Latest news with #summerDriving
The Independent
14-07-2025
- The Independent
Warning issued to all drivers during summer holidays
Motorists are being urged to take regular stops into their long journeys, as new analysis reveals a significant surge in fatigue-related crashes during the summer months. National Highways, the government-owned company issuing the plea, warned that driver tiredness behind the wheel can lead to "dangerous mistakes". The agency is encouraging motorists to plan breaks that go "beyond quick pit stops", suggesting activities such as exploring a nearby historic site, enjoying a beauty spot, or discovering a cultural landmark. To aid drivers, National Highways is producing videos highlighting potential places to visit near major roads, including Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Hall, and Wrest Park for those travelling along the M1 motorway. An analysis of government statistics by National Highways found that an average of 262 people were killed or seriously injured between June and August each year in crashes on England 's motorways and major A roads where fatigue was a contributory factor. This data covers the period from 2016 to 2022. The figure represents a 59 per cent increase compared to the total for the remaining nine months of the year, underscoring the heightened risk during summer. Figures for 2020 and 2021 were excluded because the coronavirus pandemic affected travel patterns. Last week, a van driver was handed a prison sentence of five years and nine months after falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing into a motorbike, killing the rider, Andrew Rayner, 44. Essex Police said Will Dohmatob, 30, of Rossington Close, Enfield, had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in relation to the incident on February 3 last year on the A131 at Twinstead. A National Highways survey of 1,727 adults in England indicated just 39 per cent would take a break because of driver tiredness. Some 29 per cent said they did not factor in rest stops on their last long journey. Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said: 'We all want to reach our destination quickly, especially when the excitement of a holiday awaits, but fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly. 'It's not just about falling asleep, tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgment and can lead to dangerous mistakes. 'That's why we're encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks and staying refreshed. 'This will help keep themselves and other road users safe while enjoying the rich heritage and natural beauty our country has to offer.' Beth Stone, head of visitor experience at English Heritage, recommended that drivers should 'stretch those legs and enjoy a well-deserved tea and a slice of cake' at its 'amazing places to visit across the country'.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Arkansas State Police reminds drivers to keep cool, avoid road rage on state roads & highways
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – 'Keep it cool' is the advice Arkansas State Police Troopers are giving drivers during the summer driving season. ASP officials said keeping a level head is important as they are seeing an increase in aggressive driving incident reports. As of Friday, the ASP investigated 440 road rage incidents, including 153 involving at least one weapon. Arkansas State Police honors Troopers of the Year In 2024, ASP processed 800 road rage cases, including 333 with a weapon. This represented a significant increase from 2024, when 284 road rage incidents were reported, according to officials. ASP officials offered tips to prevent road rage incidents: Avoid engaging other drivers, even if they have done something to make you angry or you have made them angry. Put as much distance between you and the other driver as possible. Try not to make eye contact with them. Never, ever pull off the roadway to confront them. They could have weapons. Avoid creating a competitive situation with another driver, even if he is at fault. Try not to take another person's aggressive driving personally. If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, safely steer your vehicle out of the way. Call law enforcement if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you. On the final point, ASP officials urge motorists not to hesitate to call authorities if they witness road rage. If you are a victim of road rage or aggressive driving that puts you or other motorists at risk, please report the incident. Call 911 or, in non-emergency incidents, call *ASP (*277) to be connected to the local Troop Headquarters. 'Troopers understand that driving can be frustrating at times, but aggressive driving and road rage are not the answer,' said Arkansas State Police director Col. Mike Hagar, adding 'Remember, road rage can lead to dangerous situations that put your life and the lives of others at risk.' Authorities investigating after pursuit leads to crash near University Avenue in Little Rock ASP officials are asking drivers to practice patience and courtesy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Top 10 convertibles selling for under £10k this summer including ‘curvaceous' Audi, chic Mercedes & ‘cool-looking' BMW
WITH summer getting into full swing you might be dreaming of rolling down a soft-top and feeling the wind in your hair but you think it's a pipedream - or maybe it's not. While convertibles are seen as a luxury they can still be affordable - here are the best affordable convertibles on the market. BMW 6 Series Convertible 9 The so-called 'cool' BMW, has a snazzy exterior look while being a practical car with room for four inside. The BMW Series 6 can be picked up at a reasonable £5000 second hand which is far more obtainable than when it was first released. The car is a fantastic long-range car due to its comfortable interior but it is a complex car that will also come with higher fuel and maintenance costs. Mini Convertible 9 One of the most instantly recognisable cars in the world, the Mini is a smash-hit with thousands of people. Its slick and colourful exterior is matched by its welcoming interior which has a lot of room for a compact car. The convertible can be picked up for as little as £2000 while more expensive models are available that have an engine that packs a little more punch. Mazda MX-5 9 The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most sought after convertibles on the market. Available from £2000, the MX-5 is loved by many for the driving experience it provides along with rear-wheel drive and an easy to use roof mechanism. Due to its popularity, there are plenty of MX-5's available including newer models which range between £2000 and £5000. Audi TT Roadster 9 The Audi TT Roadster was revolutionary when it was first released 25 years ago both for its look and the technology it introduced. This option comes in around £2000 despite it still looking fantastic in 2025 as well as the luxury materials used in building the interior. Fiat 500c Ideal for inner-city driving due to its compact style, the Fiat 500c combines a cute look with practicality. Priced at around £2300, this car is one of the cheapest on the list to insure and run on a daily basis. While the roof doesn't pack away completely, it still performs the convertible element adequately. Volvo C70 9 While Volvo is known for producing SUVs and family cars, they have also produced a convertible that is very affordable. The C70 can be found for as little as £1700 and is designed by the Swedish manufacturer to be as refined and comfortable as possible. It must be noted that the C70 is a metal-folding hard-top rather than soft-top and should be evaluated that it operates properly before purchasing. Porsche Boxter Arguably the most impressive on the list, simply by the name alone, the Boxter's performance is one of the best on the list. Unlike newer models which will set you back at least £60,000, a second hand Boxter comes in at £10,000. Due to it being a high performance car, the maintenance and fuel costs will be higher with this one. Mercedes SLK 9 The smallest of convertibles that Mercedes offers but it is packed with loads of great features like a clever metal-folding roof. The SLK at its cheapest can be found for £1500 but this would be for a first-generation model. For the newer, more modern and comfortable second-generation edition, you would expect to pay £6500 for one in good condition and a reasonable mileage. Peugeot 207 CC 9 While the 207CC might not win the award for the fastest or highest performance on the list, it would win being one of the most cost-efficient. Prices range between £1500 and £3000 depending on how used the vehicle is. It's available with a range of efficient engines and because it's based around the same design as the standard Peugeot 207 hatchback making it cheap and easy to run. Volkswagen Eos 9 The Eos is basically a VW Golf with the roof cut off. The folding metal roof also incorporates a sunroof, so you can still get a better view of the sky even when you don't fancy having the roof entirely lowered. Prices for a good condition Eos start around £3000.
ArabGT
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
How to Keep Your Car Safe in the Gulf's Summer Heat
Driving during the summer months in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—presents a real challenge, not just for drivers but for the vehicles themselves. With temperatures sometimes exceeding 50°C and constant exposure to intense sunlight, the entire vehicle—from engine to tires—is under extreme stress. In such harsh weather conditions, preventive maintenance becomes essential rather than optional. Neglecting even the smallest details can lead to serious malfunctions or sudden fires on the road. This guide presents key maintenance tips based on expert recommendations to help ensure your safety and keep your vehicle in top condition during the summer. Pre-Drive Checklist Before starting your day behind the wheel: Check for leaks : Look for oil, fuel, or coolant stains under the vehicle. Even small leaks can worsen in extreme heat. Check coolant levels: Make sure the coolant is between the minimum and maximum markers in the reservoir. Seal the fuel cap tightly : Preventing vapor buildup inside the tank is essential to avoid hazards. Monitor the temperature gauge: The engine temperature should rise gradually. A sudden spike signals a potential problem. Tyre Maintenance Asphalt temperatures in the Gulf can reach up to 70°C, putting enormous pressure on tires: Check pressure regularly : Heat expands the air inside tires, which may cause dangerous over-inflation. Inspect the condition : Watch for bulges, cracks, or embedded objects that could lead to a blowout. Replace old tires: Any tire older than four years or showing significant wear should be replaced immediately. Preventing Vehicle Fires To reduce fire risk: Avoid leaving flammable items : Items like lighters, perfumes, and electronic devices can overheat and ignite inside the car. Remove unused chargers or devices : Even idle electronics can generate heat when plugged in. Clean the engine bay : Oil and grime on hot surfaces can easily catch fire. Carry a fire extinguisher: A 2kg fire extinguisher should always be within easy reach inside the vehicle. Expert Recommendations Gulf automotive experts emphasize the importance of: Routine maintenance : Regularly inspect the cooling, air conditioning, and electrical systems to prevent failures or fires. Watch for warning signs : If you notice a burning smell, smoke, or rising engine temperature, stop immediately and seek help. Be prepared for emergencies: Always keep water bottles, a first aid kit, and emergency contact numbers in your car. Following these steps will help you drive more safely and confidently through the challenging summer heat of the Gulf.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Top 10 convertibles selling for under £10k this summer including iconic Porsche, stylish Mercedes & ‘rare' BMW
THE BEST convertibles selling for under £10,000 have been revealed. The list, compiled by the BBC's hit motoring show Top Gear, includes a stunning Mercedes and one iconic Porsche. 13 13 Experts from the driving show have scoured the internet for the best deals, as Brits flock to dealerships to pick up convertibles this summer. Each price is based on a real-life example of each car that is currently on sale right now. Lotus Elan SE Turbo The Lotus Elan SE Turbo is a sporty, two-seater first produced in 1989. A second generation of the car hit the road in the mid-1990s and became known for its incredible handling. This incredible car is on sale for just £6,950 on Ebay and comes in a gorgeous red colour. With a manual roof that can be easily retracted, it's perfect for the summer. 13 Porsche Boxster S (986) The Porsche Boxster S is one of the most iconic cars to be produced by the German manufacturer. Fitted with a glamorous black shell, heated seats and 18 inch alloys, the car is both stylish and sturdy. On sale for £9,999, it is one of the pricier motors on the list but it is also one of the chicest. 13 Alfa Romeo Spider (916) For decades, the Spider was one of Alfa Romeo's flagship cars. Made famous by the 1967 film The Graduate, the Spider has a place in Hollywood history. The model is a two-seater vehicle, which has been described as both 'reliable and stylish'. It's on the market for £7,500 meaning you can take the fancy car home without breaking the bank. 13 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129) The Mercedes-Benz SL500 can hit 62mph in just 6.5 seconds and can reach top speeds of 155mph. It is propelled by a 5-0 litre V8 engine and comes fitted with luxurious leather seats. The motor, which is on sale for £9,995, also has climate control - meaning you can enjoy it in the winter and in the summer. 13 Honda S2000 Described by Top Gear as 'punchy, rev-happy and incredibly reliable', the Honda S2000 is a very powerful motor. It is also one of the cheaper vehicles on the list, coming in at just £6000 - making it almost £3000 less than the most expensive car on Top Gear's list. Some models have been fitted with customised parts, including a bigger 2.4 litre K24 unit - which boosts the car's power - and revised drop links. BMW 318i The BMW 318i is a convertible designed more for cruising than racing. The vehicle has a 1.8L and is quintessentially 1990s, with its iconic shape. It's also one of the rarer cars on the road, with only 50 being produced in a luxurious green. Jaguar XJS The Jaguar XJS has a massive 5,300 ccm engine meaning the convertible is one of the biggest on the list. Fitted with cushioned seats and sophisticated wood finishes, it's a car designed for tarvelling in style. Coming in at £9,995, it is one of the more expensive motors but it makes up for its cost through the huge amount of leg room in the front seats. 13 Mazda MX-5 (NA) The Mazda MX-5 was designed according to its manufacturer's Jinba Ittai philosophy - the belief that a car should be an extension of its driver. Lightweight, fast and stylish, the MX-5 is one of the most beloved cars on the road. It costs just £8,250 to pick up this piece of motor history when buying secondhand but MX-5s are known to sell quickly so you'll have to hurry before another car lover snaps it up. 13 TVR Chimaera The TVR Chimaera is as loud as the mythical beast from which it gets its name. However, it's actually an incredibly gentle ride with a 4.0 litre Rover V8 engine. The motor was produced from 1992 and 2003 and has remained legendary ever since. It costs £8,995 to pick up a second-hand Chimaera. The Chevrolet Corvette This incredible car might look like something from a science-fiction movie, but the 1980s Chevrolet Corvette is a certified classic. Its 5.7 litre engine packs a huge punch and has a detachable roof for when the weather heats up. This motor actually costs £12,250 to buy second-hand but sellers have been known to drop the price for the right offer. 13
