http://www.caradvice.com.au/96769/queensland-leads-10-percent-national-road-toll-reduction/
Queensland leads 10 percent national road toll reduction
The national road toll decreased by almost 10 percent in 2010, with the number of deaths in road crashes down from 1507 in 2009 to 1368 last year.
Queensland led a list of four states to experience a reduction in its road toll, while the Northern Territory had the highest increase in fatalities.
Queensland’s tally dropped from 331 in 2009 to 247 in 2010, a reduction of more than 25 percent.
Police Minister Neil Roberts said a significant proportion of the result had to be credited to the enhanced police influence on the state’s roads.
“We’ve had 106 additional traffic officers on the beat enforcing the road rules,” Mr Roberts told AAP.
“The introduction of covert speed cameras has had a significant impact on driver behaviour.”
The Queensland road toll is the lowest since records started in 1952, both in total numbers and from a ‘rate per 100,000 population’ perspective.
In 2010, the fatality rate was 5.5 per 100,000. The worst rate on record was 1973 when it was 32 per 100,000.
In terms of percentages, Tasmania was the biggest improver. Its road toll was down more than 50 percent from 64 in 2009 to 31 in 2010.
The New South Wales toll dropped 32 to 421, and South Australia shed one fatality for a 2010 total of 118.
Victoria’s road toll went the other way, increasing by one to 291. Western Australia’s tally went up by three (192 total), ACT’s six (18) and Northern Territory’s 19 (50).
The Northern Territory remains the most deadly region on a per capita basis. It has just one percent of the nation’s population but makes up 3.6 percent of the road toll.
Conversely, Victorians account for 25 percent of the population but only 21 percent the road toll, while Queensland has 20 percent of the population but only 18 percent of the vehicle-based fatalities.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
study, to be conducted by VicRoads
CONFUSING and inappropriate speed limits could be swept away following a major review of the rules that is about to begin.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder has ordered the assessment after public anger over poorly designed speed zones.
Public input will be sought ahead of recommendations being handed to the State Government later this year.
The study, to be conducted by VicRoads, will look at:
ROUTES that have a large number of speed changes, and ways to reduce them.
SCHOOL speed zones, including their layout and location and their times of operation.
STRIP shopping centre and town centre limits.
ADVISORY, as opposed to compulsory, speed limits.
A MINIMUM length for speed zones.
THE consistency of speed limits, particularly when compared with roads that have similar conditions.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/shake-up-seeks-simpler-speed-limits/story-fn8g495p-1226042471287#ixzz1KCHAhaX8
Roads Minister Terry Mulder has ordered the assessment after public anger over poorly designed speed zones.
Public input will be sought ahead of recommendations being handed to the State Government later this year.
The study, to be conducted by VicRoads, will look at:
ROUTES that have a large number of speed changes, and ways to reduce them.
SCHOOL speed zones, including their layout and location and their times of operation.
STRIP shopping centre and town centre limits.
ADVISORY, as opposed to compulsory, speed limits.
A MINIMUM length for speed zones.
THE consistency of speed limits, particularly when compared with roads that have similar conditions.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/shake-up-seeks-simpler-speed-limits/story-fn8g495p-1226042471287#ixzz1KCHAhaX8
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
The pay-as-you-drive movement can be traced to California's Proposition 103
California motorists always have been able to ask for a discount on future premiums for driving less than their estimated mileage. They still can, regardless of whether their insurer has rolled out a pay-as-you drive offering.
The pay-as-you-drive movement can be traced to California's Proposition 103, the landmark auto insurance reform initiative passed by voters in 1988. It required insurers to base premiums primarily on a driver's safety record, number of miles driven annually and years of driving experience.
New regulations approved by former California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner allow for actual mileage to be a voluntary alternative to estimated mileage. The regulations also make it possible for insurers to automatically collect mileage verification from an automatic device inside a vehicle.
Any savings from actual miles driven will show up in future premiums.
The pay-as-you-drive movement can be traced to California's Proposition 103, the landmark auto insurance reform initiative passed by voters in 1988. It required insurers to base premiums primarily on a driver's safety record, number of miles driven annually and years of driving experience.
New regulations approved by former California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner allow for actual mileage to be a voluntary alternative to estimated mileage. The regulations also make it possible for insurers to automatically collect mileage verification from an automatic device inside a vehicle.
Any savings from actual miles driven will show up in future premiums.
audit of NSW's speed cameras will be carried out to determine if they really are having an impact on road safety.
I'll rip out cash cow cameras: O'Farrell
An audit of NSW's speed cameras will be carried out to determine if they really are having an impact on road safety.
An audit of NSW's speed cameras will be carried out to determine if they really are having an impact on road safety.
If they are not, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says, "They will be ripped out".
O'Farrell on Thursday said each of the 172 fixed, six mobile and 60 safety cameras would be investigated in the auditor-general's review
The audit was needed to address motorists' concerns the cameras had become mere cash cows under the previous government, rather than used to improve road safety, he said.
While the premier admitted the unpopular devices were useful in curbing driver misbehaviour, he promised to rip out any camera used merely to gouge money out of NSW motorists.
"Fixed cameras can be useful, there is no doubt about that. Red-light cameras can be useful," O'Farrell told reporters at the RTA's Traffic Management Centre in Sydney.
"What we want to make sure is that transparently, openly, there is an audit to ensure motorists know whether or not cameras at certain locations are delivering that better road safety outcome, or whether it is just in fact about revenue raising."
O'Farrell said at the very least the audit, expected to take about three months, would "remove scepticism and cynicism about this issue".
"At best it will demonstrate case by case whether these cameras are achieving their outcome," he said.
The audit "ticked off" on another election promise of the new government, O'Farrell said.
Motoring group the NRMA applauded the audit, saying motorists had to be assured cameras were only used in spots that would make roads safer.
An audit of NSW's speed cameras will be carried out to determine if they really are having an impact on road safety.
An audit of NSW's speed cameras will be carried out to determine if they really are having an impact on road safety.
If they are not, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says, "They will be ripped out".
O'Farrell on Thursday said each of the 172 fixed, six mobile and 60 safety cameras would be investigated in the auditor-general's review
The audit was needed to address motorists' concerns the cameras had become mere cash cows under the previous government, rather than used to improve road safety, he said.
While the premier admitted the unpopular devices were useful in curbing driver misbehaviour, he promised to rip out any camera used merely to gouge money out of NSW motorists.
"Fixed cameras can be useful, there is no doubt about that. Red-light cameras can be useful," O'Farrell told reporters at the RTA's Traffic Management Centre in Sydney.
"What we want to make sure is that transparently, openly, there is an audit to ensure motorists know whether or not cameras at certain locations are delivering that better road safety outcome, or whether it is just in fact about revenue raising."
O'Farrell said at the very least the audit, expected to take about three months, would "remove scepticism and cynicism about this issue".
"At best it will demonstrate case by case whether these cameras are achieving their outcome," he said.
The audit "ticked off" on another election promise of the new government, O'Farrell said.
Motoring group the NRMA applauded the audit, saying motorists had to be assured cameras were only used in spots that would make roads safer.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Speeding blitz in lower limit zones nets 3000 on Brisbane and Gold Coast
Speeding blitz in lower limit zones nets 3000 on Brisbane and Gold Coast
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/speeding-blitz-in-lower-limit-zones-nets-3000-on-brisbane-and-gold-coast/story-e6freoof-1226034880076?from=public_rss
by James OLoan From: The Courier-Mail April 07, 2011 12:00AM
A RECENT blitz on drivers exceeding speed limits in 40km/h and 50km/h zones has netted more than 3000 people since December in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Figures obtained by The Courier-Mail show motorists are consistently speeding in zones around schools and in suburban streets.
The police crackdown in the zones is understood to be the first time they have come under specific scrutiny. Traffic police have set up marked and covert cameras in 15 approved 40km/h and 50km/h sites.
At least 124 sites are expected to be used as the program rolls out across the state.
Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q) researcher David Soole said the strategy was smart because there were more pedestrians, parked cars and other infrastructure in low-speed zones than high-speed zones.
In the first three months of the crackdown, 22 drivers an hour were caught breaking the 40km/h limit. Over the same period, 10 drivers an hour were caught above the 50km/h limit.
A police spokesman said the high number of motorists caught in the slower speed zones was disturbing, but there was slight comfort in data that showed fewer drivers were being stung than when the crackdown started.
When it began mid-December 2010, cameras in 40km/h zones caught an average of 71 vehicles out of 1000 (or 7 per cent). By mid-March that figure had dropped to 54.5 vehicles out of 1000 (or 5.5 per cent). In 50km/h zones, a huge drop resulted over the three months from 23.78 (or 2.4 per cent) to seven (or 0.7 per cent).
The results come a week after this newspaper revealed the huge success of covert speed cameras across all speed zones. Overall, the controversial additions to the police anti-speeding arsenal have helped trigger a slowdown across the state, with 1.6 per cent of drivers now getting caught one in three fewer than when covert cameras were introduced last April.
"The decline in detections demonstrates that anywhere, anytime the philosophy works," a police spokesman said.
"But the driving public should remember that speed cameras are only one part of the range of tools police use to ensure compliance with the road rules."
This year's road toll sat at 60 overnight, seven more than at the same time last year.
An elderly man was killed yesterday about 8.35am when he was struck as he walked across a farm at Jones Gully, north of Crows Nest near Toowoomba.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/speeding-blitz-in-lower-limit-zones-nets-3000-on-brisbane-and-gold-coast/story-e6freoof-1226034880076?from=public_rss
by James OLoan From: The Courier-Mail April 07, 2011 12:00AM
A RECENT blitz on drivers exceeding speed limits in 40km/h and 50km/h zones has netted more than 3000 people since December in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Figures obtained by The Courier-Mail show motorists are consistently speeding in zones around schools and in suburban streets.
The police crackdown in the zones is understood to be the first time they have come under specific scrutiny. Traffic police have set up marked and covert cameras in 15 approved 40km/h and 50km/h sites.
At least 124 sites are expected to be used as the program rolls out across the state.
Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q) researcher David Soole said the strategy was smart because there were more pedestrians, parked cars and other infrastructure in low-speed zones than high-speed zones.
In the first three months of the crackdown, 22 drivers an hour were caught breaking the 40km/h limit. Over the same period, 10 drivers an hour were caught above the 50km/h limit.
A police spokesman said the high number of motorists caught in the slower speed zones was disturbing, but there was slight comfort in data that showed fewer drivers were being stung than when the crackdown started.
When it began mid-December 2010, cameras in 40km/h zones caught an average of 71 vehicles out of 1000 (or 7 per cent). By mid-March that figure had dropped to 54.5 vehicles out of 1000 (or 5.5 per cent). In 50km/h zones, a huge drop resulted over the three months from 23.78 (or 2.4 per cent) to seven (or 0.7 per cent).
The results come a week after this newspaper revealed the huge success of covert speed cameras across all speed zones. Overall, the controversial additions to the police anti-speeding arsenal have helped trigger a slowdown across the state, with 1.6 per cent of drivers now getting caught one in three fewer than when covert cameras were introduced last April.
"The decline in detections demonstrates that anywhere, anytime the philosophy works," a police spokesman said.
"But the driving public should remember that speed cameras are only one part of the range of tools police use to ensure compliance with the road rules."
This year's road toll sat at 60 overnight, seven more than at the same time last year.
An elderly man was killed yesterday about 8.35am when he was struck as he walked across a farm at Jones Gully, north of Crows Nest near Toowoomba.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
How Progressive Markets the Trading of Privacy for a Discount
How Progressive Markets the Trading of Privacy for a Discount
http://www.thecmosite.com/author.asp?section_id=1167&doc_id=205271
Ariella Brown, Content Developer and Blogger 4/1/2011
Here's the pitch: Place a small device in your car and let it track your driving, in order to qualify for discounts on your car insurance. Would you do it?
Progressive is hoping you will. The company is making a big marketing push for its Snapshot device, which is touted as the key to a "pay as you drive" program offering discounts up to 30 percent. Its approach to marketing the Snapshot offers lessons in how to put customers at ease as they are asked to give up some privacy for tangible benefits.
Progressive is promoting Snapshot through ads and videos that feature the famous "Flo, the Progressive girl" -- she has her own Facebook page with more than 2.6 million listed admirers. The ads are designed to look like home videos rather than professionally produced commercials. Progressive is heavily invested in social media, including a dedicated YouTube channel, a Facebook page (not nearly as popular as Flo's), and a Twitter account.
According to CMO Jeff Charney, the Snapshot device will be as transformative for the insurance industry as the iPod was for music. While other insurers offer similar programs, they are much more limited. Allstate has a discount for drivers in its Drive Wise program only in Illinois, and State Farm offers Drive Safe & Save for drivers who sign up for it and subscribe to OnStar. Progressive's Snapshot program is available in more than 30 states and does not require enrollment in any additional service (it does its own transmitting back to the database).
Customers can log in to their Progressive policy and get an overview of their driving habits, review specific trips, or track their driving by day of the week or time of day.
The Snapshot device is small and easily plugs into the car's diagnostic port. While it may be capable of picking up a lot more than some people may be comfortable with, Progressive insists that it only records the number of miles you drive, the time of day you drive, and how often you make sudden stops. Skeptical drivers are assured that the record can only bring their rates down, not raise them. When I expressed privacy concerns to Brittany Senary from Progressive's public relations department, she assured me, "The device does not have GPS, so we don't know where the car is. In addition, we don't take into account how fast the car goes."
Still, drivers should bear in mind that the data could be used against them in particular circumstances. Progressive can access the data with customer permission, but that is not the only criterion. Another is "reasonable cause to believe he or she committed insurance fraud." The catch-all clause says the data can be tapped "if it's necessary or appropriate to prevent fraud, perform research, or comply with the law" -- so the records could be subpoenaed by courts.
For those who balk at that loss of privacy, the company emphasizes that Snapshot is a "voluntary discount program." Customer can choose to opt in to prove that they "drive less, in safer ways, and during safer times of day" and so qualify for a discount. They can also opt out if their own tracking of the program online indicates they are not going to save money with it. By marketing the Snapshot in a down-home campaign holding out the promise of savings, and offering customers the ability to see their own driving behavior, Progressive makes a pretty effective pitch.
http://www.thecmosite.com/author.asp?section_id=1167&doc_id=205271
Ariella Brown, Content Developer and Blogger 4/1/2011
Here's the pitch: Place a small device in your car and let it track your driving, in order to qualify for discounts on your car insurance. Would you do it?
Progressive is hoping you will. The company is making a big marketing push for its Snapshot device, which is touted as the key to a "pay as you drive" program offering discounts up to 30 percent. Its approach to marketing the Snapshot offers lessons in how to put customers at ease as they are asked to give up some privacy for tangible benefits.
Progressive is promoting Snapshot through ads and videos that feature the famous "Flo, the Progressive girl" -- she has her own Facebook page with more than 2.6 million listed admirers. The ads are designed to look like home videos rather than professionally produced commercials. Progressive is heavily invested in social media, including a dedicated YouTube channel, a Facebook page (not nearly as popular as Flo's), and a Twitter account.
According to CMO Jeff Charney, the Snapshot device will be as transformative for the insurance industry as the iPod was for music. While other insurers offer similar programs, they are much more limited. Allstate has a discount for drivers in its Drive Wise program only in Illinois, and State Farm offers Drive Safe & Save for drivers who sign up for it and subscribe to OnStar. Progressive's Snapshot program is available in more than 30 states and does not require enrollment in any additional service (it does its own transmitting back to the database).
Customers can log in to their Progressive policy and get an overview of their driving habits, review specific trips, or track their driving by day of the week or time of day.
The Snapshot device is small and easily plugs into the car's diagnostic port. While it may be capable of picking up a lot more than some people may be comfortable with, Progressive insists that it only records the number of miles you drive, the time of day you drive, and how often you make sudden stops. Skeptical drivers are assured that the record can only bring their rates down, not raise them. When I expressed privacy concerns to Brittany Senary from Progressive's public relations department, she assured me, "The device does not have GPS, so we don't know where the car is. In addition, we don't take into account how fast the car goes."
Still, drivers should bear in mind that the data could be used against them in particular circumstances. Progressive can access the data with customer permission, but that is not the only criterion. Another is "reasonable cause to believe he or she committed insurance fraud." The catch-all clause says the data can be tapped "if it's necessary or appropriate to prevent fraud, perform research, or comply with the law" -- so the records could be subpoenaed by courts.
For those who balk at that loss of privacy, the company emphasizes that Snapshot is a "voluntary discount program." Customer can choose to opt in to prove that they "drive less, in safer ways, and during safer times of day" and so qualify for a discount. They can also opt out if their own tracking of the program online indicates they are not going to save money with it. By marketing the Snapshot in a down-home campaign holding out the promise of savings, and offering customers the ability to see their own driving behavior, Progressive makes a pretty effective pitch.
Consumer groups and some economists have demanded this type of coverage (UBI) for years
http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/insurance/can-pay-as-you-go-auto-insurance-save-you-money/19898737/?icid=sphere_copyright
People should only pay for the insurance coverage that they actually use. In other words, drivers who drive less would pay less for insurance.
Consumer groups and some economists have demanded this type of coverage for years, and their lobbying has paid off. Last month, Progressive Insurance began advertising its Snap Shot Discount pay-as-you-go product nationally. Its available in 32 states.. State Farm and Allstate also offer similar deals in a handful of states.
Texas spearheaded the movement: It was the first state to allow such coverage back in 2001, while California -- a state that often begins auto trends -- only began permitting it in December.
Big Discounts for More Data
The industry argues that these policies can save consumers a bundle. Progressive estimates potential savings of $150 a year, for example. "Pay-as-you-go insurance can be an excellent choice for people who drive very few miles during the week," Chris Kissell, managing editor of Insurance.com, writes in an email.
But experts caution that pay-per-mile policies aren't right for everyone. For one thing, to determine eligibility, insurers typically install a device that tracks customers' driving habits for some time -- usually about six months, Kissell says. "Some drivers may not be comfortable with this and may see it as an invasion of privacy," he writes.
Some of the programs also have strict rules about when customers can drive and may disqualify customers from getting the discount if the tracking device shows that they often drive late at night, he adds.
People should only pay for the insurance coverage that they actually use. In other words, drivers who drive less would pay less for insurance.
Consumer groups and some economists have demanded this type of coverage for years, and their lobbying has paid off. Last month, Progressive Insurance began advertising its Snap Shot Discount pay-as-you-go product nationally. Its available in 32 states.. State Farm and Allstate also offer similar deals in a handful of states.
Texas spearheaded the movement: It was the first state to allow such coverage back in 2001, while California -- a state that often begins auto trends -- only began permitting it in December.
Big Discounts for More Data
The industry argues that these policies can save consumers a bundle. Progressive estimates potential savings of $150 a year, for example. "Pay-as-you-go insurance can be an excellent choice for people who drive very few miles during the week," Chris Kissell, managing editor of Insurance.com, writes in an email.
But experts caution that pay-per-mile policies aren't right for everyone. For one thing, to determine eligibility, insurers typically install a device that tracks customers' driving habits for some time -- usually about six months, Kissell says. "Some drivers may not be comfortable with this and may see it as an invasion of privacy," he writes.
Some of the programs also have strict rules about when customers can drive and may disqualify customers from getting the discount if the tracking device shows that they often drive late at night, he adds.
Monday, April 4, 2011
System to track your driving habits could save lives
April 03, 2011|By Jeff Gelles, Inquirer Columnist
http://articles.philly.com/2011-04-03/business/29377339_1_mayfield-village-progressive-usage-based-insurance
Remember when you were learning to drive, perhaps from Mom, Dad, or an older sibling?
Chances are you were warned not to follow too close - "Don't tailgate!" - or to take other risks that might end with your slamming on the brakes to avert a crash. Your teacher may have also cautioned against driving in the wee hours, especially after the bars closed.
What if you could install an electronic monitor to see if you - or your children - were still heeding all that sage advice, and reward you if you were?
Some people might find it unsettling to have an electronic version of their older brother alongside them as they drive - even a little, uh, Big Brotherish.
But Progressive Insurance is betting that you'll welcome the chance to show how well you learned - especially if you can earn discounts of up to 30 percent off your auto-insurance premiums.
Last year, Progressive proposed bringing its "MyRate" plan to Pennsylvania, after introducing it two years earlier in New Jersey and offering pilot versions for more than a decade. The Ohio insurer withdrew the proposal after objections from Lance Haver, Philadelphia's director of consumer affairs, and from the state Insurance Department.
At the time, city and state officials said there were too many unanswered questions. But last week, Progressive introduced its new-and-state-approved version of usage-based insurance in Pennsylvania. Now called "Snapshot" and offered in 33 states, the Progressive program is also the subject of its first-ever national ad campaign.
"Flo," Progressive's energetically eccentric spokes-character, may be singing Snapshot's praises on TV, but Haver is still critical - concerned, in particular, about what could happen if Progressive ever changed a privacy policy that says the company won't sell data about policyholders' habits. I'll get back to that in a moment, after I explain how Snapshot works.
Using your car's computer, Snapshot will track a variety of data, including how far you drive, when you drive, and your speed.
http://articles.philly.com/2011-04-03/business/29377339_1_mayfield-village-progressive-usage-based-insurance
Remember when you were learning to drive, perhaps from Mom, Dad, or an older sibling?
Chances are you were warned not to follow too close - "Don't tailgate!" - or to take other risks that might end with your slamming on the brakes to avert a crash. Your teacher may have also cautioned against driving in the wee hours, especially after the bars closed.
What if you could install an electronic monitor to see if you - or your children - were still heeding all that sage advice, and reward you if you were?
Some people might find it unsettling to have an electronic version of their older brother alongside them as they drive - even a little, uh, Big Brotherish.
But Progressive Insurance is betting that you'll welcome the chance to show how well you learned - especially if you can earn discounts of up to 30 percent off your auto-insurance premiums.
Last year, Progressive proposed bringing its "MyRate" plan to Pennsylvania, after introducing it two years earlier in New Jersey and offering pilot versions for more than a decade. The Ohio insurer withdrew the proposal after objections from Lance Haver, Philadelphia's director of consumer affairs, and from the state Insurance Department.
At the time, city and state officials said there were too many unanswered questions. But last week, Progressive introduced its new-and-state-approved version of usage-based insurance in Pennsylvania. Now called "Snapshot" and offered in 33 states, the Progressive program is also the subject of its first-ever national ad campaign.
"Flo," Progressive's energetically eccentric spokes-character, may be singing Snapshot's praises on TV, but Haver is still critical - concerned, in particular, about what could happen if Progressive ever changed a privacy policy that says the company won't sell data about policyholders' habits. I'll get back to that in a moment, after I explain how Snapshot works.
Using your car's computer, Snapshot will track a variety of data, including how far you drive, when you drive, and your speed.
Progressive (USA) some customers save over 50% with Pay How You Drive insurance
Off the back of Progressive's Pay How You Drive insurance roll out online forums and discussion groups are full of happy customers sharing stories of their big savings
"I was amazed too! I just switched and did the name your price and got the snapshot. My ins went from $140.00 a month to 68.72 could not believe it! I only drive to bring my DD to school 2 days a week. Sooooo happy!"
https://www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com/modules/fusetalk3/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=9&threadid=329935
"I was amazed too! I just switched and did the name your price and got the snapshot. My ins went from $140.00 a month to 68.72 could not believe it! I only drive to bring my DD to school 2 days a week. Sooooo happy!"
https://www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com/modules/fusetalk3/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=9&threadid=329935
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Speeding drivers pay double premiums
January 26, 2010
Speeding drivers pay double premiums
http://www.insurancedaily.co.uk/2010/01/26/speeding-drivers-pay-double-premiums/
by David Masters
Story link: Speeding drivers pay double premiums
Drivers caught speeding pay an average of £100 extra on their car insurance, new research has discovered.
Getting caught out three times means paying up to double the amount on insurance premiums, moneysupermarket.com found.
A study by the price comparison site identified the UK’s worst speeding offenders.
Scotland, Swindon, and Sheffield were named as home to the worst speeding offenders in the country.
Men were found to be the most likely to speed, with the top ten places for the most speeding convictions all taken by men.
“Unfortunately he classic stereotype of a boy racer lives on,” said Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com’s head of motor insurance.
“There are no female drivers anywhere near the top of the table in our analysis of speeding convictions and unfortunately this is reflected in the price of premiums for men when compared with women.”
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said the insurance industry needs to do more to help young male drivers improve their driving skills.
“The industry needs to work with those already trying to find ways of improving young male drivers’ skills and behaviour on the road, and to invest in their driver education,” said Peter Rodger, IAM chief examiner.
“The biggest incentive to improve themselves would be lower insurance premiums, but the industry denies this to those in the highest risk range, effectively trapping them there.”
Speeding drivers pay double premiums
http://www.insurancedaily.co.uk/2010/01/26/speeding-drivers-pay-double-premiums/
by David Masters
Story link: Speeding drivers pay double premiums
Drivers caught speeding pay an average of £100 extra on their car insurance, new research has discovered.
Getting caught out three times means paying up to double the amount on insurance premiums, moneysupermarket.com found.
A study by the price comparison site identified the UK’s worst speeding offenders.
Scotland, Swindon, and Sheffield were named as home to the worst speeding offenders in the country.
Men were found to be the most likely to speed, with the top ten places for the most speeding convictions all taken by men.
“Unfortunately he classic stereotype of a boy racer lives on,” said Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com’s head of motor insurance.
“There are no female drivers anywhere near the top of the table in our analysis of speeding convictions and unfortunately this is reflected in the price of premiums for men when compared with women.”
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said the insurance industry needs to do more to help young male drivers improve their driving skills.
“The industry needs to work with those already trying to find ways of improving young male drivers’ skills and behaviour on the road, and to invest in their driver education,” said Peter Rodger, IAM chief examiner.
“The biggest incentive to improve themselves would be lower insurance premiums, but the industry denies this to those in the highest risk range, effectively trapping them there.”
Gender bias costs male motorists £17,000
http://www.insurancedaily.co.uk/2009/07/06/gender-bias-costs-male-motorists-17000/
July 6, 2009 by Gill Montia
Story link: Gender bias costs male motorists £17,000
New research from moneysupermaret.com puts the average annual premium for male motorists across all age groups at £743, compared to just £454 for women.
According to the price comparison website, male drivers can therefore expect to pay around £17,000 more than women for car insurance during a motoring lifetime.
Several factors play a part in the gender bias but Moneysupermarket does make the point that Home Office research in 2006 found 97% of motorists convicted of dangerous driving, and 94% of those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, were male.
In addition, the average distance covered by men in the UK over a 12 month period is 12,000 miles, whereas for women the figure drops to 8,000.
Women are also more likely to take shorter journeys than men and at lower speeds.
The cost difference between cover for men and women is also skewed by age, with the average premium for an 18-year-old male driver in excess of £2,200 a year, or £1,905 more than the average premium for a male driver in his 40s.
Moneysupermarket recommends the following ways of reducing premiums for either gender: fitting an immobiliser or alarm; garage parking overnight and opting for a conventional model with a small engine.
Motorist can also check their annual mileage and see if savings can be made with a mileage restricted policy.
Finally, new drivers can cut premiums by as much as 35% by taking the Pass Plus test once they have gained a driving licence.
July 6, 2009 by Gill Montia
Story link: Gender bias costs male motorists £17,000
New research from moneysupermaret.com puts the average annual premium for male motorists across all age groups at £743, compared to just £454 for women.
According to the price comparison website, male drivers can therefore expect to pay around £17,000 more than women for car insurance during a motoring lifetime.
Several factors play a part in the gender bias but Moneysupermarket does make the point that Home Office research in 2006 found 97% of motorists convicted of dangerous driving, and 94% of those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, were male.
In addition, the average distance covered by men in the UK over a 12 month period is 12,000 miles, whereas for women the figure drops to 8,000.
Women are also more likely to take shorter journeys than men and at lower speeds.
The cost difference between cover for men and women is also skewed by age, with the average premium for an 18-year-old male driver in excess of £2,200 a year, or £1,905 more than the average premium for a male driver in his 40s.
Moneysupermarket recommends the following ways of reducing premiums for either gender: fitting an immobiliser or alarm; garage parking overnight and opting for a conventional model with a small engine.
Motorist can also check their annual mileage and see if savings can be made with a mileage restricted policy.
Finally, new drivers can cut premiums by as much as 35% by taking the Pass Plus test once they have gained a driving licence.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Cooperative predicts its blackbox insurance will be £328 cheaper than quotes from competitors
http://www.thenews.coop/news/Wider%20Co-op%20Movement/2043
March 31 2011
Co-operative Insurance has launched a ‘blackbox’ data recorder to help determine the premiums of young drivers.
The ‘pay how you drive’ system will reward drivers for safer driving, and the Smartbox will constantly assess the driver’s braking, accelerations, cornering, speed and time of driving. Co-operative Insurance, part of the Co-operative Group, predicts the product will be £328 cheaper than quotes from competitors.
David Neave, Director of General Insurance, said: “To ensure we do not end up with an entire generation priced out of car ownership we are giving them a chance to prove themselves as responsible drivers, and dispel the assumption that all young drivers will drive badly and have accidents.”
Drivers will be assessed every 90 days based on the driving behaviours. If responsible driving behaviours are demonstrated they will receive a Safer Driving Discount (up to 11 per cent of the annual premium), but if they drive badly their premium could be increased by up to 15 per cent.
March 31 2011
Co-operative Insurance has launched a ‘blackbox’ data recorder to help determine the premiums of young drivers.
The ‘pay how you drive’ system will reward drivers for safer driving, and the Smartbox will constantly assess the driver’s braking, accelerations, cornering, speed and time of driving. Co-operative Insurance, part of the Co-operative Group, predicts the product will be £328 cheaper than quotes from competitors.
David Neave, Director of General Insurance, said: “To ensure we do not end up with an entire generation priced out of car ownership we are giving them a chance to prove themselves as responsible drivers, and dispel the assumption that all young drivers will drive badly and have accidents.”
Drivers will be assessed every 90 days based on the driving behaviours. If responsible driving behaviours are demonstrated they will receive a Safer Driving Discount (up to 11 per cent of the annual premium), but if they drive badly their premium could be increased by up to 15 per cent.
Stoner brings back room for error on speeding
"The NSW Liberals and Nationals government doesn't want to punish safe drivers who try to do the right thing.''
"Mr Stoner said that he simply wanted to bring consistency to what were ''confusing speed limits'' in NSW."
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/stoner-brings-back-room-for-error-on-speeding/2120126.aspx?src=rss
ALEXANDRA SMITH
31 Mar, 2011 10:47 AM
In one of his first acts as Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner has not only ordered the Roads and Traffic Authority to reinstate the leeway given to speeding motorists, but he has asked for it to be increased.
Mr Stoner met the RTA chief executive, Michael Bushby, on Tuesday and directed him to axe a Labor cabinet decision to remove the leeway, which would have allowed motorists to be fined for exceeding the limit by just 1km/h.
A Keneally cabinet document leaked days before the state election last weekend revealed the previously secret tolerance was 3km/h, but that the budget committee of cabinet had endorsed its removal.
Mr Stoner, who is expected to be sworn in as roads minister this week or early next week, would not say what the tolerance was but he confirmed it had been increased.
The RTA had always kept the tolerance secret, although there has been an assumption that it was about 10 per cent of the speed limit to allow for faulty speed cameras or speedometers.
VOTE: How much room for error should be given to speeding drivers?
Police have warned that a new set of tyres or the width of a speedometer needle could put motorists over the speed limit under zero tolerance.
While NSW has always fiercely guarded its tolerance, the Victorian government revealed in 2007 that its level was 2km/h for fixed speed cameras and 3km/h for mobile speed cameras, plus a discretionary tolerance.
It is believed that Mr Stoner would have pushed for the tolerance to be at least 5 per cent, if not slightly higher.
The Deputy Premier said the Coalition government was eager to bring an end to needless revenue-raising.
''The NSW Liberals and Nationals are determined to restore commonsense to government in NSW - this is one practical step towards that,'' Mr Stoner said.
''We are determined to earn the trust of motorists by focusing on road safety, not revenue-raising. The NSW Liberals and Nationals government doesn't want to punish safe drivers who try to do the right thing.''
Mr Stoner also promised to ask the Auditor-General to investigate speed cameras and will audit speed limits - which road safety experts criticised, warning that increasing rural speed limits will mean more deaths on the roads.
Mr Stoner said that he simply wanted to bring consistency to what were ''confusing speed limits'' in NSW.
"Mr Stoner said that he simply wanted to bring consistency to what were ''confusing speed limits'' in NSW."
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/stoner-brings-back-room-for-error-on-speeding/2120126.aspx?src=rss
ALEXANDRA SMITH
31 Mar, 2011 10:47 AM
In one of his first acts as Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner has not only ordered the Roads and Traffic Authority to reinstate the leeway given to speeding motorists, but he has asked for it to be increased.
Mr Stoner met the RTA chief executive, Michael Bushby, on Tuesday and directed him to axe a Labor cabinet decision to remove the leeway, which would have allowed motorists to be fined for exceeding the limit by just 1km/h.
A Keneally cabinet document leaked days before the state election last weekend revealed the previously secret tolerance was 3km/h, but that the budget committee of cabinet had endorsed its removal.
Mr Stoner, who is expected to be sworn in as roads minister this week or early next week, would not say what the tolerance was but he confirmed it had been increased.
The RTA had always kept the tolerance secret, although there has been an assumption that it was about 10 per cent of the speed limit to allow for faulty speed cameras or speedometers.
VOTE: How much room for error should be given to speeding drivers?
Police have warned that a new set of tyres or the width of a speedometer needle could put motorists over the speed limit under zero tolerance.
While NSW has always fiercely guarded its tolerance, the Victorian government revealed in 2007 that its level was 2km/h for fixed speed cameras and 3km/h for mobile speed cameras, plus a discretionary tolerance.
It is believed that Mr Stoner would have pushed for the tolerance to be at least 5 per cent, if not slightly higher.
The Deputy Premier said the Coalition government was eager to bring an end to needless revenue-raising.
''The NSW Liberals and Nationals are determined to restore commonsense to government in NSW - this is one practical step towards that,'' Mr Stoner said.
''We are determined to earn the trust of motorists by focusing on road safety, not revenue-raising. The NSW Liberals and Nationals government doesn't want to punish safe drivers who try to do the right thing.''
Mr Stoner also promised to ask the Auditor-General to investigate speed cameras and will audit speed limits - which road safety experts criticised, warning that increasing rural speed limits will mean more deaths on the roads.
Mr Stoner said that he simply wanted to bring consistency to what were ''confusing speed limits'' in NSW.
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