August 2024 Motoring and Driving News: Essential Reads for South London Driving Schools
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Welcome to our August 2024 roundup of the most popular motoring and driving news! As driving schools in South London, staying updated with the latest trends, regulations, and innovations in the motoring world is crucial for providing the best education to our students. Here are the top articles this month that every driving instructor and learner should know about.

Overview: For the first time, electric vehicles (EVs) have surpassed petrol and diesel cars in UK sales. This milestone highlights the accelerating shift towards sustainable transportation. Driving schools should prepare their students for an EV-centric future, focusing on the unique aspects of driving and maintaining these vehicles. Read more about what the future of driving may look like.
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Overview: The DVSA has announced new regulations for driving tests, effective from August 2024. These changes aim to enhance road safety and include stricter assessments of eco-driving techniques and hazard perception. Instructors should familiarize themselves with these updates to ensure their students are well-prepared. Stay up-to-date with the Latest DVSA News.
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Overview: Autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This article explores the latest advancements in self-driving technology and its potential impact on the future of driving. For driving schools, understanding these developments is essential as they may soon become a part of standard driving curriculums and driving tests in London.

​Overview: Global tensions have driven fuel prices to record highs. This economic shift emphasizes the importance of teaching fuel-efficient driving techniques to students. With fuel costs soaring, driving economically is more relevant than ever.
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Car subscription services are gaining popularity, offering a flexible alternative to traditional car ownership. This trend could influence how new drivers think about vehicle access, car insurance and vehicle ownership. Driving schools should consider discussing these options with students, highlighting the pros and cons.

Overview: Cutting-edge technology is revolutionising road safety, from advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to improved crash detection and emergency response tools. Instructors should stay informed about these innovations to incorporate relevant safety practices into their driving lessons.

This article discusses how climate change is affecting driving conditions, with increased instances of extreme weather events posing new challenges for drivers. It's crucial for driving schools to educate students on how to navigate these conditions safely.
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Keeping abreast of the latest motoring news helps driving schools in South London deliver comprehensive and current education to their students. From the rise of electric vehicles to the latest in road safety technology, these articles provide valuable insights that can enhance the learning experience and better prepare new drivers for the road ahead.

Feel free to share this roundup with your students and fellow driving instructors to keep everyone informed and ready for the future of driving in south London and the UK.

Here is the Ultimate Guide to Driving Without a SMARTPHONE. Do's and dont's and what are the penalties. Aside from locking your phone away in the boot or glove box there are many ways you can help avoid expensive fines and ultimately reduce the chances of a serious accident. Here at Driving Schools in South London we want all drivers to drive safely and ensure all drivers attention is primarily on the road and are focused on driving. in short mobile phones are dangerous and are a dangerous distraction to drivers.
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In today's connected world, the temptation to use a mobile phone while driving is ever-present. However, this practice is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. This guide will provide you with essential tips to help you drive safely without mobile phone distractions, outline the penalties for phone use while driving, and highlight the associated hazards.

https://www.think.gov.uk/campaign/mobile-phones/
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1. Turn off your phone or switch to 'Do Not Disturb' mode
   - Before starting your journey, turn off your phone completely or activate the 'Do Not Disturb While Driving' feature available on most smartphones.
2. Out of sight, out of mind
   - Place your phone in the glove compartment, in a bag in the back seat, or even in the boot of your car.
3. Plan ahead
   - Check your route, respond to messages, and make any necessary calls before you start driving.
4. Use a phone mount
   - If you need to use your phone for navigation, secure it in a phone mount where you can see it without taking your hands off the wheel.
5. Utilise voice commands
   - If your car has built-in voice command features, use these for hands-free navigation or music control.
6. Designate a 'phone buddy'
   - If you have passengers, ask one of them to handle any necessary phone communications.
7. Take regular breaks
   - On longer journeys, schedule stops to check messages and return calls safely.
8. Use apps that block notifications
   - Install apps that automatically silence notifications while you're driving.
9. Educate yourself and others
   - Learn about the dangers of phone use while driving and share this information with friends and family.
10. Practice self-discipline
    - Commit to not using your phone while driving, no matter how tempting it may be.
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Using a hand-held mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or electronic device while driving is illegal in the UK. The penalties are severe and include:

• A fixed penalty notice of £200
  
• 6 penalty points on your driving licence
  
• If you've been driving for less than 2 years, you'll lose your licence
  
• For more serious cases, you can be taken to court where you may face:
  
  • A fine of up to £1,000 (£2,500 if you're driving a lorry or bus)
    
  • A driving ban
    
  • A conviction
    

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There are many reasons why driving with a mobile phone is bad and can potentially lead to bad decisions, late reactions and impede your driving but here we have broken these down further to explain why using a mobile phone at the wheel of your car is a bad decision.
1. Reduced reaction times
   - Using a phone can slow your reactions by up to 50%, making it harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
2. Impaired visual awareness
   - Looking at your phone takes your eyes off the road, increasing the risk of missing important visual cues and potential hazards.
3. Cognitive distraction
   - Engaging in phone conversations, even hands-free, diverts mental resources from driving tasks.
4. Physical impairment
   - Holding a phone reduces your ability to control the vehicle properly.
5. Increased risk of accidents
   - Studies show that drivers using phones are 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
6. Emotional distraction
   - Receiving upsetting news or engaging in heated conversations on your phone can affect your emotional state and driving performance.
7. Missed navigation cues
   - Focusing on your phone may cause you to miss important road signs or turns.
8. Impaired situational awareness
   - Phone use can prevent you from maintaining a proper awareness of your surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards.

Mobile Phone Use Whilst Driving Conclusion
Driving without mobile phone distractions is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. By following these helpful tips, understanding the penalties, and recognising the hazards, you can contribute to safer roads for everyone. Remember, no call or message is worth risking your life or the lives of others. At Driving Schools in South London, our driving instructors prioritise teaching safe driving habits, including the importance of avoiding mobile phone use while behind the wheel.

For more information on our driving courses and how we can help you become a safer, more confident driver, visit us at Driving Schools in South London.

Stay safe, stay focused, and enjoy the journey!

THINK! Launched a driving campaign to reduce smartphone use amongst drivers and coincide with a strengthening of the laws around phone use whilst driving.
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Several high-profile cases in the UK have highlighted the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, leading to tragic consequences. Here are some notable incidents:

1. The M66 Tragedy
   - Incident: A young driver filmed himself traveling at high speeds on the M66 motorway, resulting in a fatal accident.
   - Victims: Frankie Jules-Hough and her unborn child.
   - Outcome: The case garnered significant media attention, emphasizing the severe risks and tragic outcomes of using a mobile phone while driving.
​www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/13/man-killed-pregnant-woman-m66-crash-jail-term-increased-adil-iqbal

2. The Case of Tomasz Kroker
   - Incident: In 2016, Tomasz Kroker, a lorry driver, was distracted by his mobile phone when he crashed into stationary traffic on the A34, killing a mother and three children.
   - Victims: Tracy Houghton, her sons Ethan and Josh, and her partner's daughter, Aimee Goldsmith.
   - Outcome: Kroker was sentenced to ten years in prison. This case was widely reported and highlighted the devastating consequences of mobile phone use while driving.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37823457

3. The Collision Involving Christopher Gard
   - Incident: In 2015, Christopher Gard was texting while driving when he hit and killed cyclist Lee Martin.
   - Victim: Lee Martin, a 48-year-old cyclist.
   - Outcome: Gard was sentenced to nine years in prison. This case underscored the lethal danger of texting while driving and led to calls for stricter enforcement of mobile phone use laws.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3782511/Road-madness-Cage-fighter-mowed-cyclist-phone-EIGHT-previous-convictions-texting-wheel-DID-courts-allow-van-kill-innocent-father.html

4. The Tragic Death of Tracy Houghton and Children
   - Incident: In 2016, a lorry driver using his mobile phone caused a crash that killed Tracy Houghton and three children on the A34.
   - Victims: Tracy, her two sons and her partner's daughter
   - Outcome: The driver was sentenced to ten years in prison. This incident was a stark reminder of the dangers of mobile phone use while driving and led to increased public awareness and calls for harsher penalties.
news.sky.com/story/a34-crash-lorry-driver-jailed-for-killing-family-while-on-phone-10639721


These cases have brought to light the severe consequences of using a mobile phone while driving, leading to fatalities and long-term legal repercussions for the drivers involved. They have also spurred public debate and legislative action aimed at curbing mobile phone use on the roads to prevent further tragedies.