Volkswagen problems

How does the Volkswagen scandal affect the average Irish driver?
Will it stop them from buying new VW's in the near future?

The actions by the company will have major implications for the company and for Germany in the future, but I think that if investigations into other manufacturers are carried out it will be found that they are not the only ones fitting software modifications to fiddle the testing systems.
This piece of software was known about in the motor industry for quite some time, it was located by software design engineers who work on modifying the computer in cars to gain more power and or speed.
They may not have thought too much about the implications of such software, and were not in a position to say too much about it as what they were doing to the computer was bordering on the illegal.
Everyone wants clean air, and we all want fuel efficient vehicles that will give us high MPG. Do we really look at the CO2 except to see what price our car tax will cost?
How many people had even heard of NOx before this week?
Back in the 70s when diesel was coming on stream to power most types of public transport, a report in Britain was commissioned to find out the effects of using diesel engines in cities. This report was very critical of using diesel engines, and recommended that diesel was totally unsuitable for city transport. But the oil crisis made sure that this report did not see the light of day.
A large amount of pollutants in the diesel exhaust can have a very adverse effect on health and the environment.
Fitting catalysts  solves some problems, but introduces new types of highly toxic toxins. Engineers will tell us that the amounts are so small that they are insignificant but when the volume of diesel engines  start to grow in urban areas it now can produce lethal amounts of pollutants.
Some of the pollutants coming from exhausts today could include hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides,soot and that is just from older diesels. When we now include emission control within our vehicles we can add heavy metals, ammonia and possibly urea.
All of the emissions can contribute to problems in humans, such as irritation of the respiratory  system. This in turn can cause coughing, and lower lung capacity. While it can present a problem to all people, it can be a major hazard to people with respiratory problems.
I think we will see a major change in the way vehicle engines are tested in the future, and maybe in the type of engines we use. There will be a cost factor involved for the ordinary motorist as we may see some manufacturers having to change their CO2 ratings.
It can be hard to understand why some large cars with large engines can have very low CO2 ratings and small cars with small engines have high CO2 ratings.
Perhaps over the coming months we will see a shake up throughout the car manufacturers, because I don't think any one of them are pure white.
People will still buy VW's, if still available, and will still buy diesel until something else comes on the market that gives the freedom and economy that diesel now gives. Do we care about the pollution ? of course we do but we can't see it.

Helping you to be a safe road user.

Have you checked the position of your head restraint in recent times, or at any time since you got your car?

Position:

• The top of your head restraint should be no lower than the top of your ears.
• Adjust it to give you the maximum benefit if you are involved in a collision.
• Straighten your seat if necessary so that the  head restraint is just behind your head.
• Make sure that your passengers head restraint is correctly adjusted for them.

Adjusted correctly it could prevent a broken neck.

Declan Duignan
www.duignan.ie

Scams when booking your driving test or Theory test.

We would like to inform you about the unofficial Driving Theory & Driving Test websites that are ripping off Learner Drivers to the tune of an estimated €200,000 per year. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) have teamed up to warn Driver Theory Test and Driving Test applicants to only book their tests through official websites.

The call comes as figures show that unofficial third party websites in the UK could be profiting in excess of an estimated €200,000 each year by charging unsuspecting Theory and Driving Test customers in Ireland an unnecessary extra fee to book their tests.

Last year, one in eight Driver Theory Test candidates in Ireland, approximately 7,000 customers, booked their theory test through these unofficial websites, paying up to an additional €23 on top of the theory test fee. As a result, the operators of these websites are making an estimated €90,000 to €160,000 annually from Driver Theory Test customers. In addition, over 4,750 people who applied for their driving test, since July 2011, have also been affected, paying an additional €18 per booking, netting these bogus sites over €73,000

Mr Declan Naughton, Director of Driver Testing and Licensing with the Road Safety Authority said, “We are really concerned that customers in Ireland are being ripped off by these websites who are charging customers up to €23 extra to book their theory or driving test for them. These so-called services are making a huge profit at the expense of unsuspecting customers who may not realise that they are paying a totally unnecessary extra cost to book their test. We want to remind customers that when they book their test through the official channels, there are no hidden extras; they only pay the cost of the test itself. In addition, their data will be stored in accordance with Irish Data Protection Laws.”

Explaining how customers may end up on one of these websites instead of on the official test booking websites, Mr Naughton said, “These unofficial websites advertise to book theory and driving tests online and customers think that they are the booking on official websites, which they are not. These websites lure customers in by appearing official, using words associated with the driving and theory test and even using our name. The RSA has tried to beat these sites at their own game by advertising the official sites online. However, many customers continue to book their tests on the unofficial sites. The only winners are the unofficial sites in the UK who are targeting unsuspecting learner drivers, and companies like Google, who profit from all the advertising.”

The RSA is also warning learner drivers of the dangers of passing on their personal details, such as their PPS number and driver number, to these sites. While such information is required to book a test, it should only be provided when booking a theory test and driving test on the official RSA Driving Test application website www.rsa.ie and the official driver theory test website www.theorytest.ie where you will only be charged the cost of the test.

Joe O’Connor, President, Union of Students of Ireland commented, “It is unacceptable that these websites try to trick learner drivers into paying an extra fee to book their test. Students are already under pressure with mounting college fees and expenses and we would urge all students to only book their tests through the RSA’s official channels. For many students, the additional booking charge of over €20 can make a significant difference when relying on a grant or waiting for their next paycheque.”

Concluding Declan Naughton, RSA said, “Consumers need to be extra vigilant when booking their Driver Theory Test or Driving Test online. Unofficial third party companies advertise on search engines and in some cases they may look similar to that of the official website. They do not adhere to Irish Data Protection Laws, therefore your personal details, including your PPS number, driver number and credit card details may be compromised during the booking process.”

The RSA has highlighted the gathering of such personal data by these unofficial websites to the Data Protection Commissioner. However, as these websites are outside of Irish jurisdiction, Irish agencies are unable to bring proceedings against them. The RSA will continue to monitor these websites and explore new ways to negate their online activity.

Ø  If you have a customer who wants to book their driving test, which costs €85, please advise them to visit the RSA’s online application website at  www.rsa.ie

 

Ø  If you have a customer who wants to book a driver theory test, which costs €45, please advise them to visit the Theory Test online application website at: www.theorytest.ie

 

Ø  It will help if this topic is discussed with all customers and they can be asked to share the advice with their friends and family

 Declan Duignan

www.duignan.ie

 

Dealing with Artic conditions

Just after looking at the weather forecast on the telly, and I see a band of very cold weather on our doorstep. Hoping it won't reach us this time, but you can be sure we will see some frost over the coming weeks. We had one morning of iced up windscreens so far, but the roads seemed fine as least in the midlands and west.
So what can you do to minimize the impact of the cold weather on your driving?
Now I would love to say that even a threat of freezing conditions would immediately bring out the lorries for gritting our roads, but I think we all know that this in not true. True, motorways and the National primary roads will get gritted, but you should still be aware of the slip roads and any exposed bridges.

Dealing with Ice.

Drive at a much lower speed, so that your braking can be smooth and gentle. Make sure to leave yourself adequate braking distance from the vehicle in front. As much as 10 seconds would not be out of place. Use gentle steering movements, and do not risk taking any action that might induce a slide.
Remember that your brakes will not get you out of trouble when tyre grip is poor. In fact you are more likely to get into trouble by using your brakes. You should try to use engine braking by changing down gears in good time. Be careful with the clutch and accelerator when changing as they can also cause a skid.
A good way of thinking about a skid is this: A vehicle will skid when the driver is asking more from it with braking, acceleration, or steering than is possible with the amount of grip the tyres have on the road at that point in time.
It is possible to drive steadily on a level road without skidding, it is only when you alter your speed or direction that you may skid.
If you do feel a skid don't panic ease off the accelerator, and if possible stay off the brakes. Try to make a slight movement of the steering in the same direction as the skid, this will bring the front and back wheels into line again. It is very important not to over correct as you will end up skidding in the opposite direction.
Most cars are now front wheel drive, so a lot of front wheel skids are caused by applying to much power to the front wheels by over accelerating.

Dealing with Snow.

Snow is a very different matter to deal with. I teach my pupils that they should think that they are walking on eggs without breaking them. ( this is how gentle all the controls should be used). Try to drive in as high a gear as possible as this will reduce the chance of loss of wheel traction. Make sure to time your  driving so that you do not have to touch the brakes while taking a corner. try to take corners at a steady speed, in as high a gear as you feel safe with.
Take good observation of the road surface if is snowing. If possible keep to the left lane as the traffic will tend to keep this lane clear. Make sure to avoid putting your wheels in the ridges that develop as the snow accumulates.
When starting off in snow avoid wheel-spin. This will only dig your wheels in deeper into the snow. Try moving your car slightly forward and backwards to get out of the rut you are in.
If you are in the unlucky position of seeing a car coming towards you that is out of control, there may not be much you can do about it. Use engine braking if you have time, and avoid any harsh movements.

Do you really need to take that journey?

Ask yourself whether your journey is necessary. When you are out driving in bad weather conditions you should at least be prepared, by having plenty of fuel, a shovel,  snow chains, mats for gripping,
extra warm clothing, chocolate bars, and water.

• Make sure that your tyres are correctly inflated
• Check that your tyres have the necessary tread depth
• make sure your steering is working correctly with no undue wear
• Make sure your suspension is up to standard
• Have your windscreen washer  filled with water and that it has washer fluid to the correct proportion

 

Causes of skidding:

• Skidding is caused by drive too fast for the circumstances
• Sudden or harsh braking
• excessive acceleration
• harsh or excessive steering

Remember you will skid if one or more of your tyres loses their grip on the road, and you the driver are responsible for this happening.
Do not rely on your antilock braking system  to stop your wheels from locking up on a very slippery surface.  If you cause the antilock braking system to be activated then you are not driving within a safe or desirable speed limit.
Some cars are fitted with traction control systems, but they can differ from one manufacture to another. You must check your vehicle handbook and follow their advice on the correct use in a skid situation.

Information on vehicle developments

Antilock brakes (ABS). Most new vehicle are now fitted with ABS, this system is designed to sense  the slowing down of the vehicle, and if it should exceed a  programmed amount, then it will release the pressure of the brakes, and so let the wheels rotate again before they lock up. The drive must maintain full pressure on the brake pedal for the ABS to work correctly. It can activate a couple of times a second if necessary. Remember that it does not increase the grip of the tyres on the road surface, and in most case will cause the car to stop in a slightly shorter distance. On a extremely slippery surface it will increase the stopping distance.
Traction control can improve steering and vehicle stability. It does this by controlling the engine power to individual wheels.  This is very  efficient if one wheel is on a normal surface, and the other wheel is on a slippery surface like snow or ice.
Four wheel drive can give you more of a chance in keeping your vehicle moving on a slippery surface, especially if going uphill. It does this applying power to all four wheels so that the chance of wheel spin is much less. Again remember that it will not stop you from losing control if you are going to fast and have to react quickly.
Safe driving this winter.
Declan Duignan
Duignan school of motoring
www.duignan.ie

Entering a Dual Carriageway

I decide to write this blog after having to deal with two incidents of cars forcing their way onto a dual carriageway. Over a period of a week I was forced to slow down to allow other drivers out in front of me. I also witnessed it happening to another driver in front of me on another occasion. In this case not only did they pull out and cause the driver on the carriageway to brake hard they then proceeded to move out to the right lane and stay there for about 5 kilometres.
Dual carriageways are becoming more common on main roads, and if used correctly they do help traffic move faster and more safely, but there are a number of special points to take into account.
Firstly I will give a few general pointers about using a dual carriageway.
Use lanes properly; stay to the middle of your lane until you need to move to another one. Lane markings do two things, both of them very important. They ensure that the available space is used to the best advantage. They also provide a guide for  the safety of the traffic. Your driving should be planned so that you follow a course without sudden changes. You should never move from one lane to another without good reason. Weaving in and out or straddling lines is bad driving. Remember that you should only overtake on the right ( except in a few special circumstances covered in the rules of the road ).
If there is a large amount of slow moving traffic  in the nearside lane, there is no need to go back into that lane each time you overtake. It might be better to stay in the right-hand lane  than to zig-zag in and out. However you must be sensible about this. Don't hog the right- hand lane and prevent others from overtaking you. If the person behind you wants to overtake you, you could make matters worse by infuriating them and encourage them to overtake you on the left. Remember even if you are already at the maximum speed, it is not your duty to stop others going faster by staying in the right-hand lane.

Entering a dual carriageway.

If entering a dual carriageway from a slip road, which leads into an acceleration lane, you should use this extra piece of road to adjust to the carriageway traffic and its speed before you become part of it.
You must yield to traffic already on the carriageway, taking your place only when there is a suitable gap in the left -hand lane of the carriageway.
If you have to wait for a suitable gap, then wait in the acceleration lane, and don't force your way into the traffic stream or drive along the hard shoulder. When you have joined stay  in the left lane  until you have time to judge the speed of the traffic already on the carriageway.
Your drive along the slip road and the acceleration lane should be timed so that you can match the speed on the left lane of the carriageway.  Ideally you should be able to slip into the traffic without losing your speed.  Keep a good eye on your mirrors and  just before joining check your bind spot by giving a quick glance over your shoulder. Remember that early observation and awareness means you  will find it easier to blend in smoothly with the other traffic.
Generally the slip roads on a dual carriageway are shorter than that of a motorway, so you must be more alert on your approach.
 As you approach and pass a slip road be always  aware of traffic about to join the carriageway.
If you are already on a dual carriageway travelling in the left lane and a vehicle is approaching on the slip road, if traffic allows you should move over to the right lane and let them enter easily. This is usually appreciated by truck drivers who are less able to adjust their speed to blend in with the traffic flow.
Use your MSM and also PSL routine before joining the carriageway.
MSM = Mirror - Signal - Manoeuvre
PSL  = Position - Speed - Look

I hope that this is of interest and helps someone out there on the roads.
Declan Duignan
www.duignan.ie

Tyres: Why you check them on a regular basis.

Correct tyre pressure is vital to your safety on the road. Under-inflated tyres affect handling and grip, potentially causing irregular or unpredictable vehicle behaviour. They are also much more likely to suffer from a dangerous blowout, especially on high-speed motorway journeys.
 By keeping your tyres at their correct pressure, your running costs are also reduced. Under-inflated tyres require a bigger force to make them turn, so your car uses more fuel. Additionally, tyres which are not set to their correct pressure wear out more quickly. So, to benefit from lower fuel bills, longer tyre life, increased safety and reduced CO2 emissions, make sure you check your tyre pressures at least once a month.  You should also check them before a long journey, or if you are carrying extra weight in your vehicle
The most basic inspection, which should be carried out at least once a month, is simply checking that your tyres are properly inflated.
Tread depth and tyre condition are also important, remember that the minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm but you should change your tyres before they reach this stage. All tyres are fitted with tread wear indicators which is a little bar connecting the ribs of the tyres. When any of them become visible it is time to replace your tyres.

Performance labelling

A new EC regulation requires some tyres to have performance labels, with the aim of encouraging people to purchase tyres with superior environmental and safety performance, and also encourage tyre manufacturers to produce tyres whose performance exceeds the minimum requirements specified in EU Regulations.
This regulation requires that tyres manufactured from 1st July 2012 for cars, light commercial vehicles and heavy trucks and placed on sale from 1st November 2012, carry a label showing the tyre's wet grip, fuel efficiency and noise performance. The tyre labels are similar to the labelling already in use for household goods such as washing machines and dishwashers.  Each tyre will be given a performance rating from A-G excluding D to avoid an average performing tyre.
Declan Duignan
www.duignan.ie

Driving hazards at this time of year

 Sun Blindness or Sunstrike

Sunstrike can occur at any time during the day, but is most likely during sunrise or sunset, when the sun’s rays hit your windscreen at a low angle.
To avoid a crash, follow the simple guidelines shown below.

Reducing the danger of sunstrike

• Be prepared for possible sunstrike when driving at sunrise or sunset, especially when turning or driving towards the sun.
• Be especially careful in the autumn and winter months, when sunstrike is more likely to occur because the sun is lower in the sky.
• Keep your windscreen clean, inside and out. Dust and dirt on the windscreen can make the effects of sun blindness much worse.
• Check your windscreen washer container and top up if necessary.
• Always carry a cloth in your car for cleaning the windscreen.
• Wear sunglasses when driving with the sun in your eyes.
• Use your car's sun visors to block the sun.
• If you experience sunstrike, it may be best to pull over and wait for a few minutes until your eyes adjust or visibility improves. Remember if you can't see where you are going: Stop.
• Be careful if snow has fallen and the sky is clear – sunlight shining on snow can cause 'snow blindness', which produces similar effects to sunstrike.

For more information on driving safely check out my website. www.duignan.ie
Declan Duignan