RE: Speed limit call is 'misleading': campaign

[safespeed]

dr chuff said:

I can't find any other evidence of this report by Direct Line.
Before I complain, can anyone else find any info on this from Direct Line?

Dr C

Here's the direct line PR:

==========================================================================
> Strictly embargoed for 00:01 hours on Wednesday 2nd August 2006
>
>
>
> Rural roads used as a racetrack
>
>
> Direct Line today called for the speed limit to be reduced to 40mph on
> rural roads due to the high number of fatalities now occurring on country
> lanes.
>
> Every year, more than 15,000 accidents result in fatalities or serious
> injuries on country roads* and close to a quarter (23 per cent) of all
> motorists have had a near miss on a rural road in the past five years.
>
> Among all road fatalities, 64 per cent** take place in rural areas and
> Direct Line's findings indicate that one of the main causes of accidents
> on rural roads is speeding with over a quarter (26 per cent) of rural
> drivers admitting to exceeding the 60mph limit.
>
> 'Rural speeders' gave a number of reasons for exceeding the limit with
> many worryingly believing that less traffic (38 per cent) and fewer
> pedestrians (33 per cent) makes speeding safer in the country. Lack of
> police presence (13 per cent), few speed cameras (14 per cent) and less
> speed bumps (12 per cent) were also cited as acceptable reasons for
> drivers to put their foot down.
>
> Speed limit knowledge on rural roads also proves a mystery, with two out
> of three motorists saying they did not know the speed limits. Over half
> (51 per cent) say there should be more speed signs on rural roads so
> motorists are aware of the limit.
>
> Consequently, 63 per cent of motorists are in favour of the driving test
> being revised to include tuition on how to drive on rural roads and 74 per
> cent believe the current speed limit is too high for some or all country
> roads.
>
> One in three (36 per cent) rural motorists find driving on rural lanes
> difficult - a figure which rises to 48 per cent among female drivers.
>
> Emma Holyer, Direct Line's Motor spokesperson, said;
> "With lots of people taking holidays at the time of the year country lanes
> are at their busiest. The majority of motorists on the country roads in
> summer are likely to be unfamiliar with them and they can be extremely
> dangerous - especially when approached at high speeds. We are reminding
> motorists to drive safely and watch their speeds on all rural roads in a
> bid to reduce the number of accidents.
>
> "We're also calling on the government to reduce the speed limit from 60mph
> to 40mph as we feel the current speed limit is too fast for narrow rural
> lanes."
>
> For more information, log on to www.directline.com.
>
>
> - ends -
>
> Emma Holyer/Direct Line Press Office
> 0208 256 2182 / 07894 158605
> Email: [e-mail]
> Suzie Barrett/Band & Brown
> 0207 419 8635 / 07813 203423
> Email: [e-mail]
> Sarah Weston/Band & Brown
> 0207 419 7323 / 07720 435405
> Email: [e-mail]
> Notes to Editors:
> The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line car insurance by
> YouGov. A nationally representative sample of 2,574 GB adults were
> questioned online between 6th to 10th July 2006. Results are weighted to
> be representative of the GB adult population.
> * Each year excessive and inappropriate speed helps to kill around 1,200
> people and injure over 100,000 more. This is far more than any other
> single contributor to casualties on our roads (Source: Department for
> Transport).
> ** Each year excessive and inappropriate speed helps to kill around 1,200
> people and injure over 100,000 more. This is far more than any other
> single contributor to casualties on our roads (Source: Department for
> Transport).
>
> Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial
> Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
>
> NATIONAL DATA
> Top 10 reasons why rural drivers think it is okay to speed on rural roads
> When there is an open road (34 per cent)
> In an emergency (28 per cent)
> When there's no traffic around (26 per cent)
> When I think it's safe to do so or the limit is too low (22 per cent)
> When there are no pedestrians around (16 per cent)
> When the roads are familiar (16 per cent)
> When there are no speed cameras (nine per cent)
> When there are no police around (seven per cent)
> Late at night (five per cent)
> Any time I can get away with it (three per cent)
>
>
>
> REGIONAL DATA
>
> REGION PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF
> RURAL DRIVERS WHO DRIVERS WHO HAVE DRIVERS WHO DON'T
>
> ADMIT TO EXCEEDING HAD A NEAR MISS ON KNOW THE SPEED
> THE 60MPH LIMIT ON A RURAL ROAD IN THE LIMIT ON RURAL
> RURAL ROADS PAST FIVE YEARS ROADS
> NATIONAL 26 PER CENT 23 PER CENT 66 PER CENT
> LONDON 25 PER CENT 20 PER CENT 76 PER CENT
> MIDLANDS 32 PER CENT 20 PER CENT 61 PER CENT
> EAST OF ENGLAND 26 PER CENT 28 PER CENT 59 PER CENT
> WALES/ WEST 16 PER CENT 27 PER CENT 66 PER CENT
> SOUTH WEST 27 PER CENT 28 PER CENT 52 PER CENT
> SOUTH 25 PER CENT 29 PER CENT 62 PER CENT
> LANCASHIRE 24 PER CENT 20 PER CENT 74 PER CENT
> NORTH EAST 30 PER CENT 24 PER CENT 61 PER CENT
> YORKSHIRE 27 PER CENT 25 PER CENT 65 PER CENT
> SCOTLAND 33 PER CENT 22 PER CENT 64 PER CENT
>
> Direct Line's Top Tips for driving in rural areas:
>
> 1. Take special care when driving at night as there are no streetlights
> on most rural roads and other drivers' headlights could temporarily blind
> you - always remember to dip your headlights when passing other vehicles.
>
> 2. Keep an eye out for passing places, as many rural roads are not wide
> enough for two cars to pass each other. Sound your horn on blind bends, or
> places where you cannot see the road ahead, to let other drivers know you
> are there.
>
> 3. Be aware of any wildlife that could run out in front of you. Always
> make sure you are able to stop quickly if you need to.
>
> 4. Take extra care when driving on winding roads. It's not always
> possible to see round bends and what's on the road ahead.
>
> 5. Remember that just because the speed limit is 60mph, you don't have
> to drive at this speed. Only drive at the speed you feel safe and
> comfortable with.
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------
>
> Sarah Weston
> Band & Brown Communications
> 57 Jamestown Road
> London
> NW1 7DB
> UK
> T: [phone]
> F: [phone]
> E: [e-mail]
> W. www.bbpr.com
=================================================================

It's VERY confused...

And two Safe Speed PRs:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SafeSpe
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SafeSpe

[apache]

mybrainhurts said:

I trust you're all going to dump Direct Line...

It's time you withdrew from Norwich Union, too....trying to introduce data loggers in all cars....

While your at it ditch Green Flag, they support muppets

[HiRich]

Safespeed said:

You can't measure safe driving in miles per hour.

That's a cracking riposte to "Speed Kills" to file away for future use.

[Balmoral Green]

andytk said:

Well, thats Direct Line just lost themselves a renewal...

Same here on Mrs BG's car.

[andy.shent]

I know its not dealing with the subject concerned but, having had my wifes car rendered with gravel and cement (respray of boot,rear quarter panel, and rear door needed!) by the local councils, "tender winning" contractors mowing machine, and going thru all the channels, TWO independant witnesses, photographic evidence,etc. we are still waiting for my wifes £100 excess!!

The company concerned which rhymes with "Hay Hay" don,t seem interested in persueing my wifes insurers (rhymes with "Crouparma" even tho the mowing contractors insurance said they would pay up if contacted by afore mentioned with all evidence!(rhymes with "Gleanaway"

She has already cancelled all payment for road side assistance, Etc, (brand new car anyway) and saved herself £150:00 a year which I,m sure the "Hay Hay" would rather have had in there bank, and she is insuring with "Tesco,s" this time,

Even tho "Croupama" never seemed bothered at claiming off "Gleanaway" they have seen fit to raise my wifes insurance from £200:00 for last years insurance to £470:00, Looks like they are trying to get the money off my wife for the respray rather than the guilty parties insurer!!! Don,t think they will be getting any money off her either!

Lesson learned. Insurance is one big load off testicles. and if they can wangle out of claiming of each other (some sort of gentlemans agreement I would imagine) We end up paying them for the a peice of worthless cover, and for any claims in the next years premium!

[Mr. Potato Head]

Timberwolf said:

if Direct Line wish to attract the business of the 40mph-everywhere brigade, then fine.

To these people 55mph is "using the road like a racetrack"

Edited by Mr. Potato Head on Wednesday 2nd August 17:43

[medicineman]

www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/news/newsbeat/060802_speedlimit.shtml

Have your say?

[Chas-Chiro]

I sent this message to Emma Hoyler.

"I would like to see your evidence as I drive for a living and it is the slow incapable drivers leading to dangerous overtaking and attention drifting off that ends with a collision.

The country should set a much higher standard for drivers to adhere to not give a license with your breakfast cereal as is currently done.

You must have shares in the petroleum business, create more traffic jams, waste more fuel, get bigger dividends.

Just as many deaths though."

Bet I don't get a reply.

Edited by Chas-Chiro on Wednesday 2nd August 18:17

[toltec]

Just on BBC1 news.

Guy in a camp site complaining how on his way to the site other drivers were forcing their way between his car with trailer and his son's car following him.

So what he means is that he was driving slowly due to towing a trailer and his son, who obviously did not want to overtake, was driving so close that other vehicles were finding it difficult to overtake.

Without going into a trailer/caravan rant I think the relevant information is that his son drives like an idiot and the father thinks he owns the road.

[deadlym]

medicineman said:

www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/news/newsbeat/060802_speedlimit.shtml

Have your say?

Have done

[nik0775]

Has anyone else noticed how many people drive at 50 on 60 mph roads? They seem to have come up with this mythical limit...
Cant wait for em all to drive at 30 on 40 mph roads and totally frustrate other drivers into unsafe overtake maneuvers, then the insurance claims should start racking up!!!!

[widjit]

deadlym said:

medicineman said:

www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/news/newsbeat/060802_speedlimit.shtml

Have your say?

Have done

Me too. Plus sent the following to Emma Hoyler

"
I have had experience of relatives and acquaintances dying and being severely injured by motoring incidents. Those have been caused by tired drivers, poor drivers and poorly lit/surfaced/signed roads. You will note that speed isn't mentioned. It is painfully obvious that any speed on ANY road can be inappropriate depending on the prevailing weather and traffic conditions.

Blanket limits belong in the days of carrying round red flags in front of cars in the late 1800s. The Highways Agency (scientific body) has all the stats of recorded accidents (that are declining!) if you are interested in facts rather than opinionated drivel that comes from the Political DoT.

I have been a customer of Direct line for about 6 years and currently have 2 car insurance policies and break down cover. You represent an insurance company who I haven't voted for and who doesn't speak on my behalf.

It seems my only option to deal with you is a permanent boycott of Direct Line and all your related products.
"

Is it worth targetting Direct line's parent co?

Edited by widjit on Wednesday 2nd August 19:08

[Seany88]

If 26% of motorists said they exceed the speed limit, then even if it goes down to 40 what's stopping them from doing more of the same?

[apache]

I like to keep it short and to the point.

"Dear Emma,

We have 4 drivers in my family who you can count on never to insure with Direct Line insurance. You have decided upon a course of action that is punitive, unhelpful and selfish in the name of profit for your company, to mask this in the name of safety is immoral and disgusting.

Yours XXXX"

[Prof Beard]

Balmoral Green said:

andytk said:

Well, thats Direct Line just lost themselves a renewal...

Same here on Mrs BG's car.

I hope you both make sure to tell them WHY?

[deadlym]

Chas-Chiro said:

I sent this message to Emma Hoyler.

And I've sent this:

message said:

As a Direct Line customer, I am bemused at this report and angry that it might be assumed that the report is supported by Direct Line customers. In actual fact, your statement "we feel the current speed limit is too fast for narrow rural lanes" holds no more weight than me releasing a statement saying that I think the speed limit is fine.

No doubt you'll receive many responses pointing out the stupidity and blinkeredness of your statements.

However, to point out some of the most obvious flaws:

The rural speed limit is a limit, not a target. To be safe, drivers should travel at a speed appropriate for the road and the conditions at the time (subject to the speed limit, if they want to abide by the law). Your proposed limit of 40mph would still be an inappropriate speed to go round a blind corner on a single track lane. Yet this limit would also apply on a wide, straight and clear A-road, where 60mph is currently perfectly safe.

If a quarter of drivers admit to speeding on rural roads, they are not going to pay attention to an even less appropriate limit.

If two out of three drivers do not know the rural speed limit, then they are unfit to drive. I certainly don't think that their responses to the other questions deserve to be taken into account. I wonder if they know which side of the road to they should drive on.

I presume the "two out of three" idiots above correspond with the 63% who are in favour of the driving test being revised to include tuition on how to drive on rural roads. I suspect that the test doesn't actually specifically exclude rural roads; I was allowed on them in 1991, when I took my test. Funnily enough though, the same rules apply to rural roads as other types of road.

As a Direct Line customer, I request that you desist releasing such worthless statements, which I can only assume that my premiums have paid for.

Edit: Anyone know the email address of some top brass at Direct Line or RBS (Direct Line's owners) to cc to?

Edited by deadlym on Wednesday 2nd August 19:51

[WildCat]

I would never ever insure or recommend this company after the stunt they tried to pull on me after that incident in which they tried to get out of paying me damages und the guy's widow damages by trying to claim the guy died before he hit me und "was thus not insured at the time".

I have never forgiven und feel anger at each advertisement und mealy mouthed "concern about safety" they utter or issue as PR.

We won .. after longest fight back.. but never able to reconcile this company with fair play und would thus never touch as result - even if they insured me for "gratis"

But this personal anger und bias aside..

There are NSL roads which I would never drive at 60 mph along. Far too dangerous as at that speed I could never stop in distance I can see to be clear - even with the super duper brakes in my lovely new Jag.

There are also a number of very straight und wide und safe 60 mph roads on which ist crime to drive at 40 mph.

Family noted that old A6144(M) was prone to the 40 mph brigade und we blame these people for this road having its (M) status removed und limit placed at silliest 50 mph. My sister-in-law who use this road every day in term time (she teach for Trafford LEA .. nice "leafy" school ) says that when it ws 70 mph - people drove at 40 mph. Now ist 50 mph und they all drive at 60 mph )

She ist a bit baffled by this. She saw the same regulars doing this too. She ist a teacher und she reckons ist another reason perhaps why the Swiss main riff-raff are perhaps right to call for regular graded assessments to improve standards. Her teacher "nose" tell her people need better training. to read roads und C O A S T better in their driving skills.

She also noted that talivan appeared immediately after the downgrade. She has not seen it since. People complained. apparently

[Emmy]

By the way... Please note that Direct Line / RBS underwrites for lots of others (under the name UK Insurance Ltd). Here are some that I found. There are probably only a handfull of real insurers in the country, and everyone just underwrites with them.

- Tesco Insurance
- Green Flag
- Barclaycard Car Insurance
- Privilege Car Insurance
- Churchill Car Insurance
- Egg Car Insurance
- Prudential Car Insurance
- Virgin Car Insurance

and probably many, many others. Check your policy to see if it's underwritten by any of the above, or if it's underwritten by Royal Bank of Scotland / UK Insurance Ltd.

If people stop renewing with all these companies that are affiliated with Direct Line, maybe other insurance companies will learn not to make such a stupid mistake again. If you do cancel your policy with Direct Line, make sure you don't insure yourself with one of these other companies - if you do, RBS will be laughing at you since you'll still be paying your money to them!

Unfortunately, a large percentage of the population don't really care and will continue to insure with these companies anyway - but hopefully if enough people change insurers, it'll make RBS notice and make sure none of its companies try to pull this PR stunt again.

Thanks!

S.

[WildCat]

Emmy said:

By the way... Please note that Direct Line / RBS underwrites for lots of others (under the name UK Insurance Ltd). Here are some that I found. There are probably only a handfull of real insurers in the country, and everyone just underwrites with them.

- Tesco Insurance
- Green Flag
- Barclaycard Car Insurance
- Privilege Car Insurance
- Churchill Car Insurance
- Egg Car Insurance
- Prudential Car Insurance
- Virgin Car Insurance

and probably many, many others. Check your policy to see if it's underwritten by any of the above, or if it's underwritten by Royal Bank of Scotland / UK Insurance Ltd.

If people stop renewing with all these companies that are affiliated with Direct Line, maybe other insurance companies will learn not to make such a stupid mistake again. If you do cancel your policy with Direct Line, make sure you don't insure yourself with one of these other companies - if you do, RBS will be laughing at you since you'll still be paying your money to them!

Unfortunately, a large percentage of the population don't really care and will continue to insure with these companies anyway - but hopefully if enough people change insurers, it'll make RBS notice and make sure none of its companies try to pull this PR stunt again.

Thanks!

S.

Danke. Those in know - know. . We shop around. We find Fortis delivers und I think they charge a fair price overall too. They gave us a decent rate for the learner twin kittens too.

Update - they are driving like "pros". We are well pleased with their progress. Ist relieving und reassuring to us. Ja - they have a useful advantage so to speak - I suppose .. - petrolhead und pistonhead family.. enthusiasts..all IAM-RoSPA-HPC .. promoters of COAST principles und lots of family BiB to help too.

[Slowlane]

Don't understand how DL can make these comments they insure vehicle and most likel;y pocess a good database of where and how people crash but that does not make them road safety experts