by Joe Jeffrey

Majority of those surveyed feel using technology behind the wheel is a no-no

Motorists are now more worried about the dangers of distraction posed by technology and social media than drink-driving, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ (IAM) first major survey into safety culture.

The Safety Culture Index report, which was launched today (6 November) by the IAM, consists of a study of more than 2,000 UK motorists’ attitudes to driving safety and behaviour on our roads.

This report will form a definitive baseline to track changes over time, providing the opportunity to examine how attitudes change over the years.

The report has found that while technology will form a fundamental part of improving road safety, it also poses some risks, in particular driver distraction – 77 per cent of people say it is now a bigger problem than three years ago. This compares to just 23 per cent of people feeling drink driving is a bigger threat than three years ago.

Those surveyed said text messaging and social media are the two biggest factors threatening their personal safety, with 93 per cent and 92 per cent respectively claiming these to be a ‘very or somewhat serious’ threat.

The next two factors those questioned say are threats to their personal safety are drink and drug driving, at 90 per cent and 89 per cent respectively.

And while most people feel talking on a hand-held mobile phone is unacceptable in their own locality (just 15 per cent said they found it acceptable), some 64 per cent say talking on a hands-free mobile phone is acceptable.

Motorists are also much more worried about speeding in residential streets than they are about speeding on motorways, with 86 per cent believing this to be a very or somewhat serious threat; 24 per cent higher than motorways.

The IAM believes the report highlights the key areas of road safety and police enforcement priority that will command the highest levels of public support.

IAM president and 1992 Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell CBE said: “The good news is that the vast majority of drivers do value safety and they want to feel even safer on the road in the future.

“They take speeding and drink-driving very seriously and are happy to support even stronger legislation even if it may stop them doing things they admit to doing themselves. We do feel we can offer real world solutions to those drivers who through over, or under, confidence feel stressed on our busy roads.”

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said: “This report is a crucial barometer of what drivers are really thinking. It is all about seeing what issues and factors the public see as important in their lives, and using that information to influence their behaviour.

“Understanding the issues drivers see as important when it comes to road safety is essential for establishing how best to communicate with them and so in turn to achieve behaviour change, on both a local and national level.

“It is up to all of us now, armed with this information, to do something about it.”

by Joe Jeffrey

Killer kidney disease strikes 52 dogs in first recorded outbreak in UK

CaravanTimes is today issuing a warning to caravan owners with four-legged friends, as at least 52 dogs have died after contracting horrific flesh-eating disease, Alabama rot – the first outbreak of its kind to be reported in the UK.

Dog owners are now being warned to look out for lesions on their dog’s legs amongst other symptoms in order to act quickly and seek veterinary medical advice.

Unknown in the UK until 2012, incidents of Alabama rot – also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) – have since been reported in Hampshire, Somerset, County Durham and across other parts of England and Wales according to a report published yesterday in the journal, Veterinary Record. It is thought there have been over 100 incidents reports by vets.

Often known in the US for affecting only greyhounds, the UK strain of Alabama rot is less discriminatory, infection various breeds including English springer spaniels, whippets and Labradors.

It is not known why the disease has surfaced over the past few years, but vets are urging dog owners across the country to remain vigilant and stay alert to symptoms of the disease which, if left untreated, can affect the pancreas and kidneys with fatal results.

Causes of the outbreak are still being investigated and it is yet to be determined whether the disease is caused by environmental factors of whether contaminated food has played a part.

Symptoms of Alabama rot

Most dogs develop skin lesions, followed by tiredness, loss of appetite and vomiting. Typically with Alabama rot, lesions are below the knee or elbow, but can also be found on the face, bottom, chest or abdomen. Lesions can be presented as a swelling, patch of red skin or like something similar to an ulcer.

Although the above symptoms can be commonly caused by various other less-fatal illnesses, it’s always wise to contact your vet in the first instance.

by Joe Jeffrey

Wingamm’s micro-caravan is available in the UK for the first time for 2016

Its true to say that Italians are renowned for innovation when it comes to fashion and design, but what happens if you take these elements and mix them together to create a micro-caravan? Well, the results are pretty impressive if the Wingamm Rookie 3.5 is anything to go by – and the lightweight micro-caravan is now available in the UK for the first time.

Featuring a full-sized interior, the aerodynamic Rookie 3.5 comes in two weight options – 750kg or 1,000kg respectively – and three different models are available within the range.

The Rookie Lite, weighing in at just 750kgs, is the lightest within the range, whilst the Pitch is designed for those who enjoy utilising campsite facilities and features gas/electric boiler, electric floor heating, alloy wheels, AL-KO stabiliser and an upgraded 1,000kg chassis. Thirdly, the Wild features the highest specification and includes a Truma heating system and bathroom with Thetford cassette toilet and shower.

A one-piece fiberglass body on each of the three models provides for an extra-smooth look, complementing the flush-fitting external door and lockers complete with hidden hinges.

Measuring in at a length of just 3.6m, the Rookie is also pretty roomy for a micro-caravan, meaning that space and comfort has not been compromised. The front seating area converts into a large double bed with the option of an additional bunk above, whilst the central kitchen has a sink, two-burner hob and 7-litre Dometic fridge.

Wingamm has stuck to a similar ethos to its motorhome design when it comes to creating the Rookie, running with a neutral colour scheme whilst sticking to the distinctive Italian design the company is known for.

A choice of additional options are available aross the Rookie range, including a choice of two Truma heating and hot water systems, 12v battery, AL-KO AKS 1300 stabliser, ATC stability control and much more, including Dometic air conditioning and wiring for a solar panel for true off-grid living.

Prices range from £11,9995 for the entry level, up to £15,495 for the the Rookie Wild. There’s no need to splash out straight away, though, and Wingamm offer those interested a try before you buy ‘Wingamm Experience’ where you can choose to hire a Rookie to put it to the test; any rental charges are then deducted from the final price of purchasing your very own should this be decided.

Gaving Campbell, managing director of Wingamm UK, said of the Wingamm Rookie’s arrival in the UK: “We’re delighted to bring the Rokie 3.5 to the Uk for the first time. It is a unique caravan that’s perfect for the increasing need for lighter caravans that can be towed with smaller cars or by younger people who don’t automatically have driving licences with B+E entitlement.”

To see more of the Wingamm Rookie 3.5, The visit the official Wingamm website here.

by Joe Jeffrey

Locals claim height barriers are affecting local tourism

Hundreds of people in the Portsmouth area have hit back at Portsmouth council’s decision to introduce new height barriers to carparks in the Gosport area, amidst claims the move will affect local tourism within the area.

Gosport Borough Council implemented the height restrictions to deter travellers from pitching up around the seafront at Stokes Bay, but some residents are now saying the height barriers installed will discourage tourists to visit, with one local resident, Alan Rowland, setting up a petition calling for the removal of them.

Rowland said: “There are a lot of people who travel down here from all over the country.

“Stokes Bay is well-known but these barriers will discourage people to come here.

“The barriers affect people with motorhomes, boats on their cars and surfboards on top of their roofs.

“These are people who pay to use the car park, but now they don’t have a choice.”

Another local resident, Deborah Bull, agreed, saying: “It’s wrong to penalise a whole section of the community just because of the chance of the car park being misused by a minority.

“Recreational vehicles should be allowed to park and enjoy a facility their owners have paid for.”

Other people who have signed the petition said it was an act of ‘madness by the council’ and would ’cause problems for the community’.

A representative for Gosport Borough Council has since stated the council is currently looking to provide for a designated area for caravans and motorhomes to park by the beach, but is this too little too late and simply a case of caravanners and motorhomers being overlooked once again? Considering Portsmouth acts as a ferry port to many destinations further afield, and one which many mtoorhomers and caravanners use, this isn’t exactly a smart move.