Latest news with #PeteNelson
Dublin Live
06-05-2025
- Health
- Dublin Live
6 medical conditions could see Irish drivers face losing their licence
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Irish drivers with certain medical conditions could risk losing their licence. Experts are warning that motorists who fail to report a medical condition that impairs their driving ability could be slapped with a fine of up to €1,000, or worse have their licence revoked entirely. Road Safety Authority guidelines state certain health issues that could impact your driving need to be declared by filling out a medical form, Galway Beo reports. These conditions include epilepsy, strokes, visual impairments, neurological disorders, diabetes (especially if insulin-dependent), and mental health concerns like severe anxiety or depression. Failure to report could render your insurance void and you could face major penalties like a fine of up to €1,000 and the loss of your driver's licence. 1. Check the RSA list of notifiable conditions Many drivers don't realise how wide the list is. From sleep apnoea to glaucoma, the RSA requires notification of more than 100 medical conditions. If you're unsure, ask your GP or check the RSA website. 2. Be honest with your doctor Some people hold back information out of fear they'll lose their licence. But your GP can help assess your ability to drive — and in many cases, you'll still be allowed on the road with restrictions or reviews. 3. Use the RSA's online service You can report a condition or change in health online in just a few minutes. It's simple, confidential, and helps protect you and other road users. Pete Nelson, 48, a retired traffic officer with nearly two decades on the roads, recounted a memorable incident to Show Plates World. "A man in his 60s had a stroke six months earlier but didn't think it was serious enough to report," Pete remembers. "He was on medication and felt fine. But one morning, while driving to work, he blacked out at a junction and hit another car." The crash left the other driver with a broken leg and severe whiplash but thankfully there were no fatalities. The subsequent police investigation revealed that the man had failed to notify the authorities about his medical condition. He lost his driving licence and received a fine after he acknowledged his mistake. A spokesperson from Show Plates World said: 'It's not about scaring drivers, it's about helping them understand their responsibility. Reporting a medical condition doesn't always mean you'll lose your licence. In many cases, the authorities will work with you to find a safe way to continue driving. But the cost of not reporting it could be massive not just in fines, but in safety, insurance, and the law. We always advise drivers: when in doubt, report it. It's a simple step that could protect your future and others on the road.' Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Little-known rule could land motorists £5,000 for driving in the rain
Drivers have been issued a £5,000 warning for when they're driving in the rain. Heading out in wet conditions is never ideal. But it's an unavoidable part of living in the UK. That being said, the rain can cause slippery and hazardous conditions. That means accidents can become more likely and drivers must be extra careful. READ MORE: Department for Transport 'considering' new MOT test rule for over a million drivers Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join But the £5,000 warning does not relate to common driving issues such as speeding or tailgating. Instead, it relates to puddles on the road. Driving through puddles to splash pedestrians can actually be considered breaking the law. It's considered a public nuisance and is classified as careless and inconsiderate driving, falling under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The law was highlighted by number plates website Show Plates World. The company reached out to a former police officer, Pete Nelson, 48, who spent nearly two decades in the role. Pete said: "As a police officer, we always took this kind of careless driving seriously. "While it might seem like a small thing, deliberately splashing someone could cause them to fall or even get hit by another vehicle. "It's a simple mistake that can lead to bigger consequences." A spokesperson from Show Plates World added: "As weather conditions change, drivers need to adjust their behaviour. "It's easy to get caught up in the frustration of rainy days, but no matter how tempting, it's crucial not to drive through puddles with the intent to splash pedestrians. "It's inconsiderate and it's illegal. "Slow down, stay cautious, and protect yourself from unnecessary fines and points on your licence."
USA Today
12-03-2025
- USA Today
10 lofty treehouse resorts that give 'canopy bed' a whole new meaning
Elevate your stay for an unforgettable getaway Soak up the sounds of the river below at Treehouse Point in Washington — Photo courtesy of Claymore MacTarghan Advertisement Treehouses are getting a glow-up. From Texas to Thailand, you'll find treehouse resorts where you can unwind in nature's gentle embrace. These treehouse stays are a far cry from the patched-together clubhouses you remember from childhood; we're talking hot tubs, plush bedding, and Nespresso machines. To elevate your next getaway, here are 10 of our favorites. Treehouse Point, Issaquah, Washington If you've watched "Treehouse Masters" on Animal Planet, you know that Pete Nelson's native Pacific Northwest, with its towering conifers, is an ideal spot for a sky-high stay. Nelson's Treehouse Point is about 25 miles east of Seattle, Washington, along the Raging River. Choose from seven individually designed treehouses, from the bird-themed Nest to the Burl, built into a 200-foot-tall fir tree. Each of the adults-only hideaways (no guests younger than 16 years old) comes with music players, queen or king beds, Nespresso machines, and tea kettles. Come down from your perch to hike, bike, and raft in the area, then cozy up around the fireplace in the main lodge. Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, British Columbia Luna is cozy all year-round, with electric heat and two windows that open for a breeze — Photo courtesy of Wayne Buhr If you were hiking through Vancouver Island's lush rainforest and looked up at the right moment, you'd find three handcrafted spheres hanging as if by magic from the branches. Inspired by creativity and crafted to be at one with nature, Free Spirit Spheres' most recent addition is Luna, complete with a lounge-style seating area, a dining table, a double bed that lowers from the ceiling at bedtime, two opening windows, and electric heat. Take a spherical siesta, ever so gently swaying in the breeze, while firmly tethered to the surrounding giant trees. Chateaux dans les Arbres, Dordogne, France Designed to echo the architecture of a traditional French château, Chateaux dans les Arbres offers "castles in the trees." Live out your royal fantasies in miniature, watching as breakfast is lifted into the canopy via pulley while, dare we say, you soak in your hot tub, bubbling with joie de vivre? Families are welcome; the Milandes treehouse has a children's room with bunks, and you'll have access to the swimming pool in the summer months. Treehotel, Harads, Sweden Amenities vary in the unique 'treerooms,' from eco-showers to saunas and secret balconies — Photo courtesy of Treehotel It's all about embracing the Swedish Lapland's old-growth forests at Treehotel. Feel nature's gentle hug in your architecturally stunning "treeroom," set 13 to 20 feet off the ground. The massive Bird's Nest looks like the true home of an albatross, the Mirror Cube quite literally disappears into the hall of trees surrounding it (just wait until it reflects the northern lights!), and the LEGO-like Biosphere invites you to become one with the birds. Winvian, Morris, Connecticut For those who relish the finer things in life, how about a two-story treehouse with every creature comfort? Among Winvian's 13 unique cottages situated on 113 acres, you'll find an unforgettable treehouse escape with two gas fireplaces, a king-sized bed, a steam shower, a soaking tub, and a full bar. You might have a hard time remembering you're in a treehouse! Sleep on the first floor, lounge on the second floor. Plus, you're privy to all the perks of the resort, including a spa and seasonal outdoor pool. Tsala Treetop, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa Little tykes in Tsala Treehouse Lodge get special turn-downs and bedtime stories — Photo courtesy of Hunter Hotels Glimpse African birds and playful monkeys from your perch at Tsala Treetop Lodge in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. Each private, elevated hideaway perfectly melds romance and adventure in an age-old indigenous forest. Each of the sophisticated, two-bedroom villas has a large lounge with a fireplace and dining area, a forest-facing private deck, and an infinity swimming pool. Constructed of stone, wood, and glass and peek-a-booing out of the forest canopy, the treehouse suites are complemented by exceptional service, making this entire upscale experience worthy of a bucket-list trip. The Hideout, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand Enjoy a sustainable stay in The Hideout's eco-friendly treehouse suites, built predominantly from local materials. Slip into your complimentary sarong and settle into 700 square feet of paradise, complete with a king-size bed and open-air bathroom. The goal is to be fully immersed in the Thai jungle here, so don't count on electricity, television, or Wi-Fi. Come down from your plush perch in the evening for farm-to-table Thai cuisine by candlelight. Treehouse Utopia, Utopia, Texas Make advance reservations for owner and chef Laurel Waters' seasonally inspired Saturday lunches and dinners — Photo courtesy of Treehouse Utopia Nothing says secret more than a treehouse property that doesn't even publish its address publicly. (It's about 80 miles west of San Antonio.) Treehouse Utopia is intentionally discreet, ensuring the most quiet and private stay as possible. Each treehouse features a sitting room, bedroom, full bathroom, and deck. The decor is influenced by the owner's time spent training as a chef in Paris, so you'll find French-inspired touches everywhere. From the Chapelle, which brings to mind a French countryside chapel, to the Bibliotheque, with its bookshelves, fireplace, and comfy seating, each "pied-à-tree" is an amazingly restful, fully immersive stay. TreeCasa Hotel and Resort, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Get a bird's-eye view of your jungle surroundings at TreeCasa Hotel and Resort on Nicaragua's Emerald Coast. The two-story Casa Arbol treehouse has room for up to four guests as well as a kitchenette, living area, wraparound deck, and not one, but two outdoor showers, where you can bathe surrounded by pink ceiba blossoms. Sleep soundly in air-conditioned comfort, stay connected with Wi-Fi, and take full advantage of the amenities at ground level, from yoga classes to a pool with a waterslide. Hapuka Lodge and Treehouses, Kaikoura, New Zealand You'll only want to leave these gorgeous treehouses for the included full breakfasts and three-course dinners — Photo courtesy of Benedichte Lassalle Wake up in your bedroom in the sky to impressive views of Kaikoura's dramatic mountains and the Pacific Ocean at the luxurious Hapuka Lodge and Treehouses. Each of the countryside lodge's five houses is uniquely designed, with three one-bedroom accommodations and two family houses. These more spacious houses have a primary bedroom in the upper branches, and a smaller kids' bedroom in the lower branches. Warm and inviting, each has a deep soaking tub, fireplace, and custom-made furniture.
