Even if you are the most careful of drivers it’s likely that at some point in your career on the road you will be involved in an accident. The aftermath of such an event can be a disorientating and confusing time, so it’s vital to know in advance what the correct procedure is to ensure that the incident is correctly documented and you are covered in the event of a dispute about your car accident claim.

In this article we aim to present definitive list of the actions that you should carry out at the scene of the accident. Perhaps it’s something to carry with you in your car so that it will be with you when you need it. Each step in the process is vital so please take care to read the following carefully.

Make the situation as safe as possible

If you can safely do so then move both your vehicle and the people involved to a safe location. A stationary car on a busy road is a highly dangerous situation, and you should never wait in your car. Retire to a safe distance and if possible move your car so it is not obstructing traffic.

Call the authorities

If there are any injuries then the ambulance service must be called. The police will not routinely attend road traffic accidents, but if there is a breach of the law they should be called immediately. All parties in the accident should stay at the scene until details have been exchanged and the situation has been made safe. Within 24 hours of an accident the police should be informed. This can be a requirement of your insurers and failing to do so may void your policy. The report may be needed by your personal injury solicitor should you choose to make a claim for damages.

Document the accident

Take care to carefully documents driving conditions and the results of the accident. This should include a diagram of the road on which the accident has occurred, being sure to indicate the directions of travel. Try to note the speeds at which the two vehicles were travelling, and where the cars have ended up. A camera, or camera phone will be invaluable in this situation as it can capture far more information than just a simple diagram. In addition to the information contained in your diagram you should photograph any damage to vehicles, and skid marks.

Exchange details

Ensure that you swap details with all of the other drivers involved in the accident. It is illegal for a driver involved in an accident to leave the scene and if anyone attempts to do so the police should be called. Make sure you take addresses, insurance details, car makes, models and registration numbers.

If you feel that another party in the incident is inebriated make a note of this.

Even minor accidents can lead to injuries, and these are not always apparent in the heat of the moment. For example, a whiplash injury can take several days to catch your attention and go on to be a serious and debilitating problem that may prevent you from working, and you may need whiplash compensation to help you through this difficult time.

Finally, you must immediately inform your insurer as failure to do so may void your policy.

With the cost of what feels like everything rising, will car insurance be next? With the rising price of fuel and the regular need for repairs, is the expense of running a car becoming just too much for some. So, will we need to factor in higher insurance prices in 2012? Or can we rest for another year knowing our car insurance premium won’t sky rocket?

Costs fell in the first quarter of 2012

Well, according to the AA, car insurance costs actually fell in the first three months of 2012. They claim that the cost of fully comprehensive car insurance fell by 1.1% at the end of March this year, to an average of £1,132 per annum. However, this is still a fair amount higher than at this time last year, but the AA argue that the annual increase has slowed down, so this is promising news.

There are certain factors to consider when attempting to guestimate if your car insurance premium will rise. Your age is one factor, contrary to the norm, young drivers aged between 17 and 22 actually saw their premiums fall by almost a 1% over the first few months of 2012. This is opposite to the trends in recent years where the insurance of younger drivers has typically been the highest.  The news is not all good though, and the AA have said that despite the initial good figures, they don’t expect costs to continue to fall, rather, they have said it may go full circle and begin to rise again.

Gender rules to change at the end of 2012

Another factor to consider, and one that is particularly relevant to 2012 is the gender discrimination rule. Historically, women have been seen to be safer drivers, meaning their insurance premium is usually a bit lower. However gender rules will be changing at the end of 2012, and gender will no longer be a determining factor when applying for car insurance. Before this new law changes at the end of 2012, the whole insurance industry is likely to overhaul its pricing system, meaning women drivers are likely to see a sharp rise in the cost of their insurance. Women could see prices rising as early as November as insurers attempt to make the transition a smooth one when the law changes.

Unfortunately, one of the major factors contributing to driving the cost of car insurance skyward is false personal injury claims, and over dramatized claims. Each time a person claims for whiplash after a minor bump, it affects everyone’s premium.

Find a good deal

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, with a huge range of car insurance providers out there, many of which are offering comparatively cheap car insurance. Swinton car insurance for example promises rock bottom prices from the UKs top insurers, and is currently offering a cash back incentive when you take out a car insurance policy with them. You can get a good deal if you do some investigation so use comparison websites, but also try each providers own website to ensure you don’t miss out on the best deals.

During harsh weather, it makes sense to store a classic or luxury car. This ensures that the cold weather and precipitation does not harm the vehicle. Once the weather gets nicer, it is more than appropriate to get the car from your self storage unit. However, it is important that the vehicle is prepped and not immediately driven. Sitting for long periods of time means that some basic maintenance needs to happen. 

Change the Oil 

One of the first things that needs to happen is that the vehicle’s oil will need to be changed and other basic maintenance will need to happen. You can do this yourself or you can bring a mechanic in to help with this. It will help that a car expert experienced with classic or luxury vehicles is used. He or she will understand how to properly handle the vehicle.

Inspect the Vehicle 

The vehicle will need to be inspected while basic maintenance is performed. This ensures that you know what the car needs after sitting for all that time. It is normal to need some servicing. After all, the engine hasn’t been run in a long time and the old oil and other fluids could affect the car’s interior. It pays to talk to classic car professionals during the inspection process.

Clean the Exterior and Interior 

It is normal for their to be some basic cleaning that needs to happen after removing a car from your self storage unit. It is important to look for any rust spots or issues that can happen from sitting for a long period of time. Additionally, one should take the time to clean and wax the exterior to prepare it for driving.

Re-attach all of the Car’s Accessories 

When a classic or luxury car is stores for a long time, it is important that the accessories are removed to ensure no marks are left. However, post removal, it is important to re-attach any exterior and interior accessories. This includes everything from mats to the windshield wipers. Prepping a car after long-term storage means inspecting it.

Sitting for long periods of time means that the vehicle will need some basic maintenance and servicing. By going through this process, you can protect your investment and keep the car in great shape. Professionals in the automotive world can help with this process and will know what to look for.

Drivers in the U.S. can now place their order for the new Ford Focus ST, a high-performance hatchback that will offer exhilarating performance and handling, a distinctive interior and muscular exterior design.

Focus ST, Ford’s first global performance car, will integrate a collection of advanced and sport-oriented technologies previously unavailable to North American customers. The combination of these technologies into a refined yet high-performance sport compact will elevate the category and further cement Focus as the most complete compact car range sold in North America.

Customers interested in Focus ST build and pricing options should visit: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/focusst/.

Among the more visible options will be the Tangerine Scream metallic color that will be offered exclusively on the Focus ST as well as race-inspired Recaro seats with matching color accents.

Ford is offering drivers who preorder a 2013 Focus ST the GoPro HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition camera pack upon delivery. Already a staple in the motorsports and action sport communities, a GoPro is the ideal camera to capture a spirited drive or Focus ST track day. The first 1000 Pre-sale orders placed between May 1st and August 20th are eligible for the GoPro HD Hero2 Camera System. Cameras will be sent after vehicle delivery

“We recognize Focus ST customers are very social in nature and will love having the right tool to share their amazing drive experiences,” said Lisa Schoder, Ford Focus ST Marketing manager. “I look forward to seeing videos of the Focus ST taking on some great roads across the U.S.

“Some cars in this category are entertaining on the track, but much less practical for daily driving,” Schoder added. “We think we’ve hit the perfect balance between pure driving exhilaration and everyday livability with this car.

“In terms of athletics, the Focus ST is a gold-medal decathlete,” she said. “You can easily live with the car every day; when the time comes to really drive it; very few will be left wanting.”

The heart of the Focus ST is a reworked EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine massaged for very sporting throttle input responsiveness, strong off-idle power and a broad torque curve. The engine produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

“The power delivery has no weak spots, there’s no way to be left flat-footed,” Schoder said. “At the same time, drivers wanting to spin this motor into the upper octaves will be rewarded.”

To enhance the full experience for the driver, Focus ST is equipped with a sound symposer box that enriches the natural sounds of the motor by capturing internal engine oscillations and piping them through the interior under throttle. In part-throttle driving, the car’s power is felt more than heard; under full throttle, the engine music is naturally amplified through the symposer box.

Power, torque and engine notes are even more impressive in the context of its efficiency. Official EPA figures are not yet available, but Schoder said she expects exceptional fuel economy for Focus ST, especially for this class.

The unique sport suspension combines several technologies never before seen. Designed to give drivers enhanced agility on winding roads while still inspiring high-speed confidence, the variable-ratio steering rack makes steering less sensitive on the straightaways but increases sensitivity at the corners. It can also help drivers at slow speeds, like when maneuvering into a tight parking spot.

The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) on Focus ST is enhanced with torque steer compensation. More aggressive tuning of the torque steer compensation allows drivers to accelerate while still maintaining grip on roads with uneven surfaces. The system detects the torque steer those conditions can create and counteracts the effect to help the driver feel in complete control.

Focus ST will offer Recaro sport seats, unique 18-inch Y-spoke ST wheels, dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlights and leather appointments throughout the cabin. Its superior chassis rigidity aids the suspension in providing a firm, but quiet and controlled ride. The instrument cluster features ST-unique sport gauges with red needle pointers to monitor turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature levels.

Advanced technology such as available SYNC with MyFord Touch will also be available for Focus ST, along with a Sony Audio System, HD Radio and 10-speaker surround sound.

Incoming search terms for the article:

The blind spot has long been a thorn in the side of motorists, and a lack of awareness of this crucial element of driving is responsible for a considerable proportion of accidents on the roads, leading to unnecessary expense and injury but also increased car insurance premiums for all motorists.

Most drivers should know that the blind spot is the area of the road that can’t be seen through either the side or rear-view mirrors, making it a potentially dangerous place in relation to a moving vehicle.

In September, a study carried out by crash management company Accident Exchange revealed a worrying 48 per cent rise in the number of accidents that can be attributed to blind spots.

The majority of these cases happen when a driver pulls out without realising there is a car in their blind spot and, ironically, part of the problem is the stricter safety regulations that have been put into force by the European Union.

Cars are now built from lighter materials than they were in the past, so their design has had to change to provide additional protection in a crash, including thicker pillars – the metal parts between the driver and rear seating – that reduce drivers’ visibility.

“Today’s cars are packed with ‘active’ safety equipment, but for some vehicles strengthened frames can mean reduced visibility and larger blind-spots,” explained Lee Woodley of Accident Exchange.

“Older cars tend to have slimmer pillars which don’t obscure the driver’s view to the side or rear as much.”

How many accidents are caused by blind spots?

The research indicates that as many as 152,000 accidents a year are caused by drivers changing lanes without realising there is a car in their blind spot, with the average cost of each accident mounting up to £2,876 in repairs – not to mention the additional cost on car insurance.

Figures from the Department for Transport seem to support this, indicating that nearly four in ten accidents can be attributed to drivers failing to check for others around them.

The rise in incidents prompted Which? Car to compile a list of the best and worst cars for blind spot visibility, with the Porsche Boxter ranking as the worst and the Smart ForTwo Coupe taking the top spot.

Additionally, the Driving Standards Agency banned the new Mini Convertible from the roads after examiners complained that its poor visibility posed a serious danger to motorists and those around them.

Some manufacturers, including Volvo and Mercedes, now feature “blind spot cameras” that alert drivers to when there is another vehicle behind them, while Mercedes and Citroen have lane departure warning systems.

How can I improve my blind spot behaviour?

Most driving instructors advise checking your mirrors every five seconds or so and making this an unconscious part of your driving behaviour.

It’s also important to keep your view clear while driving – car ornaments, dirty windscreens and even passengers’ heads can get in the way of seeing as much of the road as possible.

“The blind spot check should always be carried out before moving off from a stationary position, overtaking, or generally making any move that requires your vehicle to change direction,” said Tracy Whitelaw of Safer Drivers.

She added: “You can partially eliminate the blind spot by the use of fisheye mirrors. These small mirrors can be bought for little money and are attached to the outer side mirrors of a vehicle.”

Of course, motorists can do their bit by ensuring they stay out of the blind spots of other drivers, particularly trucks and vans, which often have even less visibility. Similarly, drivers should remember that cyclists and motorcyclists are much smaller and harder to spot than cars and close attention should be paid when they are nearby.

Incoming search terms for the article:

It’s a fact, having a family is very expensive. The Daily Mail recently stated that the average British household now pays out £18000-a-year in bills. Insurance companies realise this and often have deals for families but it’s important you pick the right one.

Your family are the most precious think to you. You want to make sure you are completely protected and it can get really confusing making sure you have the right amount of insurance for your family. Car insurers often offer a package for families but it can take time to seek out the best deal.

You should start by having a look at car insurance quotes on uSwitch. A good example to benchmark your search on is, Below we have picked the best insurance companies for family policies:

Aviva

Now this is an insurer that really looks into its customers needs. Aviva conducted a piece of research on family cars in February this year and reported, “Aviva asked 2,500 UK adults about their family car history stretching back 30 years and found that, while more families than ever own a second car2, there has been a significant shift towards a more equal size and value split between the cars driven by mum and dad in Britain’s multi-car households.”

Aviva’s MultiCar insurance covers up to five cars or vans in a household and is available to families who live under the same roof. Students with cars who live away from their permanent home address during term-time also qualify.

Cornhill Direct

This offers a smart family tailored offer at a low cost, and at the end of the day, we are all trying to save money where ever we can. This cover is great because it takes into account individual circumstances; for example, you may want flexibility for family and friends, so you can insure extra drivers on your car insurance policy, for up to 14 days at a time.

Direct Line

Not a family specific policy but it is designed for families with more than one car. The policy is unique as it offers 15% off your household’s second or subsequent vehicles that are insured. And the added bonus is the fact that you can get a further 5% off at renewal and every year after that!

Confused.com

You shouldn’t be confused about this offer. Confused.com encourage families or other group to sign up to a multi-car policy that covers between two and five vehicles. Apparently families with several vehicles can make savings of over 20 per cent on their premiums, although the discounts for homes with two drivers and two cars are likely to be lower than this.

Ford knows that full-size truck buyers like to personalize their pickups and so do the experts at Truckin’ magazine. But it takes more than style to win with consumers. After testing four half-ton pickups in a well-rounded set of challenges, the Ford F-150 FX2 SuperCrew is now the Truckin’ half-ton Truck of the Year.

“Ford stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam with the EcoBoost F-150 FX2,” said Truckin’ Feature Editor Maxwell Matthewson. “They gave the consumer everything they wanted in one package: impeccable styling, remarkable performance, and gas mileage that doesn’t punch you in the gut at the fuel pump.”

Ford is giving buyers more options to personalize the truck.

The new FX Appearance Package is available on both FX2 and FX4 trucks and delivers a unique look with stealthy, flat-black accents. The look is set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering, which is carried into the interior with a red-stitched steering wheel.

The FX’s interior also features black leather seating surfaces with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all seven FX exterior colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX Luxury Package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

New 20-inch six-spoke wheels with flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique body-side decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager. “Earning this recognition from such a discerning group of personalization and performance experts as Truckin’ is gratifying.”

With a twin-turbocharged direct-injection gasoline EcoBoost V6 engine making 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the Ford F-150 delivers power and performance comparable to competitive, naturally aspirated V8 engines, while delivering significantly improved fuel economy, up to 20 percent better.

The F-150 offers plenty of room for tools and such. Speaking of tools - Harbor Freight offers a huge selection on power tools at HarborFreight.com.

The 2012 Ford F-150 FX2 with EcoBoost offers 22 mpg on the highway (4×2) – mileage that’s superior to competitors’ full-size V6 and V8 conventional gasoline trucks and beats even midsize pickups with V6 engines.

The half-ton shootout appears in the April 2012 issue of Truckin’ magazine, on newsstands now. The test compares the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LTZ, Ram 1500 Sport Crew Cab 4×4 and Nissan Titan 4×4 Pro-4X pickups to the winning Ford F-150. F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.

Buying a car can be very fun. There is now a motors.co.uk app available to download to mobiles. If you are interested in a cheap second hand car such as the used Ford Ka then it’s certainly worth a look.

Incoming search terms for the article:

Under the banner of its sub-brand BMW i, the BMW Group is developing a range of purpose-built vehicle concepts and complementary mobility services which meet the changing needs of customers and redefine the understanding of personal mobility. As well as adopting intelligent technologies and innovative design, BMW i is pursuing an all-embracing approach defined to a significant degree by sustainability throughout the value chain.

Following the presentation of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept, the BMW Group introduces the BMW i8 Concept Spyder to the mix. This third BMW i model embodies the future of cutting-edge and emotionally appealing mobility concepts. Its sporting design headlines the qualities of an open-top two-seater blending lightness, dynamic capability and efficiency with a very special aesthetic allure.

The combination of intelligent lightweight design and state-of-the-art hybrid technology imbues the BMW i8 Concept Spyder with genuine sports car performance, yet its fuel consumption is no higher than you would expect from a small car.
Among the most eye-catching features of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder are the upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a range of purpose-oriented on-board equipment including electric kickboards stowed under a transparent tailgate.

The sports car is based around the innovative LifeDrive architecture, itself underpinned by a lightweight modular construction and the use of high-quality high-tech materials. The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a plug-in hybrid powered by an eDrive drivetrain combining a high-performance electric motor and petrol combustion engine. The lithium-ion battery supplying the motor with power can be recharged in an extremely short space of time from any domestic power socket. Together, the car’s minimised weight, low centre of gravity and finely judged balance, coupled with a combined system output of up to 260 kW (354 hp), promise unbeatable dynamic capability, exceptional efficiency and unbridled driving pleasure.

Incoming search terms for the article: