Apple's iPhone 'lock-out’ patent could end texting while driving

A new automatic system to preventing phone use while driving could ‘change the culture’ of texting addiction, say experts

 

A campaign thumb-band, which reads 'texting while talking kills'.

 

 

A new technology proposed by Apple would seek to address the dangerous and ubiquitous problem of drivers who use their phone behind the wheel, according to experts.
A new patent by the technology giant could “change the culture” and help stop driver distraction with an automated system that would disable certain smartphone functions when an iPhone user is driving.

One recently published patent describes a "driver handheld computing device lock-out" system that detects when a user is driving using on-board sensors or pulling information from the car when connected, blocking the use of text messaging or using other smartphone functions from the person driving.
“As a market leader, Apple could have the power to change the culture behind texting and driving, if it works and is intuitive; that would be a very good step,” said Paul Watters, head of motoring policy for the AA. “What we find in our research is that there’s an addiction here, to texting and using smartphones, it’s an addiction that is very hard to break even when in the car — it will take some system to help people break that addiction.”

Boosts likelihood of a crash by 23 times

Texting while driving is a hot-button issue that has been labelled as a “widespread menace” by Brake, the road safety charity, which has been shown to slow driver reaction times by 35% and increase the likelihood of a crash by 23 times for commercial drivers.
It is illegal to use a hand-held phones while driving, even when stopped at lights or in traffic in the UK, with an automatic fixed penalty of three points on the driver’s licence and a fine of £100.
Three in 10 of all drivers admitting sending or reading messages while driving, according to research by Brake and insurance company Direct Line. That number increases to more than four in 10 for drivers aged 18 to 24, while one in eight drivers admitted to using smartphone apps while behind the wheel.

‘Technology has a role to play’

Attempts to disable smartphones or limit distracting features of phones have been made in the past. Several developers have released apps that prevent drivers from texting behind the wheel for Android, but it has not been possible for the iPhone due to Apple’s restrictions on apps and system control.
“Technology has a role to play, but there is no single solution to the problem of distracted driving,” said Ellie Pearson from Brake.
Apple is currently making a large push into software for cars with its CarPlay system, which integrates an iPhone with a car's entertainment and communication tools, including connecting the car’s navigation system using Apple’s mapping app.
The patent for locking down the device was filed in 2008, but has only now been published. Apple could have a system in place that plays well with CarPlay, preventing the driver from texting using the smartphone other than via voice control through the car’s systems.
“Even if you cut off some functionality, it doesn’t necessarily remove the distraction the phone causes for drivers,” warned Watters. “There is no greater safety system than simply turning off the phone while driving.”

Amy Childs and Jim Davidson set 'to teach people to drive in new reality show Driving With The Stars'

She is not known for his teaching skills.

But Amy Childs could soon be putting her training cap on after it was reported the former TOWIE star is one of the names rumoured to be in the frame to appear in a new programme which will see celebrities teaching members of the public to drive.

TV bosses are hoping to capitalise on the popularity of celebrity-led reality shows like Splash! and The Jump with a new car crash viewing experience, provisionally dubbed Driving With The Stars.

Reality show queen: Amy has appeared in Celebrity Big Brother and The Jump since leaving TOWIE

According to The Sun newspaper, stars including former Coronation Street favourite Julie Hesmondhalgh is also in line to mentor 'problem' motorists who have proved to be a menace behind the wheel.

Joey Essex has also been linked to the rumoured series, but he will not be taking part in the programme.

A representative of Joey told MailOnline: ‘We have not had any enquiries about this show and I can therefore confirm that Joey is not involved.'

Success: Jim Davidson returned to reality TV earlier this year when he won Celebrity Big Brother 

 

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'It’s a definite goer. Imagine seeing Joey Essex trying to explain to someone how to do a U-turn, or Amy Childs giving a masterclass on the three-point turn — it could be comedy gold.'

Celebrity Big Brother winner Jim Davidson, who was hit with a driving ban in 2011, is also a hot favourite to join the line-up.
Motoring experts will help the stars teach the hapless learner drivers the basics, as they attempt to get them ready to pass their driving tests.

Driving to success? Julie Hesmondhalgh's Coronation Street character once taught her husband Roy Cropper to drive 

 

The show is rumoured to be planned for ITV this summer, but a spokesman for the channel told MailOnline: 'ITV has not commissioned this show.'

Amy has appeared in Celebrity Big Brother and more recently The Jump since leaving TOWIE.
She also splashed out £80,000 on a 'WE11 JEL' (Well Jel) number plate for her white Range Rover.

Julie has driving instructor experience of some sort as her Coronation Street character Hayley Cropper once taught her husband Roy Cropper - played by David Neilson - how to drive in the soap.
 

No show: Joey Essex will not be taking part in Driving With The Stars

Driving tests in English will make roads safer

Is BANNING translators for driving theory tests is an excellent decision by the Government?

 

There will be some critics who will decry the ban as racist but making everyone take exams in English, Welsh or British sign language will help immigrants learn the language of their adopted country.
Since 2008 almost 1,300 passes have been revoked following investigations into the improper conduct of interpreters.
Between February 2008 and December 2009 one in five tests using an interpreter was found to be fraudulent. That is a vast number of people to have progressed through the system despite falling short of the required knowledge.

Once they have passed the theory test learner drivers are then able to apply for the practical test, meaning they are just one step away from heading out on to the roads by themselves.

Cars are dangerous and we have to take all the precautions necessary to make sure that people are honestly good enough to warrant receiving their licence.

Transport Minister Stephen Hammond said: “By stopping driving tests in foreign languages we will cut out the risk of fraud and help to ensure that all drivers can read road signs and fully understand the rules of the road.

Now the selfie craze spreads to drivers... at the wheel: One in 14 admits taking picture of themselves while on the road

• 'Selfie' fans between 18 and 24 are 'worst culprits'
• Craze has been called selfish and dangerous by road safety campaigners

Motorists are putting lives at risk - including their own - as the craze for taking ‘selfies’ takes to the road, a survey reveals today.
Up to one in nine (11 per cent) admit snapping themselves at the wheel while driving despite warnings on the danger of using mobile phones.
It says that ‘selfie’ fans aged between 18 and 24 are the ‘worst culprits’.
Some 11 per cent confess to doing so compared to one in 14 (7 percent) on average across all age ranges.
They are also more than twice as likely to connect to social media sites at the wheel.

Up to one in nine drivers admit snapping themselves at the wheel while driving despite warnings on the danger of using mobile phones.

Nearly one in ten (9 per cent) say they have logged in to photo messaging app Snapchat compared to one in 25 (4 per cent) of all drivers, according to the survey of 2,000 drivers commissioned by price comparison site Confused.com
It also found that Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are also much more widely used by 18 to 24-year-old drivers.
But the ‘selfie’ driving practice was condemned as recklessly risky and selfish by leading road safety charities Brake and IAM.

The self-portrait snaps have become so popular with that ‘selfie’ was named as the 2013 word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries.
It is defined as ‘a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.’
Brake spokeswoman Laura Woods said: ‘This is a case of selfie selfishness.
‘Using a phone in any way at the wheel dramatically increases the risk of crashing and killing or seriously injuring someone.

But the 'selfie' driving practice was condemned as recklessly risky and selfish by leading road safety charities Brake and IAM.

 

‘It is very worrying to see the numbers of drivers engaging in this dangerous behaviour, particularly younger drivers who are already at higher risk of crashing due to their age and inexperience.’
A ‘selfie’ showing A-list stars including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey and Brad Pitt became the most retweeted photo ever earlier this month after being shared by Oscars host Ellen DeGeneres.
Confused.com said hashtags including #drivingselfie and #drivingselfies 'are prompting social media users to take photos of themselves and post them online when behind the wheel'.

In America, an NBC investigation found more than three million pictures filed under hashtags including #drivingselfie, #drivingtowork and #ihopeidontcrash.
Previous UK research suggests that a third of drivers use hand-held mobile phones at the wheel despite an increase in fines from £60 to £100 in August last year.
One in eight culprits log onto social networks and a fifth use apps. Half check text messages whilst driving and a third scan emails.

Brake said penalties should be tougher and the IAM called for a police clampdown.
Neil Greig, IAM’s director of policy and research said: 'This seems to be another form of peer pressure to take part in the latest trend.
‘The best way to avoid it is to give young people the skills to stand up for themselves and not follow the herd and post silly photographs online.
‘The IAM want to see more traffic police out there catching bad drivers but this survey would seem to suggest not even that will stop those addicted to using their smartphones.’

Confused.com head of car insurance Gemma Stanbury said it was the duty of drivers to behave responsibly: ‘Taking your eye off the road, just for a second, to read an alert or take a photo can have potentially fatal results,’ she said.
‘We’re aware that social media and photo sharing sites do not actively encourage users to take photos or post updates when driving, so the responsibility sits with the individual not to do so when behind the wheel,’ she said.

Teenager, 17, given speeding ticket while on driving lesson - for going 36mph in 30mph zone

• Stacie Ralphes, 17, had just 12 hours of driver training when she got ticket
• She was traveling in a dual-controlled AA vehicle at the time of the incident
• The student says she was stunned to be solely responsible for the speeding
• She must now attend £110 'awareness course' or face three penalty points

A teenager has been given a speeding ticket for driving 36mph in a 30mph while on a driving lesson.
Stacie Ralphes, 17, had just 12 hours of training to her name when the AA car in which she was learning to drive was caught speeding by a camera in Weymouth, Dorset.
To avoid receiving three penalty points on a licence she is yet to acquire, the student has chosen to attend a speed awareness course, but claims the whole experience has completely shattered her confidence behind the wheel.

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Surprise: Stacie Ralphes, 17, had just 12 hours of training to her name when the dual-controlled AA car in which she was learning to drive was caught speeding

Ms Ralphes, a health and social care student at Brooklands College, was stunned to find she was liable for the incident despite being under tuition at the time.
She was given the choice of taking three penalty points or attending a driver awareness course after a speeding ticket from Dorset Police was redirected to her home address via the AA.

 

Ms Ralphes has decided not to appeal against the penalty and will be attending the £110 driver awareness course instead of taking the penalty points and paying a fine.
The AA has offered to pay the £110 fee for the course out of good will.
She said: 'I was shocked to find that the notification was in my name...I thought the driving instructor would have made sure that speeding didn't happen as that's what they are there for.'
'I understand that I was partially responsible but I felt as a learner driver who has just started, I've been learning to deal with everything else involved in driving,' she added.
'I've lost my confidence when driving through this. It has been a big setback,' she went on to say.

The law states that the driver of any vehicle is liable for breaching traffic laws, even if they are a learner.

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Capture: Ms Ralphes was given the choice of taking three penalty points or attending a driver awareness course after a speeding ticket from Dorset Police was redirected to her home address via the AA (file image)

Decision: Stacie Ralphes has decided not to appeal against the penalty and will be attending the £110 driver awareness course instead of taking the penalty points and paying a fine

Stacie has opted to attend a driver awareness course which costs 110 pounds, although the AA Driving School has since agreed to pay for it out of good will.
Ms Ralphes' mother Beverley, 38, said: 'I think when you are paying so much money for driving lessons people should know that something like this could happen.'
'I find it incredible that after 12 hours of driving my daughter could be solely responsible for something like this,' she added.

Ms Ralphes has now left the AA Driving School and has resumed her lessons with a different instructor.
A spokesman for the AA confirmed they have offered to pay for Ms Ralphes' driver awareness course as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

He added: 'We are sorry that this incident has happened while Stacie was under our instruction and appreciate that this has caused distress for her and her family.'
'However, the law is clear that if a motoring offence is committed then the driver is liable for any penalty, such as points on their licence or attending an awareness course, even if they are a learner. It is illegal for anyone other than the driver to take the penalty,' he said.
We are still working with the family to resolve their complaint and would be happy to give them a cheque for the cost to attend the course,' the spokesman went on to say.

Theory test study tips

Sitting your theory test so you can become a driver is an important step in your life. Make sure you do everything possible to prepare for it as best you can. Here are a few theory test study tips to help you along the way:

1. Study for it as you would any other test

Don’t take it lightly just because it’s not part of your school work. If you want to pass then you’ll need to really apply yourself as there’s a lot to learn. In some ways much of it is common sense but there are plenty of tricky bits like the give way rules. It’s also important information that you will need to know and understand properly when you start driving.

2. Do a practice highway code test online

These can help you quickly run through a lot of different questions and test how you’re doing. You can also learn as you go. As well as the test on this website there are many more available online too.

3. Summarise and paraphrase

Reading the highway code book is an essential part of your theory test study, and we recommend you take notes as you go. Paraphrase the questions and answers into your own words making sure you retain the original meaning. To do this you have to really understand the meaning of the material, rather than just reciting it in parrot fashion. After all, the reason you’re studying is not just to pass the test, but ultimately it’s so that you know what you’re doing on the road. It’s your safety you’re studying for so it’s well worth the effort!

4. Create flash cards

As you work your way through the Highway Code book you can create flash cards of the things you find difficult to remember. Write these down on card and then you can flick through them on the bus or whenever you have a spare moment.

5. Break it up and reward yourself

Think about the great things that being able to drive will allow you to do as this can be a motivating force. But also set yourself smaller targets such as knowing all the road signs and then treat yourself once you’ve achieved that goal. Breaking things up into smaller chunks like this can make it seem less daunting and more manageable.

6. Get family and friends involved

Chances are some of your friends are looking to do the test at the same time as you. Meet up with them and practice together so you can help each other learn. Your family will want you to become a safe driver and you may have brothers or sisters who’ve just done the test. Get them to help you by asking you questions.

7. Set a date for your theory test

Even if you don’t officially book your test in until you’re ready, setting a provisional date can give you something to work towards and create some momentum for you to get your study underway.
Happy studying and good luck with your theory test study – if you still want more then this video is very good too…

10 Tips for Driving Safely in Storms

The UK weather seems to be getting more unpredictable every day. This means every driver should know about bad weather driving skills. This could save you from a serious accident and injury. Let’s look at the best stormy weather driving advice including what to do with lighting and hailstorms.

1: Stick to the Beaten Path

When road conditions get nasty, stay on the main roads. Here there is less chance of flooding. Also, when on the motorway, stay in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you as they clear water off the road. But don’t get too close. You may remember from taking your theory driving test that the stopping distance in wet weather is much longer.

2: Test Your Brakes

After you drive through a section of water, test your brakes. This also wipes water off of the brake discs to improve stopping power. Again, do this gently as sudden stopping can cause a slide.

3: If It Looks Like a Lake or a River

There are some areas of the UK which are more susceptible to flooding than others. If you approach an area that looks like deep water, stop and turn around. This is especially true for underpasses where the water can be quite deep. Not only is it dangerous, but if water gets into your exhaust system it could cause the car to stall. Water in the engine requires very expensive servicing to get the engine running again. Now, you can try to drive through slowly, but if you notice water approaching the level of your car door, stop and go back.
If water is running and you can’t see the road surface underneath, do not attempt to cross. Your car can actually be swept away by quickly running water.

4: Aquaplaning

This can be a terrifying experience as your car spins out of control. The best advice is to avoid this situation by driving slowly, taking curves cautiously and braking gradually. If your car starts to slide, take your foot off the gas right away. Try to feather the brakes if you need them, but if you start to slide apply firm pressure if you have ABS system. If your car does not have ABS, release and reapply (or “pump”) the brakes until you regain control.

5: See and Be Seen

When it starts to pour, your vision will be limited. Dull windshield wiper blades will make things worse, so make sure you change these when they get worn down.
Also, inspect all your lights: headlights, high beams, parking, turning and braking. Other drivers can see you better if your lights work well. Also, put on your lights during a storm even if it is daytime. At night, avoid using the high beams since the reflection from the rain actually makes visibility worse.

6: Stop

If the rain falls so heavily that you cannot see other cars or the side of the road, it is time to pull over. Put on your hazard lights and slowly make your way to the side of the road. Get as clear from the road as possible without running the risk of getting stuck. Leave the hazard lights on while you wait out the storm.

7: Keep Tyres Prepared

If you are caught in a storm and your tyres are bald, then it is too late to deal with a slick road surface. So keep your tyres in good shape so that they have maximum traction. You can do this best by:
* Replacing tires when tread is less than 4/32 of an inch deep.
* Keeping tire pressure adjusted properly.
* Rotating tires every 5,000 – 10,000 miles.
There’s also a minimum tread that tyres should legally have: 1.6 mm in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre.

8: Fogged Windows

If condensation builds up on the inside of your windows, slow down first. Then crank up the defroster fan with the temperature setting on hot. If your car has air conditioning, then turn that on too, but maintain the temperature on the hot setting. A car dehumidifier will help to remove the damp air and stop your belongings from being damaged. Eventually the fog will dissipate.

9: Lighting Driving Safety

If you get caught in severe lighting stay in your car or get inside of a building. If you can, pull over and do not touch any metal parts of your car as you could receive a jolt of electricity. Don’t rest your hands on the steering wheel, don’t lean on the door, and don’t play with the radio either.

10: Hailstorms

It is smart to stay in your vehicle if the hailstones are small. It is even better if you can find shelter in a building. However, if you are out in the open and large hail starts to fall, you should stop and position yourself as best you can in the centre of your car. Large hail can break all the car’s windows and lead to serious injury. If the hail is very severe, you might even consider crawling under your car.