Tag Archives: motoring tips

women drivers

Foxy ways to enjoy the festival season

If you’re planning to join the beautiful people this ‘summer’ and head to the best of the festivals, here’s a list of top tips for you:

Be prepared – take your toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as any medical, beauty, sun care or female necessities – as well as a hat, insect repellent, bite cream and other first aid bits and pieces.

Take some water – and don’t get dehydrated by the sun or get heatstroke.

Keep your friends close – and don’t get lost; it might take hours to find them again and you’ll miss out on lots of interesting stuff and get stressed while you’re looking.

Know your location – where you’re aiming for and where the emergency services are.

Make sure you dress for the occasion – with our weather, take wellies, rain gear, thermals and a wartime spirit, as well as a sun hat, shorts, maxi, whatever you feel comfy in.

Be prepared to queue – both for the toilets and to get in or out of the site; also for the food and drink stations.

And as far as making sure you’re festival-savvy in terms of your motor trip there and back:

Be prepared – have your vehicle serviced beforehand, check your tyre treads and pressures as well as your spare, especially if it’s a long journey to get there – we don’t want you stuck by the roadside missing your favourite band. You could even take a spare car key in case one gets lost or the battery runs out. Know where your vehicle handbook is so you can check the fundamentals if you need to.

Take some water – check all the fluids in your car including oil and water, as well as windscreen wash in case the obligatory mud splashes too much; you could also take a windscreen shade so you don’t burn your hands on the wheel when you get back in to drive (you can see we’re covering all eventualities here!)

Keep your friends close – Have the contact details handy for your breakdown recovery service, any accident assistance support service and the FOXY Lady Drivers Club website, just in case.

Know your location – make sure you have a map, directions and/or working sat nav, as well as enough petrol and money put by for the journey home or enough credit on your card.

Make sure you dress for the occasion – even when you’re driving, make sure you’re kitted out in case it’s pouring and you have to change a tyre, fix a tow rope or other such practical considerations; also you can get burnt from the sun through glass so put on some sun cream in the remote event the sun’s shining!

Be prepared to queue – for petrol if you’re trying to get some near the site, if you forget to fill up beforehand; or to get out of the site ready for your journey home.

And – most of all HAVE A FUN, FOXY TIME!

cost of motoring, motoring tips

2017 Motoring Resolutions – Spend Less, Spend Wisely

Photo acknowledgement to Scott Webb/Unsplash

This blog has been written by Claire Jones-Hughes of BrightonMums.com.

“On a drive back from a meeting in Maidstone home to Brighton, my Peugeot 308 started to lose power.

There were some rumblings in the engine, it didn’t stall, just restricted the speed to around 55mph with limited ability to accelerate.

Now I do know enough about my car to look after it, get it serviced (which I do regularly) and fixed but I had a worrying suspicion this might be the turbo and feared the worst for the bank balance.

I made it home safely and messaged a diesel-driving (male) friend for advice. It could be a turbo pipeline blockage; it could be the whole thing that has failed. And even visiting my reliable, female-friendly local garage M J B Motors, I was still looking at a pretty packet. And it did need replacing. Ouch!

Could this turbo expense have been avoided?

Although it’s not unusual for turbos to need replacing after a while, especially on cars over 7-years old or after a certain mileage, I now realise there are things I could have done to defer this expense.

Now, I’m not one for making resolutions but in an effort to sort out family finances during 2017, I am embarking on a ‘buy nothing’ or ‘minimalism’ lifestyle to make a difference. This means looking at what we spend your money on and finding ways to cut back, cut things out, mend and repair rather than replace or find stuff you need second-hand or free.

I need the car for work and family errands (visiting my 94-year old grandmother regularly for example), so it has to stay. However, when I read Steph’s earlier motoring resolutions at this blog, it inspired me to make my own in order to use the car more effectively.

So here are some of my commitments for 2017.

1. Don’t run the tank down empty. This most certainly has an impact on the engine and how much residual dirt my 2009 Peugeot pulls through from it’s old tank. This is one of my worse habits as a ‘juggle-mama’.

2. Clean the car inside and out. Shamefully I rarely do. As a business-owner and mum-of-two, this always gets shelved and it’s a luxury to pay someone to do this. Taking care of the paintwork will help prevent corrosion. Taking care of the inside upholstery means if we ever sell the car, it’s likely to be more desirable to buy but also comfortable for us to use. It’s already in fairly good condition but now is the time to start better cleaning habits.

3. Check oil and tyres regularly. During Tyre Safety Month 2016, Steph showed me the 20p check, so there’s no excuse not to check the tread. Especially as we don’t use the car as much as when I was commuting 35 miles a day. Making sure there is enough and regularly clean oil simply helps the engine live happily for longer…

4. Routinely check my mirrors, windows and headlamps for dirt before I set off on journeys. Especially during the winter months, these can get dirty, potentially obscuring vision. Usually I notice this 300 yards down the road, pull over and wipe. What a faff!

5. Re-introduce the eco-driving practices I learned on the Energy Savings Trust course years ago. Especially as I’m stuck with a now controversial diesel car, this is more important than ever until we can afford to buy a new car run on cleaner energy. The last time I did this consistently, I increased the fuel economy by an extra 5 miles to the gallon. Doesn’t sound like a lot but it helps!

What could you do different to drive more economically, eco-friendly or cost-effectively this year?”
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FOXY Footnote:

Thank you Claire. As you explain so well, most of us have learned the wisdom of regular car maintenance and servicing the hard way.

And now we know better, it’s amazing to hear how many motorists still don’t know how to look after their car and why this affects its reliability and their family safety.

We can only hope that when Club members need to buy a used car in future they can find one that’s been owned by a responsible motorist like you that knows the drill rather than one that evidently doesn’t care. In our experience, if a car has been neglected it’ll return that favour in big bills – we call this carma-nomics haha…

road safety

Are you a distracted driver?

girl-phone-car-damageA new survey conducted by Exchange and Mart reveals that nearly 1 in 4 motorists admit to driving when distracted which is a known factor in too many road accidents.

So, they’ve developed an excellent ‘Distracted Driving’ website, during Road Safety Week, to draw motorists’ attention to this.

And we’re adding some simple tips based on our experiences to help motorists who might be affected by these distractions.

Distracted Driving – the Facts

In Great Britain there were over 185,000 road traffic injuries and fatalities during the year ending June 2016) and an estimated 139,000 could have been prevented if motorists had been less distracted behind the wheel.

Loss of concentration through tiredness, affecting driving ability, is the greatest cause of road accidents (62%) and the Exchange and Mart research confirms that nearly 1 in 4 motorists readily admit to regularly driving in these circumstances.

Jim Murray Jones, General Manager for Exchange and Mart explained that their idea of a Distracted Driving website is to encourage more people to make the Brake Pledge.

A new cause for concern is the tendency of some motorists to use their mobile phone whilst driving despite knowing this is illegal and carries a fine of £100 plus 3 penalty points. In the Exchange and Mart survey 9% of motorists said they used their mobile phone when driving, rising to a worrying 33% in the 18-24 years age bracket.

Another cause of driving accidents is ‘distractions outside the vehicle’ including the likes of eye-catching bill-board advertising and being nosy about other vehicles involved in road traffic accidents.

Regular Driving Distractions

When asked ‘Which of the following distractions are regular happenings?’ the number of reported incidents rose as did the average number of motorists of all ages to admit this.

In order of significance
+ 63% admitted to fiddling with the car radio/in-car entertainment or heating/air con
+ 40% were distracted by passengers (Mums know this all too well)
+ 36% adjusted seat belts, seat positioning and mirrors whilst behind the steering wheel
+ 35% ate and drank whilst driving.

Driver Distractions by Age Group

The following activities distracted one age group more than others as illustrated below.

Altering the car radio/in-car entertainment/heating/air con
Distracted 74% of 55-65 year olds

Eating and Drinking
Distracted 56% of 18-24 year olds

Lighting, smoking and extinguishing a cigarette
Distracted 56% of 65+ motorists

Vehicle Passengers (including children)
Distracted 53% of motorists aged 35-44 years

Loss of concentration through tiredness
Distracted 44% of responders aged 65+

Adjusting seatbelts, seat positioning and mirrors
Distracted 44% of 18-24 year olds

Mobile phone usage
Distracted 33% of 18-24 year olds

Looking at something outside, like advertisements or a road accident
Distracted 33% of 65+ drivers

Using external devices, such as Sat Nav or hands free equipment
Distracted 29% of 25-34 year olds

Tips to Counter Driver Distractions

If you recognise any of these signs, you are at risk of being distracted at the wheel.

These tips will help you stay safer whilst hopefully improving your driving concentration.

1 Commit to staying safer on our roads in future by signing the Brake Pledge.

2 Plan ahead. Always make sure your driver seat and mirrors are correctly positioned for maximum visibility and that any SatNav or info-tainment systems are correctly programmed for your journey BEFORE you set out.

3 Don’t drive if you’re too tired (and don’t have to). If you absolutely have to drive yet know you didn’t get a good enough night’s sleep, resort to strong coffee at the outset and regular stops for some fresh air, food and drink.

4 If travelling alone and feeling the need to concentrate, consider talking out loud, describing your car journey in the greatest of detail. Sounds mad but it works because you have to concentrate to do this well so you can’t be thinking about other things at the same time.

5 Put your mobile phone in the boot so you aren’t distracted by it when driving.

6 Suggest that older children assume responsibility for looking after younger children so you can concentrate on driving.

7 Remember that accidents are caused when drivers are being nosy about other road accidents. This might be human nature but it’s too dangerous for you to indulge in yet you need to be ultra alert to less savvy others.

8 If travelling with children you might involve them to help you spot the speed limit signs. This helps them prepare for safer driving too.

9 When driving on A or B roads why not play a driving game? The winner is doing precisely the lower speed limit when she/he enters a lower speed zone (as in leaving a 60mph speed limit and entering a 30mph zone). Think of this as a curtain – when you drive through this curtain into the lower speed zone you should be doing the new speed precisely… And you shouldn’t speed up until you pass through that curtain again, into a faster speed zone!!
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These are all things that hopefully will help you concentrate, stay alert and avoid the most common driving distractions.

FOXY

PS: Thank you to Brake and Exchange & Mart for reminding us about our driving vulnerabilities here.

Needless to say, if you would appreciate this sort of advice and support in future (or know a female who would) – to help you or them reduce motoring stress, save money, enjoy better services and become a better driver, you’ll find yourself in good company by joining The Club HERE.

motoring

Staycationing this summer?

raring2go1207As the bank holiday weekend and half term holiday approaches, many people are choosing to holiday in the UK this year so the IAM’s tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger, are well worth reading here.

Holidays can be very stressful because we want them to be perfect. But travelling with children and often at peak motorway times can throw us a curved ball so it helps to be well prepared, come what may, resolutely chilled and with a ready smile to hand ;).

But we’re all human and in this household that’s rarely the case…

STAYCATIONING MOTORING TIPS

1/ Best to share the driving if possible. It makes more sense to spread the load of the different aspects of a journey. If there are two adults, it’s the passenger’s job to look after the kids, not the driver’s. That way both the kids and the driving get proper attention.

2/ Include regular rest stops, preferably at least once every two hours. Make sure you eat sensibly, and drink enough fluid, especially if the summer turns out warm – dehydration destroys concentration quickly. And get out of the car and walk around when you make the stop – it makes a real difference.

3/ Plan your fuel stops in advance, especially if traffic is likely to be heavy. There’s nothing worse than sitting in a traffic queue with the fuel warning light glowing. If budget is an issue try and plan to buy away from the motorway – service area prices tend to be higher, but running out on the motorway is both dangerous and can be very expensive.

4/ Make sure you get enough sleep the night before a long journey. If you feel tired, stop somewhere safe – this does not include the hard shoulder of the motorway. If you feel really tired, have a coffee and a 20 minute nap to give the caffeine time to take effect. If there’s a long way to go, stop for a proper sleep.

5/ Be sure to take something for the kids to eat, drink, look at and do. When the inevitable request for one or more of these occurs, you’ll immediately have something to hand to prevent a distraction occurring. Pack the car so that the kids can see of out the windows, and so that the passengers feel they can move their limbs – it helps keep the mood cheerful.

Peter reminds us that: “Getting away on holiday is great fun, but it can also be hugely stressful, especially if you have the whole family with you. Make sure you prepare yourself, your car and your route beforehand, for a trip that’ll have everyone smiling from start to finish. Enjoy your holiday.”

Good idea if Dad sorts out the car because Mum surely will have done most other things.

And finally here are some novel car journey games to play…

FOXY

women drivers

Age reminders for female motorists

The elephant in the room for many young motorists is to do with the age of drivers and their ability to keep driving safely into their 80s and 90s. We recognise that it’s hard for some older motorists to give up the freedom driving brings but perhaps there are some that should…

When it comes to driving we thought this information from the IAM was very useful and it contained points that some of us we mightn’t know because we’ve never had to consider this before. But where you think someone is driving longer than they might, please pass this on so they know the law if nothing more. And if a refresher driving course might help (no matter the age), please suggest they join The Club and we’ll help get them sorted out with the knowledge and confidence they may need.

ladydriver

1. Currently motorists are required to renew their licence at 70, and then every three years after that. Make sure you keep up to date with your renewals, or you could end up driving illegally.

2. When you renew your license you are asked to self-certify the state of your health. Be honest with yourself – it may be worth going for an all-round check-up with your GP before you choose which box to tick.

3. Whether it is time to renew or not, you have a legal requirement to inform the DVLA as soon as possible if you are diagnosed with dementia.

4. Your eyesight will inevitably deteriorate as you age, but the law requires drivers to be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20 metres, whatever your age – If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, they must be worn at all times when driving.

5. If you are diagnosed with a condition which causes vision impairment, the law says you must inform the DVLA. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Research has proven older drivers are as safe as or safer than other age groups. But bad habits do creep in over time, and it may be worth considering giving your driving a check-up. Online and on-road assessments are available for older drivers to make sure your driving is still up to scratch.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “As we age, unfortunately our health will deteriorate, which may mean that it’s time to hang up the driving gloves. For example, a diagnosis of dementia is not necessarily a reason to stop driving immediately. What you should consider is whether you are still able to drive safely, what steps you can take to ensure you are up to the job, and what legal requirements you have to register your illness.”

“Experienced motorists may feel that driving is very much an automated activity, but we should all remember that it is actually a highly complex task that requires acute observation and manual skills.”

Hear, hear. And if it’s just a case of low female confidence levels, there are courses to help top up our knowledge and enjoy our motoring again, for a few more years of welcome motoring independence.