Sinclair Finance & Leasing

Dangers of texting while driving revealed

New research has graphically revealed the dangers of texting behind the wheel.

It found that the effects of writing, reading and ignoring text messages impairs driving skills more than being drunk or ‘high’ on drugs.

Despite the dangers, 48% of UK drivers aged 18 to 24 admit to texting whilst driving.

Fuel concerns lesson as petrol prices fall

Fleet managers will be breathing a sigh of relief as the summer of soaring fuel appears to be ending, and a season of stability takes over.

According to analysts, oil prices have fallen by 31% since a peak of $147 a barrel in July, to below the $100 mark this week, while the AA says the average price of fuel is now 113p per litre for petrol and 123p for diesel.

While still not cheap, experts believe prices will drop further, relieving a huge financial burden on fleets.

A spokesman for the Petrol Retailer Association (PRA) said "We envisage that fuel prices will continue to drop over the autumn as demand falls.

Green driving techniques taught to learners

Learner drivers are now recieving additional tuition on how to drive in a way that saves money, saves fuel and cut emmisions as part of their practical driving tests.

However, while driving test examiners will provide candidates with feedback on how green their driving is, candidates will not pass or fail their practical test as a result of this assessment.

To compliment the initiative, transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick has also announced that the government is to spend £3 million on promoting green driving techniques to motorists who already have a licence.

More cars and more women drivers on UK roads

Access to a car and the ability of more people - especially women - to drive them has increased significantly over the past decade.

According to findings from the 2007 National Travel Survey, which have just been released by the Department for Transport, the proportion of households that do not have access to a car has fallen from 30% to 25% over the past decade, while the proportion of households with two or more cars has increased from 25% to 32%.