Some safety related items on cars need specialist attention – such as checking thickness of a brake disc, or brake pad. However, there are lots anyone can check – knowing nothing about cars is no excuse either! Below are the top 5 safety checks anyone can do, but amazingly few actually bother!

1. Windscreen Wipers – It only take less than one minute to check the condition of your wiper blades. You should look for any cuts where the wiper to windscreen rubber is starting to rip. It is also a good idea to check the fitment is right and not lose or insecure in anyway. Check for smearing and clean if needed.

2. Windscreen Wash – Refer to your service book, but you will be able to identify the windscreen washer bottle as it will have a screen wash image on (mostly) a blue cap as show below. This is usually found to the left or right of an engine compartment. Refer to the screen wash to get the right concentration. Some screen wash is already premixed, others require water – typically a 30% wash 70% water is fine for UK weather. However, in very cold weather this should be nearer 50%

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Lights – Applying all the lights and taking the time to walk around the car (including hazard warning lights) is an easy way to check their operation. For brake lights and reverse lights ask a friend to check as you operate the brake pedal/reverse light.

4. Tyres – It does not take long to check the condition of tyres. To check if the tyres are legal you will need a tyre tread depth gauge. However, if you don’t have one that is no excuse not to check them. A visual inspection can quickly show any damage in the tyre and sidewall. Check for cuts and bulges on the side, and of course the tread itself for excessive wear. The minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm (about the thickness of a 2p coin).

5. Suspension – A quick bump test can indicate if you have worm shocks. Simply push repeatedly down hard on the side of car over each wheel 4 to 6 times. When you stop, the bouncing movement should stop almost immediately. If it continues to oscillate you may have worn shocks, which will not only reduce the cars handling ability, it will also increase braking distances and stability under braking.

With rising fuel prices, fleet managers across the country would love to employ highly fuel efficient, conscientious and careful drivers that are passionate about reducing company fuel bills.

This sadly does not always happen. Mainly for the following reasons:

1. They don’t have to pay for the fuel (most of the time!)
2. Their driving style – sometimes too “foot heavy” and not always planning!
3. Poor car maintenance (we explain more below)

Below are 5 tips (for fleet managers) to encourage fleet drivers to save fuel.

1. Select a fuel efficient vehicle – Incentivise drivers to opt for a greener car, by rewarding them either financially, or by other means, which would work well with your particular fleet.

2. Reduce Loads – Make a point of ensuring fleet drivers do not carry around heavy equipment in their car or van when they are not needed. Extra weight in a vehicle reduces economy, and can also impact on handling and stopping distances.

3. Check Tyres – Ensure all drivers check tyre pressures on a regular basis. If your fleet drivers need to perform various vehicle checks on a regular basis, ensure checking tyre pressures is one of them. Low tyre pressures not only impact on fuel economy, they also contribute to a decline in handing and braking ability of the vehicle.

4. Driver Training – Well we had to say this being a driver training business! But driver training is a great way to improve fuel economy. By focusing on more effective car control, and better observation and planning, a driver can reduce fuel costs by up to 20%. Across a large fleet, this adds up to a huge cost saving.

5. Competition Time – Many fleet drivers are in sales, salesmen and women are naturally competitive people. So why not play on this and create a “This Months Road Hero!” or similar, where all drivers average MPG is worked out on a month by month basis. You can create a league table with an annual winner being rewarded a prize.

These are just a few ideas that can help companies save money by incentivising and educating drivers. If you are interested in any of the above (especially point 4!) please get in contact with us. We will be pleased to help.

Since the introduction of various legislation (for example The 2007 Corporate Manslaughter Act) more companies have invested in fleet driver training. However, not all companies investing in such are doing so due to legislation pressure. Below is a list of other reasons why we find companies deciding to invest in training, without being “pushed” by the law:

• Company Policy – Many companies  take a committed approach to H&S in the workplace, which includes ensuring their drivers are safe at work.

• Reduce Costs – Many companies are drawn to driver training to help drive down costs such as fuel, insurance and repairs. Companies have seen a reduction of up to 20% by investing in the right driver training.

• Improved Company Image – Creating the right company image is sometimes the key motivator for some companies.

• Motivating The Workforce – Advanced driver training is a great way to motivate the workforce. Training sessions are often a great bonding experience if it’s done in small groups!

The future of fleet driver training:

It has been suggested that within the next 5 to 7 years, fleet driver training may become compulsory for all businesses that employ people who drive a company vehicle. Whether it be for employees who drive for a living, or those who have access to a company vehicle.

Being a driver training business, we would be delighted to see such legislation. However, we feel that although there will be more compliance towards occupational road risk, we doubt all drivers will need to complete driver training.

What we expect to see, is that there will be more incentives for businesses to provide driver training, and more pressure to provide training for those who do a considerable distance each year (such as company car drivers that do over 25,000 miles a year).

We also expect to see fleet driver training refresher courses to become common place. Providing driver training will no longer be a one-off task.

Finally we expect to see companies taking a more holistic view to driver training, and want to make their drivers safer as part of their continued development, without necessarily the need of government pressure.

As a conclusion we feel fleet driver training will continue to grow in popularity over the coming years, with more and more companies deciding to invest in such – and not just for the cost saving benefits, but also for the greater good of road safety.

 
All our advanced driving courses come complete with a full driving report for each driver completed after the course. Not all driver training companies offer this. Some have no post course report, others have a simple tick box style report – both have their reasons for doing what they do, so we are not going to start saying otherwise!

However, we like to differentiate ourselves from other businesses in the advanced driver training market by offering a full driving report for each driver. Although it takes a little more of our tutors time we feel producing a report is essential for the following reasons:

1. It’s Proof! – Having completed  an advanced driving course is one thing, but having actual proof of having done one, and what was covered on the day is something else. Many corporate clients find this very useful when training company car drivers, as it is something that can go in to their HR file and also records their overall road risk.

2. It’s Motivating –  People like to have something tangible after receiving something non-tangible such as training. The report also places extra emphasis on all the positive elements of the training and driving, along with all the points which need further work on.

3. It’s a Benchmark – Having a written report is also a good benchmark. They can refer back to the report, and use it to remind themselves of the areas they need to work harder on.

What does our advanced driving reports cover?

We have a set format for all reports, although the tutors reporting style changes slightly depending on the nature of the training and the individual driver. Below are the key elements of the report:

1. Notes on the initial observed drive:

With our courses we allows around 30 minutes to start, for the driver to relax and to drive in a way they normally do, this is where we make notes on how they drive. This forms our platform for the training.

2. Vehicle Controls:

Covers steering, indicators and foot pedals

3. Awareness & Anticipation:

This looks at their levels of awareness and how they anticipate in a range of driving situations.

4. Attitude & Confidence:

This focuses on how they respond to different stresses in a range of driving situations.

5. Car Control & Technical Ability:

This looks at how they physically deal with driving the car, this is usually most accurately assessed when driving on demanding roads like fast B roads in rural locations.

6. Understanding of Law/Rules:

This not only looks at their knowledge of the rules and law, but also their attitude and adherence to them.

7. General Overview:

This gives the tutor the opportunity to give a final overview of the training, along with any areas for further improvement.

For an example of a full driving report, and more information about our courses please email rob@driversdomainuk.com – To learn more about our courses click here.

Created By Rob Morgan

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The road safety message is particularly important during the Christmas period.

The main reasons are obvious ones such as icy weather etc, but there are also less obvious ones, such as an increased accident rate from having other things on your mind (i.e. have you really done all your Christmas shopping?), drunk drivers and also an increased number of drivers on the road making journeys to visit friends and family – often travelling long distances.

With these in mind I have created my Top 3 Safe Driving Tips for Christmas:

Tip 1: Avoid Drink Driving/ers – The message here is clear, never drink and drive. This is specially true for the morning after. It may be worth buying a breathalyser if you are not sure. A friend of mine did exactly that after a heavy night out one Christmas. He was over the drink drive limit at 3pm the following day!!

Being aware of drink drivers is also important. It’s difficult to give exact tips here – as you ever know where or when a drink driver could “strike” – quite literally.

You just need to be aware, pay specific attention at traffic lights (in a car, on a bike or on foot), be careful when cycling, and when driving keep alert to any erratic driving, and keep your distance.

If someone is tailgating you or driving in a strange way, pull over and let them past. A drunk driver has severely impaired reactions, and the last thing you want is whiplash over the Christmas period along with a damaged car.

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Tip 2: Get a Car Winter Check – It’s advisable to have at least a winter check before the cold weather sets in.

During the Christmas period the rescue services like RAC and The AA are under extra pressure with more motorists on the road, so try and be proactive and ensure your car is ready to face winter.

A winter check will look at things like lights, tyres, wipers and battery charge. A vast majority of breakdowns during the Christmas are for things which can be avoided.

RAC’s List of Most Common Breakdowns:

Source: rac.co.uk

Tip 3: Plan Your Trip – If you are making a journey to friends and relatives this Christmas, make sure you plan.

Specifically check the weather forecast, ensure you know your route, if not – take time to plan and allow for delays if the weather is bad.

If you have a sat nav, make sure it is working fine and is fully charged, also make sure your car’s cigarette lighter works and can charge it without any problems! This is one of the main reasons that people with sat navs often get lost!

The key to safe driving this Christmas period is very simple – plan, be aware and be prepared. If you have any specific questions do please email me at rob@driversdomainuk.com and I will be more than pleased to help you.

Created By Rob Morgan

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Most people do not realise how easy basic checks on their car can be. Car checks before a long journey, or simply as a routine check should be done from time to time. With modern day cars, it is often a scary prospect to think of even lifting the bonnet.

However, regardless of how old or new your car is, below are 5 top things you can and should check yourself.

1. Tyres – This not only refers to tyre pressures that you can check at the petrol station, but also the condition.

Remember, you need at least 1.6mm of tread depth to keep inside the law. Although your tyres should be checked when you have your car serviced and of course, when MOT’d, they can run below the legal limit in-between these service periods – so you have an obligation to ensure you stay safe and legal! Checking tyres can be made simple by investing in a tyre tread depth gauge. When you check tyres, you should also look for any cuts and bulges in the tread and also the sideways – anything suspect, get a professional opinion from a mechanic.

2. Screen wash – Screen wash is not only useful in the summer, but also in the winter to help clear grime and salt. It is essential to ensure you include a screen wash solution to the water. Sometimes they are premixed, others need water adding.

You can buy screen wash from your local supermarket or Halfords and other motoring outlets. Refer to your car manual if you are unsure as to where the screen wash reservoir is on your car – or simply Google “where is the screen wash reservoir on my (add make and model here)”

3. Wipers – Cheap, basic, and often forgotten about, but essential for yours and everyone else’s safety on the road.  Wipers are a major service item you can easily check. When inspecting look for any cracks, perishing and ripping of the rubber, also wipers get dirty – cleaning with vinegar can help, although if they are still smearing after cleaning, it maybe advisable to replace.

Fitting wipers can be easy, although with some cars they can be very tricky, if your car is the latter or you simply don’t want to risk taking them off, Halfords will fit your new wipers (assuming you buy them from their store!). When it comes to wipers Halfords own brand are as good as the premium, well know brands, in our opinion.

4. Lights – Although fitting new bulbs can be really fiddly (don’t worry, Halfords can fit for you!) they can be checked with minimal of ease. Ensure your car is off the public highway and first of all switch your hazard warning lights on, and walk around the vehicle to check the indicators, switch your lights on dipped and main beam, and check both by walking in front of the car.

The rear lights and reverse lights can be checked if you can reverse up to a large shop window (not always safe or practical!) in which case get a friend to stand behind the car as you brake, select reverse gear, and also check the fog light…Not at all the same time mind!

5. Oil – The lifeblood of your engine. Make sure your engine has been switched off for at last 20 minutes, is on a level surface then locate the dip stick and check the oil level. Check the level on the stick with what your car manual advises, and top up if needed. Cars can and do burn oil. High performance engines that run at a higher compression do burn oil – don’t always rely on the oil warning light either!

6. Coolant – Without coolant your engine will overheat in no time and cause catastrophic engine failure! Locate the coolant reservoir and when the engine is cool check the level – there is usually markers on the side of the reservoir. It should be no lower than MIN and no higher MAX. Refer to your car manual for the optimum level.

Created By Rob Morgan

.I am in my mid-thirties now, and so naturally I reminisce about cars of the 80’s and 90’s…Cars I used to look at and think WOW…..Although I still love cars, the naivety I had back in those days simply cant be matched.

I didn’t pass my driving test until 1995 – June to be exact, and so until then I had no real concept of owning and driving my very own car. Maybe its me looking back on things with rose-tinted spectacles, but weren’t cars then (the 80’s and maybe early 90’s) so much more fun? I don’t know why I am asking this as I couldn’t drive back then as we have established.

But I am wondering if we have all become too politically correct, and has the Health and Safety culture turned fun into something a little clinical? Don’t get me wrong, Health and Safety, car safety, driver training (of course!) etc has helped saved lives – which is great.

But I cant help thinking have we lost something along the way in our quest for goodness and the eternal preservation for life – which brings me on to how cars were advertised and how they are now. Lets looks at a car advert of the 80’s – Left is an ad from circa 1987 for the Peugeot 205 GTI, one of the best hot hatches ever built (in my opinion the best ever built!).

The advertising tells you exactly what the car is about – FUN! Yet in doing so it explicitly denotes danger, and rebelling against convention. Would this advert be acceptable nowadays?

I very much doubt it would get past the tight rules and regulations regarding advertising, although personally I think it is a rather cool piece of advertising – as would the rest of the 205 GTI target market.

Lets compare it to the advert for the Peugeot 208 GTI (left) some 26 years on. After the 206 GTI and 207 GTI failed to live up to the expectations of the 205 GTI they had to come up with something special.

Have they? I guess only time will tell. However, notice how different the advert is. No ever so slightly insulting words mocking the more conservative motorist. No imminent risk of death by crashing off the side of a cliff. However, what is interesting is the wording – GTI is back. Clearly making a direct link back to the 205 GTI.

Maybe this is Peugeots way of winning back the former GTI glory which they enjoyed with the 205, but done so in a way that lets people know what the car is all about, whilst taking into account the modern day rules and regulations surrounding what is acceptable.

Created by Rob Morgan

Checking a car before leaving for work or any trip for that matter is always a must. This is taught to young people taking up driving lessons but should be practiced onwards whenever one plans to drive a car.

Car checks can prevent troubles while on the road and can definitely help save lives. There are several important areas to focus on to ensure that you have a smooth journey to and from your destination.

Fluids

The fluids cover not only the oil but as well as the coolant and brake fluids. If you think you need an oil change, its best that you do that before your trip particularly when its a long distance one. This will ensure that your motor runs smoothly and problems are prevented.

Your gas level should not be forgotten. Check that you have enough to enable you to reach your destination.

Tyres

The tires need to be checked for air pressure and wear. There should be a label on the side of the car that shows the maximum tire pressure. You need to stay within this limit as much as possible. Also, do check your spare tires pressure just in case you will need to use it during your trip.

To check for tyre wear, you can use a penny or tread gauge. This is an important step because during long trips, tyres can heat up and can blow out and you wouldnt want this to happen. Remember that the tyres need to have the right grip and should not show signs of damage.

Electrical Parts

The cars electrical connections need to be working well. These include the lights, signals and the horn. To check them, you will have to ask the assistance of another person to see that all lights are functioning. If some are not working, either the fuse or the bulb needs to be replaced.

Find out from this infographic below which cars are dangerous on the roads and additional safety tips you can use.

Source: CheapAutoInsurance.Org

Learning advanced driving tactics is a great way to improve your skill and safety on the road. Practice makes perfect – well almost, and you can never have too much practice with on-road vehicle handling. This experience pays off in real driving situations, and increases the chances of you remaining safe whilst driving.

Additionally, basic safety and security precautions that are always recommended can further improve your chance at a hazard-free driving experience! Things like regular maintenance, servicing and safety checks can all help keep your car in the best possible shape. Also knowing you have the right insurance in place provides peace of mind should the worst happen. Aviva car insurance is one of a number of insurers who offer a comprehensive cover plan.

In addition to advanced driving courses and proper vehicle servicing, sometimes the best way to guarantee safety while driving is to get back to the basics. Specifically, a refresher course in defensive driving can be beneficial, even for experienced drivers. Over time, we all develop our own driving styles, and sometimes it’s easy to forget some basic safety measures. With that in mind, here are four steps to keep in mind for proper defensive driving.

1. Stay Aware

Perhaps the most important safe driving tip in general is to stay aware of your surroundings. However, this doesn’t just mean keeping your eyes open and avoiding distractions. It also means literally observing the road around you for potential hazards, at all times. It’s easy to “zone out” while driving, but if you stay aware you can more effectively react to sudden changes in your surroundings, whether that means an animal darting across the road or an accident in the lane next to you.

2. Allow Space

As you stay aware, it is also extremely important to allow proper spacing around your vehicle at all times. No matter how well you pay attention, if you are too close to the cars in front of you, you won’t be able to react to things they might do in time. Maintaining a proper speed should help you to keep appropriate distance between cars in front of and behind you. It is also best to avoid driving alongside other vehicles for extended periods of time, if at all possible.

3. Watch for Reckless Drivers

You may be the most rule-abiding driver on the road, but there is always the chance that those around you are more reckless. This means that if you move off on a just turned green light without specifically paying attention, you could run into a reckless driver running a red light across the road. This scenario occurs quite commonly, which is why it’s best to always act as if yielding is proper. In addition to obeying road signs, always take an extra second to make sure others are doing the same.

4. Don’t Retaliate

Finally, never retaliate to another driver’s recklessness or road rage. Not only does this distract you from the road, but it may result in further road rage, which is a recipe for disaster. Other drivers can always make you angry, but it’s important to remember where you are and what you’re doing.

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The team at Drivers Domain UK are very excited about the future.

Currently we offer advanced driving courses for businesses and private individuals. However, in the future we are looking to expand our service offering to include other forms of driver driving.

Driver training covers such a wide range of sectors. I initially started Drivers Domain UK as I was, (and still am!) very passionate about improving road safety and driving skills and standards in the UK. However, I think also focusing on more sectors will be a great way to help promote not only driver training, and grow the business from a commercial perspective, but to also help drive the core elements which underpin what we are about, to help improve road safety and driving skills and standards in the UK.

If you stop and think. Without trying to sound too self righteous, these core elements can be driven (no pun intended!) into all areas of driver training. When people are starting a new driving profession, whether it be learning to drive an LGV, or taking a residential course to pass the basic L test, then this is a great opportunity to not only help them achieve what they want, but to ensure they do it whilst having a true appreciation and understanding of keeping safe on the roads. The resources and information on our site continues to grow and will cater for these people….

Who Will They Be?

Over time we will be looking at offering courses for:

1. HGV/LGV Drivers
2. Bus and Mini Bus Drivers
3. Learner Drivers – Residential Courses
4. Train drivers
5. Taxi drivers
6. Spaceship Pilots

Ok so number 6 may be a little ambitious  but the rest are what we are seriously considering. We do need to be working with only the very best trainers in these sectors. So if you currently have expertise in any of the above, then get in contact with us.

Created By Rob Morgan