Latest news with #under25s
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chatting to passenger biggest cause of car crashes
Talking to passengers and daydreaming behind the wheel are bigger causes of driving mistakes that may lead to an accident than using a mobile phone, a survey suggests. The RAC, which commissioned the poll, warned that distractions can have 'catastrophic consequences'. More than three in five (63 per cent) of the 2,691 UK drivers surveyed said they had made mistakes behind the wheel because they were distracted. Of this group, the most common self-reported causes of distraction were talking to other passengers (43 per cent) and thinking about topics unrelated to driving (37 per cent). When respondents were asked what they thought were the most distracting things a driver could do, the most common responses were talking on a phone (46 per cent) and applying make-up or shaving (42 per cent). Among those who admitted to making distraction mistakes, just 8 per cent said talking on the phone was the cause, while 2 per cent of drivers blamed shaving or applying make-up. Mistakes included missing a junction, exceeding the speed limit, ending up in the wrong lane or nearly crashing into another road user. Yet almost a quarter (23 per cent) of under-25s said they had been distracted by making phone calls, even though doing so with a handheld device while driving is illegal. More than half (55 per cent) of this age group admitted to breaking the law by doing this. Overall, the difference between what drivers believe is distracting and what actually caused a mistake to be made suggests that the public may be wrong about the causes of road safety hazards. Rod Dennis, the RAC road safety spokesman, said: 'Talking to passengers or daydreaming are so common that they aren't perceived by drivers to be big distractions, but our research has revealed they are in fact responsible for most of the errors drivers admit to. 'Although your eyes are on the road, it's easy for your mind to wander behind the wheel, especially on long journeys. 'Distractions can have catastrophic consequences for both drivers themselves and other road users, especially in extreme instances like failing to stop at a junction or at a red light or crossing. 'Driving is still a very mentally demanding task, especially as we need to be able to react to what's in front in a split-second, so it's important we do everything we can to stay alert and minimise distractions.' Almost one in five (18 per cent) of younger motorists aged 17 to 24 said they had become distracted after eating or drinking while driving. Similarly, just over one in 10 of the same age group said vaping or smoking behind the wheel had led to them taking their minds off the road. Interacting with modern touchscreen systems to control functions such as heating, radio and navigation aids also lead to drivers making mistakes, with 26 per cent of the full survey sample saying this happened to them. Separate Department for Transport (DfT) figures show 940 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 where a driver was found to be distracted by something within their vehicle. Campaigners have long sought to crack down on the use of mobile phones while driving because of their potential to distract motorists from the road ahead. Yet the message of safety over convenience has yet to fully sink in. Earlier this year, rapper Stormzy was banned from driving for nine months after an undercover police officer caught him using a phone behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce in west London. Manchester City player Erling Haaland was reportedly caught scrolling on his phone while stopped in traffic last September. Doing so behind the wheel still counts as using a handheld device while driving, even when the vehicle is stationary. Similarly, rail minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill was reported to police after he was caught doing the same thing in April while behind the wheel of his vintage Routemaster bus, which he was driving during a charity event. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Chatting at wheel ‘worse than using phone'
Talking to passengers and daydreaming behind the wheel are bigger causes of driving mistakes that may lead to an accident than using a mobile phone, a survey suggests. The RAC, which commissioned the poll, warned that distractions can have 'catastrophic consequences'. More than three in five (63 per cent) of the 2,691 UK drivers surveyed said they had made mistakes behind the wheel because they were distracted. Of this group, the most common self-reported causes of distraction were talking to other passengers (43 per cent) and thinking about topics unrelated to driving (37 per cent). When respondents were asked what they thought were the most distracting things a driver could do, the most common responses were talking on a phone (46 per cent) and applying make-up or shaving (42 per cent). Among those who admitted to making distraction mistakes, just 8 per cent said talking on the phone was the cause, while 2 per cent of drivers blamed shaving or applying make-up. Mistakes included missing a junction, exceeding the speed limit, ending up in the wrong lane or nearly crashing into another road user. Yet almost a quarter (23 per cent) of under-25s said they had been distracted by making phone calls, even though doing so with a handheld device while driving is illegal. More than half (55 per cent) of this age group admitted to breaking the law by doing this. Public wrong about hazard causes Overall, the difference between what drivers believe is distracting and what actually caused a mistake to be made suggests that the public may be wrong about the causes of road safety hazards. Rod Dennis, the RAC road safety spokesman, said: 'Talking to passengers or daydreaming are so common that they aren't perceived by drivers to be big distractions, but our research has revealed they are in fact responsible for most of the errors drivers admit to. 'Although your eyes are on the road, it's easy for your mind to wander behind the wheel, especially on long journeys. 'Distractions can have catastrophic consequences for both drivers themselves and other road users, especially in extreme instances like failing to stop at a junction or at a red light or crossing. 'Driving is still a very mentally demanding task, especially as we need to be able to react to what's in front in a split-second, so it's important we do everything we can to stay alert and minimise distractions.' Almost one in five (18 per cent) of younger motorists aged 17 to 24 said they had become distracted after eating or drinking while driving. Similarly, just over one in 10 of the same age group said vaping or smoking behind the wheel had led to them taking their minds off the road. Interacting with modern touchscreen systems to control functions such as heating, radio and navigation aids also lead to drivers making mistakes, with 26 per cent of the full survey sample saying this happened to them. Safety over convenience Separate Department for Transport (DfT) figures show 940 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 where a driver was found to be distracted by something within their vehicle. Campaigners have long sought to crack down on the use of mobile phones while driving because of their potential to distract motorists from the road ahead. Yet the message of safety over convenience has yet to fully sink in. Earlier this year, rapper Stormzy was banned from driving for nine months after an undercover police officer caught him using a phone behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce in west London. Manchester City player Erling Haaland was reportedly caught scrolling on his phone while stopped in traffic last September. Doing so behind the wheel still counts as using a handheld device while driving, even when the vehicle is stationary. Similarly, rail minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill was reported to police after he was caught doing the same thing in April while behind the wheel of his vintage Routemaster bus, which he was driving during a charity event.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Caerphilly pub Masons Arms bans under 25s from weekend drinking
Landlords have called last orders on under 25s from drinking in their pub on weekend changes will see anyone under the age of 25 not allowed to drink at the Masons Arms in Caerphilly after 19:00 BST on Fridays and post on Facebook, which has been met with a mixed response, said the change was due to "a lack of respect for the pub and its patrons" and that "the minority have spoilt it" for everyone under 25s already in the pub on Fridays and Saturdays will not be served after 18:30. When contacted by the BBC, the owners declined to comment further. In the post, the owners said they had tried to do their best for the community and "always have our customers' interests first".The news was met with a mixed response on social media, with some backing the move."Good for you, hope they have respect" one wrote, while another added: "Well done."Some suggested the pub should employ bouncers, to keep out those causing trouble, while others were concerned that the rules were in breach of the Equality Act, adding that the Facebook post "invited ridicule and potential business loss".Section 13(2) of the Equality Act 2010 states: "If the protected characteristic is age, a person does not discriminate against another if they can prove their treatment is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim."Under the law, an employer or organisation can justify less favourable treatment, based on age, if it can demonstrate it is necessary and fair to achieve a specific goal, such as improving efficiency or safety.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
If you're under 25 in this pub you'll have to be out early on busy nights
A Welsh pub said it has banned under 25s from drinking there on Friday and Saturday nights. The Masons Arms in Caerphilly announced its rule change in a public Facebook post on Saturday. The statement said the "minority have spoilt it" and contributed to a "lack of respect for the pub and its patrons." The post, which asks "please everyone read and share", goes on to explain that nobody below the age of 25 will be allowed in the Mill Road premises after 7pm on a Friday or Saturday. Those who are already present at the pub will be served their last drink at 6.30pm. The post, shared on The New Masons Arms Facebook page reads: "As a pub from day one we have tried to do our best for the community, we have a lot of sports teams and sponsor a lot of young individuals in their chosen sport. READ MORE: Met Office issues 10-hour thunderstorm warning for Wales READ MORE: Crackdown on 'cunning' tactic drivers are using to dodge speed cameras "We try and do as many fundraisers as possible and always have our customers' interests first. "The pub is changing how it runs on a Friday and Saturday night, the minority have spoilt it for the rest of you. "It's getting to a point that there's a lack of respect for the pub and its patrons. "After 7pm on a Friday and Saturday there will be no person under the age of 25 allowed in the pub. "If you're here before that time your last drink will be served by 6.30. "Anybody caught or suspected of using any kind of drug will be banned, anyone refusing a search will be banned. "Drugs or lack of respect for the older patrons of the pub will not be tolerated. Please share." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
