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Couple cautioned for teaching poodle to drive
Traffic police in Liunan, China, spotted a car driving too slowly. What they found inside the car was a dog steering, seated on a woman in charge of the pedals.
The patrol police men gave the couple a warning ticket and told them to take a more responsible attitude towards driving with their dog, Niu Niu.
Picture posed by model. Traffic police in Liunan, China, spotted a car driving too slowly. What they found inside the car was a dog steering, seated on a wom... more -
'Speeding driver' killed boy, 3, and drove on
A speeding motorist ran over a three-year-old boy playing in the road and carried on his journey without stopping, a jury has been told.
Darren Jenkins, 25, denies causing the death of Joshua Venn-Howells by dangerous driving in the St Mellons area of Cardiff in July last year. Mr Jenkins told police he was aware he had hit something but did not know what, Cardiff Crown Court heard.
Joshua was injured in the crash and died in hospital the following day.
Tom Crowther, prosecuting , said it was their case that Joshua was "clearly visible" as the driver of the car behind Mr Jenkins, of Roath, Cardiff, had been able to see him in the middle of the road.
He told the jury they would hear evidence that Mr Jenkins was speeding at the time of the collision which happened in a 30mph zone on Willowbrook Road on 27 July. The court heard it was "a massive failure of responsibility" of Mr Jenkins as a qualified driver which led to the death of Joshua, the second youngest of six children.
(Excerpts / BBC News)
A speeding motorist ran over a three-year-old boy playing in the road and carried on his journey without stopping, a jury has been tol... more -
Kids drive cars
Strange news story about a driving school for children … that's run by children.
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United Kingdom Talk Tuesday 22nd July2008
Tuesday's edition of my three times a week talk show.Watch
the show here on CURRENT TV on Tues, Thurs & Sats.
Today's show is dedicated to Uncle Michael Hayes.R.I.P.10th July 2008.
The excitement is building.
Sinning in advance.
Looking around in Lincolnshire.
Speaking at a funeral.
Why the dark glasses ?
Blip TV.
Congratulations Ryan.
Man From Atlantis.
A clean hospital.
Where's my cushion ?
Hi to Kayleigh, Rocky, Granite & Pebbles.Oh - I nearly forgot - Judith LOL.
Don't throw things away.
Slipping into holiday mode.
Soap problems.
Stargate.
Fish in little bowls.
Driving & mobile phones.
A plastic globe.
Electric car news from Joe.
Shall I undo another button ?
Tiny car park.
My arms.
The shopping list is ready.
Email :
chris@unitedkingdomtalk.co.uk
WWW.UNITEDKINGDOMTALK.CO.UK Tuesday's edition of my three times a week talk show.Watch the show here on CURRENT TV on Tues, Thurs & Sats. ... more -
300,000 drivers unaware that sat-nav doesn't drive for them
A survey has found that sat-nav systems have caused up to 300,000 accidents on Britain's roads. More than 1.5 million people also claimed that they have performed sudden manoeuvres, changes in direction and blithely driven the wrong way down a one-way street at the bequest of their dashboard menace.
Time to get out the good old A-Z? A survey has found that sat-nav systems have caused up to 300,000 accidents on Britain's roads. More than 1.5 million people also cla... more -
Deadly Tolls: Sick truckers causing fatal wrecks
"WASHINGTON (AP) — Tractor-trailer and bus drivers in the United States have suffered seizures, heart attacks or unconscious spells behind the wheel that led to deadly crashes on highways. Hundreds of thousands of drivers carry commercial licenses even though they also qualify for full federal disability payments, according to a new U.S. safety study obtained by The Associated Press.
The problems threatening highway travelers persist despite years of government warnings and hundreds of deaths and injuries blamed on commercial truck and bus drivers who blacked out, collapsed or suffered major health problems behind the wheels of vehicles that can weigh 40 tons or more."
They have some examples of truck drivers with medical conditions and what type of accidents they've gotten into, as well as statements from truck drivers. Gee, I always wondered why there are so many tractor trailer accidents! "WASHINGTON (AP) — Tractor-trailer and bus drivers in the United States have suffered seizures, heart attacks or unconscious spells be... more -
Hi-Tech windshield deisnged for old drivers
Researches for General Motors corp. are working on a futuristic new windshield which uses lasers, infrared sensors, and a camera to enhance the detail of the road ahead, so that drivers with vision problems can see more clearly, and hence drive more safely.
The technology, though only in the preliminary stages of development, could prove extremely useful in the future: the 65 and over population is set to double in the US over the next 20 years. Researches for General Motors corp. are working on a futuristic new windshield which uses lasers, infrared sensors, and a camera to en... more -
No more speed cameras? Council challenges government over road safety
Speed cameras could be scrapped by a Conservative-ruled local authority.
Swindon Borough Council is reviewing its involvement with the local safety camera partnership scheme and considering whether to spend its £400,000-a-year contribution elsewhere.
Leader, Councillor Roderick Bluh, said: "We are not going to compromise safety, but we are taking the opportunity to review how we utilise the money. A huge amount of money is being raised by speed cameras and we are seeking better ways of ensuring road safety without penalising motorists."
It is believed to be the first time that a council in the UK has challenged the Government over the issue. The Conservative-run council is considering withdrawing from the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership after a shake-up of speed camera funding rules which mean the Treasury now keeps the proceeds of fines. The Government then makes road-safety grants to councils.
Tory councillor Peter Greenhalgh, head of highways, transport and strategic planning for Swindon, reportedly said the money should be spent on a range of local safety measures. "These are far more effective that speed cameras which, I feel, are a blatant tax on the motorist," he said. "They are being used as a cash cow. I do take exception to the positioning of some mobile speed cameras. They are designed to raise revenue."
(Yahoo! News UK)
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Do you agree that it is time to get rid of speed cameras and introduce other means of ensuring road safety? Or do you think speed cameras work and should stay?
Speed cameras could be scrapped by a Conservative-ruled local authority. ... more -
Father given suspended sentence for throwing 4-year-old girl at moving car
A father who threw his four-year-old daughter "like a doll" against a moving car, has been given a two-year suspended jail sentence.
Mold Crown Court in North Wales heard how the man, 39, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, threw the child at her mother's car as she drove away from their home following a row.
The man, who admitted wounding, had been drinking heavily at the time.
Gordon Hennell, prosecuting, said the incident occurred as the defendant's ex-wife left the house in her car during a row at about 0740 BST on 4 February this year. The court heard he had wanted to leave the girl with her mother so he could return to the pub.
Mr Hennell said: "She saw the defendant coming out of the house carrying their daughter who was in her pyjamas and carrying a pink comfort blanket."
The woman was unaware her daughter had been thrown against the car and drove off.
The court heard how the defendant initially appeared to walk past his daughter on the way back to his house, but then went to collect her after two teenage girls called out to the child. One of the girls dialled 999 and reported seeing the youngster thrown like a doll. She was found to have cuts and bruises but no serious injuries.
Simon Mintz, defending, said the man had two previous convictions for drink driving but nothing for violence.
The judge said the man behaved "wickedly" and a prison sentence was inevitable. But he added: "However, I not only have to consider punishment, but the effect that punishment will have upon the relationship your daughter has with you. With great hesitation, I am going to make you subject to a suspended sentence supervision order."
A father who threw his four-year-old daughter "like a doll" against a moving car, has been given a two-year suspended jail sentence. ... more -
Young drivers to be banned from drinking?
The legal blood alcohol limit should be reduced to zero for drivers aged 17 to 20, the British government's chief medical officer has said.
Sir Liam Donaldson said that although the measure may prove unpopular, he believed it would reduce road deaths among young people.
In his annual report Sir Liam called for a new focus on the health issues facing teenagers. He highlighted six key factors threatening the well-being of young people: smoking, alcohol and drugs, accidents and violence, diet, physical activity and sexual health.
Transport accidents are the leading cause of death among 16 to 18-year-olds, and in 2005 drivers aged 17-19 had 1,080 drink-drive accidents.
His report pointed out that alcohol use increases the risk of a crash for a young driver two and a half times more than for an older driver.
An effective zero limit for young and novice drivers is in force in 14 European countries, as well as a number of Canadian provinces and Australian states.
Do you think this would be effective? If you're a teenager, would the threat of getting caught behind the wheel with even one drink in your system be enough to stop you from drinking before driving? And if you used to be a teenager, would it have stopped you then?
The legal blood alcohol limit should be reduced to zero for drivers aged 17 to 20, the British government's chief medical officer has ... more -
United Kingdom Talk Thursday 10th July 2008
Thursday's edition of my three times a week talk show.Watch the show here on Current TV on Tues, Thurs & Sats.
In today's show :
To tip, or not to tip ?
What if the car doesn't stop ?
Something's broken.
A very busy Bingay, and a quiet one.
In an ark.
Humid.
Anticipate those errors.
A weightwatchers product.
Anyone in the restaurant industry listening or watching ?
How much does a waiter earn in the States ?
Strange occurrences on planes.
Anyone see the tennis ?
In the fridge.
Get off the phone if you are driving.
A list of rules & regulations.
It's all on "LIVE 365".
Can we refuse to pay the whole bill ?
Two Chris Reardon's.
Great help from Brian in Canada for my nephew.Thank you Brian.
Do we need to be more sensible ?
Cucumbers & lettuce leaves.
Who's at the door ?
An email from Facebook.
Email :
chris@unitedkingdomtalk.co.uk
WWW.UNITEDKINGDOMTALK.CO.UK Thursday's edition of my three times a week talk show.Watch the show here on Current TV on Tues, Thurs & Sats. ... more -
New law allows roadside blood and urine testing of Canadian drivers
Note: Here in the US, police are doing these kinds of tests even without laws having been passed.
Drivers who get behind the wheel while high on drugs will face roadside testing and they could be ordered to surrender urine, blood or saliva samples at the police station under a controversial new law that takes effect one week from today.
Drivers who refuse to comply will be subject to a minimum $1,000 fine - the same penalty for refusing the breathalyzer.
Police will be given their new powers to nab drug-impaired drivers after almost five years of intense debate in Parliament.
The law, passed this year after three failed attempts, has been lauded by law enforcement and other groups who say drug-impaired drivers are escaping unpunished at a time when their numbers are climbing.
"Love it," said Gregg Thomson, a father from Kanata, Ont., who predicted yesterday the new testing will deter people from driving under the influence of drugs, just as the breathalyzer test produced a drop in drunk driving.
The new law, however, has sparked warnings about potential court battles from critics who contend demanding bodily fluids is overly intrusive and scientifically unreliable in detecting drug impairment.
"This is going to be challenged left and right," predicted Murray Mollard, executive director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.
Beginning next Wednesday, drivers suspected of being high will be required to perform physical tests at the side of the road, such as walking a straight line. If they fail, they will be sent to the police station for further testing by a trained "drug recognition expert" and then be forced to give blood, urine, or saliva samples if they flunk the second test as well.
Critics say while there is a measurable link between blood alcohol levels and driving ability, research is lacking to equate drug quantity and impairment.
Another potential problem in testing bodily fluids is that they can detect marijuana smoked several days or months earlier and the effect has worn off.
"This kind of testing doesn't test for impairment, it tests for past use of a substance and we know with certain substances they stay for a long time," Mollard said.
Federal privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart and the Canadian Bar Association also have raised alarm bells.
Testing is already happening in Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia, but only when the driver voluntarily participates. However, that hardly ever happens because nobody "is going to consent to pee in a bottle" when they are not legally required, said Andy Murie, chief executive officer of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Note: Here in the US, police are doing these kinds of tests even without laws having been passed. ... more -
More states say cellphones and driving don't mix
SAN FRANCISCO - On July 1, California will become the largest state to ban unlimited cellphone use by drivers. The law prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on the phone, and it requires older drivers to use a hands-free headset. SAN FRANCISCO - On July 1, California will become the largest state to ban unlimited cellphone use by drivers. The law prohibits drive... more
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Karl Lagerfeld promotes safe driving
No this isn’t a new trend Karl Lagerfeld is starting, but a safety warning for French drivers. Photographed wearing a bright yellow reflective vest over his trademark black suit, fingerless gloves and sunglasses, the campaign boasts the tagline: “It’s yellow, it’s ugly, it doesn’t go with anything, but it could save your life”. He made wearing safety vests look cool! No this isn’t a new trend Karl Lagerfeld is starting, but a safety warning for French drivers. Photographed wearing a bright yellow r... more
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America's "New Urbanism"
The mass migration of America's middle classes from urban areas to the suburbs amounted to a demographic revolution in the years after the Second World War.
But the so-called "driveable suburb" is becoming increasingly unfeasible as soaring fuel costs make a long commute too expensive for many.
Higher energy prices are also having a disproportionate impact on bigger homes, such as those found in the suburbs, as they inevitably cost much more to heat in winter and cool in America's often fiercely hot summers.
The sub-prime mortgage crisis has accelerated this flight to the cities – experts have christened it New Urbanism – as property prices have particularly collapsed in more remote areas.
According to a poll for Reuters, about 10 per cent of Americans said they were considering moving closer to work while roughly the same percentage said they were thinking about getting a job closer to home.
Transportation is now the second biggest household expense in the US after housing. Much of the new demand for city homes is in neighbourhoods close to light railway stations, hastening the move away from a car culture. The mass migration of America's middle classes from urban areas to the suburbs amounted to a demographic revolution in the years after... more -
Optical illusions to be used as speed bumps
Optical illusions are to be painted onto city streets in the United States in an effort to slow traffic.
The images will appear as 3D barriers to oncoming motorists, although the road is completely flat.
The fake speed humps are being installed at 100 junctions around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as part of a campaign against aggressive driving.
"The goal is to change the mindset," said Philadelphia’s chief traffic engineer Charles Denny.
"The driver sees this in the roadway, and they think that it’s some protrusion up out of the roadway, and not a perfectly flat surface. So they slow down before they drive over it."
Accident data will be collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to see if the pioneering scheme actually does make the roads safer.
Optical illusions are to be painted onto city streets in the United States in an effort to slow traffic. ... more -
Looking to Avoid Aggressive Drivers? Check Those Bumpers.
Three horrors await Americans who get behind the wheel of a car for a family road trip this summer: the spiraling price of gas, the usual choruses of "are-we-there-yet?" -- and the road rage of fellow drivers.
Divine intervention might be needed for the first two problems, but science has discovered a solution for the third.
Watch out for cars with bumper stickers.
That's the surprising conclusion of a recent study by Colorado State University social psychologist William Szlemko. Drivers of cars with bumper stickers, window decals, personalized license plates and other "territorial markers" not only get mad when someone cuts in their lane or is slow to respond to a changed traffic light, but they are far more likely than those who do not personalize their cars to use their vehicles to express rage -- by honking, tailgating and other aggressive behavior.
It does not seem to matter whether the messages on the stickers are about peace and love -- "Visualize World Peace," "My Kid Is an Honor Student" -- or angry and in your face -- "Don't Mess With Texas," "My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student."
SHANKAR VEDANTAM
WASHINGTON POST
CLICK ON LINK FOR FULL ARTICLE Three horrors await Americans who get behind the wheel of a car for a family road trip this summer: the spiraling price of gas, the us... more -
Driving on Salvia
It's time to go to space. So effective... and so legal!
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Driving Test, and why we should retake them...
Many people who have their driver's licenses should not drive, period. It is my belief that retaking driving tests should be mandatory for all drivers, especially for senior citizens. I don't just want to pick on the oldies, many young drivers are guilty of poor driving as well. Anyone can get into an accident, but many out there are causing accidents and don't even know it. You see drivers pull some extravagant illegal maneuver, almost cause you to crash, and have the audacity to argue with you on your driving. I'm no saint on the road, but I at least have the commonsense to pay attention when I'm out there... Many people who have their driver's licenses should not drive, period. It is my belief that retaking driving tests should be mandatory... more
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Eisenhower Interstate Highway System Decoded
Here's a concise guide to the US highway naming conventions. Was this part of the curriculum in high school Driver's Education and I somehow managed to sleep through it?
Here's a concise guide to the US highway naming conventions. Was this part of the curriculum in high school Driver's Education and I s... more
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