Are robots better motorists than HUMANS?

Self-driving cars could eliminate most traffic deaths and reduce congestion

• An Eno Centre for Transportation study said if 10 per cent of cars on the road were self-driving, they could cut traffic deaths by 1,000 per year
• The study said if 90 per cent of vehicles were  autonomous, 21,700 lives a year could be saved as well as $447 billion
• Significant hurdles to widespread use of self-driving cars remain including their high costs, which can exceed $100,000 a vehicle

The cars of the future will probably drive themselves and make superior motorists, claim scientists.
A study has concluded that as robots do not drink-drive, get distracted, fall asleep or tailgate in a rage, they would make safer and more efficient drivers than humans.
It also predicted that autonomous vehicles could significantly reduce congestion and provide tens of billions of dollars in economic benefits. 

Google has already fitted out several cars with radar-like equipment that lets them navigate roads in California and Nevada autonomously. And now a new study says that self-driving cars and trucks hold the potential to transform driving by eliminating the majority of traffic deaths

 

TESLA'S AUTONOMOUS PLANS

Electric car company Tesla Motors will produce a driverless within the next three years, according to its chief executive, Elon Musk.
The move will see Tesla overtake Google, who three years ago began the race to bring driverless cars on to the road.
Google’s programme, however, has been slow to get off the ground because carmakers are worried about potential liabilities from accidents.
California-based Tesla said its autonomous car would allow the driver to hand 90 per cent of the control of the car over to the vehicle's computer system.

However, significant hurdles to widespread use of self-driving cars remain - not least the cost of the hi-tech vehicles.
Added sensors, software, engineering, power and computing requirements currently add up to over $100,000 (£62,000) per vehicle, which is unaffordable for most people, the study said.

 

But large-scale production 'promises greater affordability over time,' it concluded.
Questions also remain about public acceptance, liability in event of an accident, and the ability of automakers to prevent car computers from being hacked.
Nevertheless, the advantages of self-driving cars are such that if only 10 per cent of cars and lorries on the road were self-driving, they could reduce traffic deaths by 1,000 per year.
The report, by the Eno Centre for Transportation in Washington DC, also said autonomous cars could produce nearly $38 billion (£23 billion) in economic savings.

Over 40 per cent of fatal traffic crashes involve alcohol, distraction, drugs or fatigue, but self-driven vehicles wouldn't fall prey to such human failings, suggesting the potential for at least a 40 per cent reduction in fatal crashes, the study said.

If 90 per cent of vehicles were self-driving, as many as 21,700 lives per year could be saved and economic benefits could reach a staggering $447 billion, (£276 billion) said the study.
'There will be many steps before we get to that, but it does feel like there is a whole new world that completely changes everything in terms of our perspective on driving that could emerge eventually,' said Joshua Schank, president and chief executive of the centre.
For example, the passenger seat could be converted so that former drivers could safely work on laptops, eat meals, read books, watch films and call friends. 

If 90 per cent of vehicles were self-driving, as many as 21,700 lives per year could be saved and economic benefits could reach a staggering $447 billion, said the study

Cars that could be programmed to pick up people, drive them to their destination and then park by themselves, may change the lives of the elderly and disabled by providing critical mobility, according to the centre.
Once a critical mass of self-driving cars is on the road, they can start 'platooning' - driving closely together but keeping a steady distance between each other without the fuel-burning, time-wasting, stop-and-go typical of traffic congestion.
The report said that this behaviour could smooth traffic flows, reduce commute times and increase highway capacity.
U.S. government research indicates driver error is likely the main reason behind over 90 per cent of all crashes.
Over 40 per cent of fatal traffic crashes involve alcohol, distraction, drugs or fatigue, but self-driven vehicles wouldn't fall prey to such human failings, suggesting the potential for at least a 40 per cent reduction in fatal crashes, the study said.
Crashes can also be due to speeding, aggressive driving, over-compensation, inexperience, slow reaction times, inattention and various other human driver shortcomings, the report noted, suggesting that computers could also reduce those too.
Spurred by what some see as the future direction of the auto industry, car manufacturers are stepping up their research.
General Motor and Nissan are furthest along, but Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo have also begun testing driverless systems and Google's self-driving cars have clocked over 400,000 miles on California public roads.
Many of the features that go into creating a self-driving car are already available, especially in high-end cars.

Tesla Motors will produce a driverless car within the next three years, according to its chief executive, Elon Musk. Its autonomous car would allow the driver to hand over 90 per cent of the control of the car 

Adaptive cruise control adjusts speed faster or slower in response to traffic, while lane departure systems warn drivers when they're drifting out of their lane and some can even automatically steer the car back.
Collision avoidance systems automatically brake to prevent front-to-rear crashes and parking assist systems range from rear view cameras that show drivers what is behind them to vehicles that can actually park themselves.
The hardest part will likely be making self-driving cars 'cost effective to the point where this is not just a gadget that some people enjoy, but becomes mainstream,' Mr Schank said.

Liverpool to scrap bus lanes

A 9 month trial starts in Liverpool to let commuters use bus lanes in the city. All bus lane cameras will be immobilised.

Liverpool scraps bus lanes in nine month trial

Councillor Tim Moore
Bus lanes in Liverpool will be scrapped from today as part of a trial to reduce congestion.
Twenty-four lanes will be suspended for the next nine months.

Commuters allowed to use Liverpool bus lanes

Commuters will be allowed to use Liverpool's bus lanes in a trial that begins today. The locations are:

• Lime St inbound
• Kensington inbound
• Warbreck Moor inbound
• Horrocks Avenue
• Strand St inbound
• Kensington outbound
• Longmoor Lane inbound
• Speke Hall Avenue
• Strand St outbound
• Prescot Rd inbound
• Wavertree Rd outbound
• Upper Parliament St inbound
• Chapel St inbound
• East Prescot Rd inbound

• Picton Rd outbound (with bus gate)
• Park Rd inbound
• London Rd (bus only right turn) outbound
• County Rd inbound
• Wavertree High Street inbound
• Irvine St, Mount Vernon inbound
• Brownlow Hill outbound
• Rice Lane outbound / Childwall Valley Rd inbound
• Old Hayment
• St Johns lane - in and outbound

Liverpool scrap bus lanes in 9 month trial

Bus lanes scrapped Credit: PA

Council bosses in Liverpool will begin a trial today to allow commuters to use the cities bus lanes.
All bus lane cameras will be immobilised and work will begin to removed signage.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:
"I have asked for this trial suspension so that we can explore what benefits, if any, bus lanes are bringing to our city. Keeping the city moving for our motorists, businesses, residents, commuters and visitors is absolutely vital, so it's important we take a proper look at this.
Some people have suggested to me that we shouldn't do this because the bus lanes generate income of £700,000-a-year for the council. But in my view it would be immoral to treat motorists as a cash cow.'"
The Green Party opposes the move on the basis is it discourages people to use public transport.

5 tips to becoming a safer driver

Driving safely is the most important thing you can do on the road, but unfortunately, not everyone knows how to practice safe driving so we have offered these 5 tips to safer driving skills.

Every time you get behind the wheel of your car there is going to be a risk involved. It’s always something; the lady next to you is putting on her lipstick and swerving all over the road, your favorite song comes on the radio and as your singing and dancing along you forget you’re also in control of a 3,000lb object traveling 50 mph, or a deer runs right in front of you causing you to slam on your brakes and swerve; it’s always something. You will never be able to avoid all of the things that could pop up while you’re on the road, but learning these five safe driving tips will certainly lower the risk.

Developing safe driving habits now could help save your life or the life of someone else. You could be doing yourself a huge favor and prevent major accidents which will eliminate:

• Large repair costs or insurance deductibles
• Having to depend on someone else to get you to and from work or school if your car is wrecked and in the shop
• Large auto insurance premiums

One: Learn Defensive Driving

If you didn’t learn defensive driving while you were in driving school, it’s a good idea to take a course on it. These are typically offered throughout your communities and you can usually find out where they are located by contacting your local DMV. These courses benefit drivers whether you’re young or old, male or female. Generally, a class will cover:

• Traffic crash statics – Approximate times of the day when most accidents occur, which age group is involved in the most crashes, and whether they are on long commutes or short distance driving.
• Drunk Driving – It’s not rocket science that is the number one no-no on most people’s list, and should never be done, yet there are thousands of people arrested for either a DUI (Driving under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) every year. In this class you will learn about all the dangers associated with driving under the influence, and just how much it can cost you.
• All the components of a car accident – During this lesson you will learn how speed, place of impact, and size of the vehicle affects the outcome and severity of any crash.
• Crash Prevention Techniques – While some American drivers know the laws of driving, not all of them abide by them. These techniques include proper following distances, sharing the road with other vehicles and pedestrians, who has the right of way when driving, scanning roadways, proper passing, adjusting your driving to different weather conditions, and braking distance.
• The dangers of driving when you tired, angry, or stressed.

These are all things you probably have learned at some point in time but may have forgotten. If you’d like to brush up on your skills enroll in a traffic safety class today.

Two: Avoid Other Drivers

Even if you do everything right and you’re the safest driver on the road, you still need to worry about the other drivers. You can avoid other driver’s bad habits by staying alert and paying attention to their driving habits. If they are tailgating you, get over and let them pass you when it is safe, if they are swerving all over the road then get some extra distance from them and call the authorities.
If you’re going to change lanes be sure to check your blind spots. Many drivers will hang out at one speed and not realize that the person next to them can’t see they are there because they are in the blind spot. Before making any lane changes or turns, be sure to check this to avoid any collision.

Three: Avoid In-Car Distractions

It’s been said that in-car distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and listening to loud music are the leading causes in vehicle crashes in the past few years. All of these things require you to take your eyes off the road and/or your hands off the steering wheel. While you may only do this for a split second, that is all it takes to swerve off the road, or hit a nearby car.
When you’re in the vehicle avoid using your cell phone at all costs. If you must make a phone call have your passengers do so for you. If you’re headed somewhere you’ve never been before and you need directions, plug the address into your GPS before you take off. Whatever you do, you should have your eyes on the road and your hands on your steering wheel at all times.

Four: Don’t Drive When You’re Not Alert

Too often we hear of drivers falling asleep at the wheel and running off the road, crashing into a ditch, tree or another car. Many times these result in serious injury or death, and it can be avoided. If you’re feeling like you’re tired and you can’t keep your eyes open any longer pull off to a hotel or rest area. It’s much better to add extra time to your drive than to be in a car accident.
We can’t stress enough how dangerous it is to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only is it against the law, but it is something that could ruin the lives of so many people. Even if you have only had a drink or two, take the safe way out and call a cab or designate a driver. No matter what you may think, your reaction time is slower than it is when your system is clean, which means you are not alert. Avoid drinking and driving at all costs.

Five: Keeping Your Car Up-to-Date on Maintenance Checks

One big thing that is often overlooked is keeping your car up-to-date on all necessary and routine maintenance. This includes:

• Getting regular oil changes
• Making sure your tires are rotated and have plenty of air
• Checking all fluid levels
• Regularly checking brake pads and rotors
• Making sure there is no engine problems

These things can not only make for safer driving conditions, but they also help cut down on cost repairs. If you’re vehicle blows a tire on the highway, you may lose control and crash into the wall, or cause other drivers to get distracted and collide with each other.
There are also the safety features of your car that you need to maintain. Check to make sure the following are working properly:

• Turn signals
• Head and taillights
• Seat belts
• Air bags

If any other these things happen to break or stop working you need to get them fixed immediately. They can not only cause a major car accident, but you could also be seriously injured during that accident.

Man stopped after driving illegally for 40 years

Police are unsure if the man has even passed his driving test

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A man who was stopped on a motorway by police said he had been driving without a license for 40 years.

The unidentified man was also driving without insurance, West Midlands Police said. 
He was stopped at the Nechells area of Birmingham at 09:45 BST.
“He has committed a criminal offence, and the matter will proceed to the courts,” a West Midlands Police spokesman told the BBC.
“We don't know whether the driver had even passed his test,” he added.
His vehicle was seized and impounded, and the DVLA were notified, the Central Motorway Police confirmed.

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Petrol price in biggest monthly fall since 2008, AA says

 

Average UK petrol prices have fallen - but are likely to go up again, the AA says

The AA says petrol prices have recorded their biggest fall since 2008, taking the average cost to 132.16p a litre.

The motorists' lobby group said average petrol prices fell 5.49p a litre between mid-September and mid-October, the biggest monthly fall since prices fell 11.5p in November 2008.
The price of diesel has fallen from 142.50p a litre to 139.12p.
The AA said lower wholesale fuel prices had prompted the price drop, but warned that further falls were unlikely.

The organisation says the recent drop in prices means the cost of filling up the tank of a small petrol car has fallen by £2.74, while a larger vehicle, such as a Ford Mondeo, would cost £3.84 less to refuel.

Northern Ireland is the most expensive place for petrol, with an average pump price of £132.9p a litre, and London, the north of England, and Yorkshire and Humberside are the joint cheapest at 131.9p.
Scotland is still the most expensive for diesel at 140.1p a litre, while London is the cheapest at 138.6p.

Analysis

Simon Gompertz Personal finance correspondent, BBC News

---

Why are gas prices going up while petrol prices are going down?
The cost of filling up the car has fallen slightly, but the gas price bubble just seems to grow bigger and bigger.
One explanation is that petrol prices are affected by movements in the dollar/pound exchange rate, because crude oil and refined petrol are both priced in dollars.
The pound has enjoyed a significant recovery against the dollar in recent months, jumping from about $1.50 in value to around $1.60.
So while crude oil hasn't moved much in world markets, the cost to us in the UK has gone down.
Gas, on the other hand, is traded in sterling in the UK. There is less of the currency effect.
Not everyone in the energy market believes a price increase is justified.
But British Gas says the cost of getting hold of gas and electricity accounts for a third of the jump in bills.
Will the petrol drop compensate for the gas hike?
If you fill up the car once a week, you are likely to gain more than you lose.
However, occasional drivers will still have cause to shiver from this week's energy news.
The petrol benefit will be outweighed by the cost of keeping warm.

Regional variations depend on whether an area is mainly urban - in which case there is more competition - or if it is mainly rural - in which case suppliers have higher transport costs and there is less competition.

Overall, the AA says the UK has the seventh-highest petrol price and the second-highest diesel price in Europe.
The fuel price data is supplied by the research firm Experian Catalist.
Higher prices The AA said further falls in petrol prices were unlikely, because of poor refinery capacity in the UK and the likely strengthening of the US dollar.
The US dollar is expected to rise in value now that the standoff over the country's budget is over and oil is priced in dollars.
The AA's president, Edmund King, said: "A more than £2.50-a-tank cut in petrol costs for families is a dramatic improvement on its own. But, heading into winter with cars using more fuel, the timing couldn't be better.
"Alongside Asda, Sainsbury's decision to fully reflect the fall in wholesale prices has been a huge benefit for drivers and businesses.
"However, the AA is also encouraged by the growing band of non-supermarket retailers challenging the pricing of other supermarkets whose prices in many places are far less generous," he added.
The organisation said that the situation at the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland, where a dispute between management and unions has led to a temporary closure, had highlighted the UK's lack of refinery capacity.
It urged the government to find ways to support domestic refineries.

Driving test age rise considered for teenagers

Teenagers could have to wait a year longer than currently before they are allowed to take their driving test.

The government is considering issuing only 12-month probationary licences at the age of 18 in a bid to cut accidents involving young motorists.

New drivers would also face a curfew between 22:00 and 05:00 unless a passenger aged over 30 was in the car.
Ministers are due to publish a Green Paper this year after considering the Transport Research Laboratory's report.
It recommends a one-year "learner stage" beginning at 17, during which drivers would have to total at least 100 hours of daytime and 20 hours of night-time practice under supervision.
Learners can then take their test at 18 and, if they pass, will get a probationary licence and have to display a green "P" plate.
During this stage, drivers will face the curfew and all those under 30 will be banned from carrying any passengers also under 30.

Other proposals under consideration for young drivers are a ban on all mobile phone use, including hands-free phones, and a lower alcohol limit.
After the 12-month probationary period, drivers will automatically graduate to a full licence and unrestricted driving.

Statistics show that more than a fifth of deaths on British roads in 2011 involved drivers aged 17-24.
The report suggests implementing this new system could cut annual casualty numbers by 4,471 and save £224m.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "Young drivers drive around 5% of all the miles driven in Britain but are involved in about 20% of the crashes where someone is killed or seriously injured.
"We are committed to improving safety for young drivers and reducing their insurance costs - that is why we are publishing a Green Paper later in the year setting out our proposals.
"This will include a discussion about how people learn to drive.
"The research report has been produced by the Transport Research Laboratory under commission by the Department for Transport and it, amongst other things, has informed the Green Paper."

Proposals welcomed Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation motoring research charity, welcomed the proposals.
He said: "Young people are four times more likely to die in a road accident than as a result of drink or drugs.
"Yet, as a society we seem to turn a blind eye to the carnage. If this was any other area of public health there would be an outcry.
"This is about ensuring their long-term safety and mobility. Not curtailing it."

 

 

Edmund King, president of motoring organisation the AA, said the proposals were addressing the problem of young drivers in the "wrong way".
"You should prepare young drivers to be safe when they get their licence rather than give them their licence and then restrict them," he told BBC's Breakfast.
He said he would like to see mandatory lessons on motorways, in rural areas and in bad weather, and warned of the problems of policing the restrictions such as carrying young passengers.

Julie Townsend, of road safety charity Brake, welcomed the report, saying it was further recognition of the compelling case for graduated driver licensing.
She urged the government to act "swiftly and decisively" to commit to the system to help reduce the danger young drivers posed to themselves and others.

Currently drivers in England, Scotland and Wales need to pass a theory test, then a practical test before they can apply for a full driving licence. The minimum age to hold a full car licence is 17, or 16 for some people claiming mobility benefit.