Latest news with #DanielKunkel
The Irish Sun
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Half of drivers motor along for longer than three hours leading to accidents & near misses
DANGEROUS DRIVING Half of drivers motor along for longer than three hours leading to accidents & near misses HALF of drivers have been found to push on for three hours or more without stopping, according to a recent poll. This is despite advise from the Highway Code that drivers should take breaks before reaching this time. 2 A poll of 2000 motorists found more than half do not follow official guidance Credit: Getty 2 People were also found to be unaware of the guidelines from the official Highway Code Credit: PA:Press Association The Highway Code advise drivers take a 15-minute break every two hours, but the poll of 2,000 motorists found 55 per cent didn't know about this official guidance. Nearly one in two (47 per cent) admit they simply keep going because they're desperate to reach their destination faster. But 13 per cent have had a near miss after once fatigue set in, and six per cent have been involved in a crash due to drowsiness. The research was commissioned by GRIDSERVE to encourage drivers to pause and relax during their drives this summer. The findings also found those driving electric cars are the most clued up on the guidelines from the Highway Code - as 63 per cent are aware of the 15-minute break suggestion. Whereas 46 per cent of petrol drivers and 44 per cent of diesel motorists knew this. Daniel Kunkel, CEO of the EV charging company, added: "We want everyone to enjoy their journey safely, and it's promising to see that EV drivers are leading the way when it comes to taking adequate breaks. "EV drivers' natural stopping patterns help avoid the dangers that come with the lack of breaks taken. "Taking breaks along road journeys doesn't have to feel like a chore. "There are various facilities available alongside motorways, with access to food, drinks, and entertainment. Drivers targeted with toll fine text message after cruising on highways - but three words reveal red flag "Our forecourts offer a place for all drivers to not only recharge their vehicles but also themselves." But overall, 36 per cent don't see the point in stopping unless they actually feel tired, while 34 per cent are determined to finish their journey before it gets dark. With 55 per cent of motorists planning a long journey in the next month, 39 per cent would be more likely to take breaks if the stop-off points were a bit more relaxing. Scenic spots could do the trick for 34 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, while a quarter long for peace and quiet with no noise at all. When it comes to enjoying their breaks from long drives, EV drivers appreciate these the most (30 per cent), compared to 19 per cent of petrol drivers and 14 per cent diesel drivers. Road safety expert, Graham Feest, said: "The two-hour mark is when fatigue can start to seriously impact concentration, reaction times, and awareness. "Even if you don't feel tired, your brain is working harder to stay focused, especially on long, monotonous stretches of road. "That creeping tiredness can lead to missed signs, slower responses, or even micro-sleeps behind the wheel. "A short 15-minute stop is the sweet spot, as it gives your mind and body enough time to reset without breaking the flow of your journey. "Stretching your legs, getting some fresh air, or having a quick snack or drink can make all the difference. It's not just about comfort, it's about arriving safely."
Daily Mirror
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK motorists ignoring life-saving two-hour break Highway Code advice
New research shows the majority of motorists are unaware of the Highway Code's guidance on taking a break every two hours as many are eager to reach their destination quicker Drivers are ignoring pivotal advice which could lead to potential accidents. A shocking 50 per cent of motorists admit they continue to drive for three hours or more without taking a break, despite the Highway Code recommending a 15-minute break every two hours. The survey of 2,000 motorists discovered that 55 per cent were unaware of this key advice. Meanwhile almost half confessed they keep driving because they are eager to reach their destination quicker. However, in the past this has led to 13 per cent experiencing a near miss caused by tiredness, while 6 per cent have been involved in an accident as a result. The research, commissioned by GRIDSERVE, found that electric car drivers are the most informed about the Highway Code's guidelines, with 63 per cent aware of the recommended 15-minute break. In contrast, only 46 per cent of petrol drivers and 44 per cent of diesel drivers knew about this guidance. It comes after video emerged of the incredible moment a train smashes into van on level crossing - but driver survives. Daniel Kunkel, CEO of the EV charging company, said: "We want everyone to enjoy their journey safely, and it's promising to see that EV drivers are leading the way when it comes to taking adequate breaks. EV drivers' natural stopping patterns help avoid the dangers that come with the lack of breaks taken." He added: "Taking breaks along road journeys doesn't have to feel like a chore. There are various facilities available alongside motorways, with access to food, drinks, and entertainment. Our forecourts offer a place for all drivers to not only recharge their vehicles but also themselves." A surprising 36 per cent of drivers don't see the need to take a break unless they actually feel fatigued, while 34 per cent are keen to complete their journey before night time. With over half of motorists planning a lengthy trip over the next month, 39 per cent admitted they would be more inclined to rest if the stop-off points were more tranquil. Scenic locations could entice 34 per cent of those surveyed to take a pause, while a peaceful, noise-free environment is what a quarter of respondents crave. When it comes to appreciating breaks during long drives, electric vehicle (EV) drivers seem to value them the most (30 per cent), compared to 19 per cent of petrol car drivers and 14 per cent of diesel car drivers. Road safety expert, Graham Feest, said: "The two-hour mark is when fatigue can start to seriously impact concentration, reaction times, and awareness." He added: "Even if you don't feel tired, your brain is working harder to stay focused, especially on long, monotonous stretches of road. That creeping tiredness can lead to missed signs, slower responses, or even micro-sleeps behind the wheel." "A short 15-minute stop is the sweet spot," he advises, "it gives your mind and body enough time to reset without breaking the flow of your journey. "Stretching your legs, getting some fresh air, or having a quick snack or drink can make all the difference. It's not just about comfort, it's about arriving safely."
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Changing one thing about public chargers would make half of drivers switch to an EV sooner
New research has shown that half of drivers would switch to an electric car sooner if the VAT on public charging matched that of home charging. A pain point for many EV owners and a barrier to entry for non-EV drivers, public charging points are currently taxed at 20 per cent compared to 5 per cent when charging at home. Younger drivers, those living in flats or rental properties, and those without access to off-street parking are particularly impacted by the disparity in VAT charging rates. The research by EV charging company Gridserve found that 84 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 76 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds say they'd be more inclined to switch to an electric car under a more even tax structure. In cities where off-street parking is less available, drivers are especially keen to see a change in the VAT rate. Three in four Londoners say they'd switch to an EV sooner compared to the national average of almost half. Two in five drivers nationally called the disparity in VAT charging rates unfair. EV running costs are typically cheaper than combustion cars, but the cost of using public charging points is significantly higher than charging at home, where overnight energy tariffs and reduced VAT can see prices fall as low as 7p per kWh. Drivers with at-home charging save around £1,000 per year compared to those without home charging, and around £800 compared to typical internal combustion engine drivers. Gridserve CEO Daniel Kunkel said: 'Removing VAT from public charging would be a significant move towards levelling the playing field and making EV ownership easier for everyone, no matter where they live. The current disparity between the 20 per cent VAT on public EV charging and the 5 per cent on home charging puts a disproportionate financial burden on those without home charging facilities, which could affect more lower-income households. 'Ahead of the MPs debate on VAT rates set to take place on Friday, we urge the government to take this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to fairness and climate action by supporting this bill and ensuring public charging is not only reliable and widespread but also equitable for all.'
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major change impacting over 1.5million drivers could be confirmed TOMORROW – and saves you £200 a year
A HUGE change to motor laws could save drivers up to £200 - if Parliament approves it tomorrow. The major overhaul is expected to affect 1.5 million 2 A proposed change to motoring laws could save drivers hundreds of pounds Credit: Getty 2 The Government is planning to slash VAT when charging Electric Vehicles Credit: AFP On Friday, MPs will meet in the House of Commons to discuss slashing VAT when using electric charging points. The bill - named The Exemption from Value Added Tax (Public Currently, motorists pay 20 per cent VAT when charging According to data from Zapmap, EV drivers spend £1,690 on charging their cars per year. Read More on Electric Vehicles With the bill proposed by Labour, that cost could fall by a staggering £211 per year. Daniel Kunkel, the CEO at sustainable energy company GRIDSERVE, said: "Removing VAT from public charging would be a significant move towards levelling the playing field and making EV ownership easier for everyone, no matter where they live. "The current disparity between the 20 per cent VAT on public EV charging and the per cent on home charging puts a disproportionate financial burden on those without home charging facilities, which could affect more lower-income households.' It is hoped that the move will encourage more drivers to give up diesel and petrol cars for good, as the Labour government continues to pursue its Net Zero goal. Most read in Motors The UK has a legally binding obligation to hit the target by 2050, after the then-Prime Minister Theresa May signed the commitment into law. The plans to slash VAT costs for drivers come just days after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her spending review. Top 5 takeaways from Spending review In her speech, the Chancellor said she would be injecting a staggering £300 billion into public services. The defence sector and the NHS were the biggest beneficiaries, with the National Health Service receiving a huge £29 billion cash boost. A staggering £39 billion will be injected into the housing sector, in a major drive to build social and affordable housing. The controversial Winter Fuel Payment cuts are being rolled back too, with three-quarters of pensioners being eligible for the seasonal payment once again. In a bid to support their Net Zero mission, the government also announced that construction would begin soon on a £14billion Sizewell C nuclear power plant - which will provide electricity for six million homes and create over 10,000 jobs.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major change impacting over 1.5million drivers could be confirmed TOMORROW – and saves you £200 a year
A HUGE change to motor laws could save drivers up to £200 - if Parliament approves it tomorrow. The major overhaul is expected to affect 1.5 million drivers across the UK. 2 On Friday, MPs will meet in the House of Commons to discuss slashing VAT when using electric charging points. The bill - named The Exemption from Value Added Tax (Public Electric Vehicle Charging Points) Bill - will be read for the second time in parliament tomorrow. Currently, motorists pay 20 per cent VAT when charging their electric vehicle, which means the new law could save drivers hundreds of pounds. According to data from Zapmap, EV drivers spend £1,690 on charging their cars per year. With the bill proposed by Labour, that cost could fall by a staggering £211 per year. Daniel Kunkel, the CEO at sustainable energy company GRIDSERVE, said: "Removing VAT from public charging would be a significant move towards levelling the playing field and making EV ownership easier for everyone, no matter where they live. "The current disparity between the 20 per cent VAT on public EV charging and the per cent on home charging puts a disproportionate financial burden on those without home charging facilities, which could affect more lower-income households.' It is hoped that the move will encourage more drivers to give up diesel and petrol cars for good, as the Labour government continues to pursue its Net Zero goal. The UK has a legally binding obligation to hit the target by 2050, after the then-Prime Minister Theresa May signed the commitment into law. The plans to slash VAT costs for drivers come just days after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her spending review. In her speech, the Chancellor said she would be injecting a staggering £300 billion into public services. The defence sector and the NHS were the biggest beneficiaries, with the National Health Service receiving a huge £29 billion cash boost. A staggering £39 billion will be injected into the housing sector, in a major drive to build social and affordable housing. The controversial Winter Fuel Payment cuts are being rolled back too, with three-quarters of pensioners being eligible for the seasonal payment once again. In a bid to support their Net Zero mission, the government also announced that construction would begin soon on a £14billion Sizewell C nuclear power plant - which will provide electricity for six million homes and create over 10,000 jobs.
