of these breakdowns, the RAC said, as they represent 1.5% of all RAC call-outs – the highest such figure seen in the RAC’s Pothole Index data since the four quarters to the end of September 2018 (1.5%).

The RAC Pothole Index is a long-term measure of the condition of roads which is adjusted for weather and seasonal effects. As of Q3 2021 it stands at 1.48, down from 1.51 in Q2.

The RAC said that drivers are nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to breakdown after hitting a pothole than they were when the RAC first started collecting the data back in 2006.

RAC Report on Motoring 2021

Drivers surveyed for the RAC Report on Motoring 2021 named the poor condition and lack of maintenance of local roads their top concern.

This year, 46% of drivers say that the state of local roads is one of their four biggest motoring-related concerns, up from 38% 12 months ago.

More than half (58%) of drivers believe local road conditions where they live have deteriorated over the past year, a rise on the 52% recorded in 2020 and 49% in 2019.

Drivers would like to see at least some of the revenues raised from the likes of vehicle excise duty (VED) and fuel duty ring-fenced for spending on local road maintenance. This year, 81% of drivers support this idea, an almost identical proportion to 2020 (82%).

At present, revenues from VED in England are used to fund maintenance spending but only on the motorway and high-speed road network.

Three-quarters (74%) take the view that the motoring taxes they already pay are not sufficiently reinvested into local roads.

Drivers are overall are happier with the state of the UK’s motorways and major A-roads – only 11% cite the state of motorways and high-speed roads as a main concern, although 28% still say that the condition of these roads has deteriorated over the past 12 months. 

Lyes said: “We have long campaigned for national government to recognise the significance of local roads and ring-fence funds over a five-year period to enable councils to plan and deliver longer-term road maintenance.

“If the coming winter proves to be colder than normal as some are predicting we could sadly see our roads crumbling yet further, costing drivers hundreds of thousands of pounds in repairs.

“We’re sounding the alarm now so that this doesn’t happen, but we badly need the transport secretary and the treasury to take a fresh look at how local roads are funded.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News