The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Two million drivers face £1,000 fine

    As many as two million drivers could face £1,000 fines for failing to update the photo on their driving licence, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

    The photo on your driving licence needs to be updated every 10 years – and failing to do so would invalidate your licence and could leave you with a £1,000 fine if pulled over by the police.

    But as many as two million have not updated their photo, leaving them vulnerable to a nasty surprise if stopped with an invalid driving licence.

    The DVLA said it sends reminders out two months before a renewal is due.

    A spokesperson for the authority says: “Appearances can change and it is important that photo card licences are updated every 10 years to ensure the police and other enforcement agencies have the best possible photograph to help them correctly identify whether a driving licence is being used fraudulently.

    This, the agency said, helps prevent driving licence impersonation – stopping disqualified and perhaps dangerous drivers taking to our roads.”

  • Drivers spend 99 days stuck in traffic, says report

    DURING their lifetime the average British motorist will jump 87 red lights, drive 269,296 miles, swear 323 times at other motorists and hoot a total of 62 cyclists.

    According to Press Association, they will fill-up with petrol 2,214 times and get stuck in traffic nearly ten thousand times a study has found.

    Researchers revealed over the course of our driving life we will spend 99 days stuck on gridlocked roads, will make 1992 phone calls and will check our smartphone for emails or texts over a thousand times.

    The details of 2000 drivers’ habits emerged in a study commissioned by Skobbler, developers of iPhone sat nav app GPS Navigation 2, and revealed we will get lost 371 times.

    Whilst behind the wheel we spend 384 days listening to the radio and 337 days playing our own music which means on average we sing 4104 times in the car.

    Marcus Thielking, Co-founder of Skobbler said: “There is no excuse for behaviour such as jumping red lights, tailgating fellow motorists or cutting people up.”

    “Being a motorist involves a lot more than just driving and whilst we all try to be sensible drivers it would seem we are all guilty of a few misdemeanours, whether it’s speeding or using our phones illegally.”

    “This research shows we do spend an awfully long time in the car and many motorists will conduct a lot of their other business in their vehicle.”

    The study also found that the typical adult will share 680 kisses in the car and will have sex four times from the age of 17 and upwards.

    But on the contrary the average adult will have a whopping 2974 rows with a partner whilst they are behind the wheel. The kids are bearing the brunt too as they get 5520 tellings off. We will suffer from 2 flat tyres, breakdown twice and tot up a total of 51 speeding tickets in addition to 62 parking tickets.

    The stresses of life have got so much that the average person has resorted to having a good old cry 76 times whilst in their car. And other extra-curricular activities include eating in the car (897 times) and applying make-up (319 times).

    Car maintenance such as checking oil and tyre pressure will take place 233 times and we will top up with screen wash 185 times in our driving life time.

  • Mitsubishi Outlander: The last of all

    Mitsubishi Outlander: The last of all

    The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander represents the final version of the current generation, as a full redesign is due late next year. For 2013, all Outlander models have heated side mirrors, while the SE and GT trims have heated front seats. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes with agency addition.

    he formula for a successful compact crossover is simple: plenty of space for five passengers and their stuff, lots of utility, fuel economy that makes the old Tahoe a distant memory and inoffensive, unremarkable design. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander — the end of the line for the current-generation model — nails much of those criteria with the exception of the last. With its sharply creased exterior styling, the Outlander was not designed to slip quietly through the school drop-off area.

    Assertive styling and handling have made the Outlander a solid outside pick in years past, but one expect the redesigned model due in late 2013 to get in step with today’s leading crossovers by offering greater versatility, a nicer cabin and higher fuel economy.

    In the meantime, the Outlander remains a good choice for buyers with performance-oriented criteria, including sporty handling and V6 power. The Outlander is also among the roomiest cargo haulers in its class, and it offers plenty of standard and optional features, including a rear-seat entertainment system as well as a navigation system and 40GB music server.

    The Outlander’s fateful flaw, however, is its cabin, which is functional in a sporty sort of way yet does not offer the premium aspect of the competitors in this class. The Outlander’s puny, rickety third-row seat is another drawback. Although the Outlander is billed as a compact crossover with seating for up to seven passengers, one would never put friends back there unless you wished to end the friendship. The area is cramped and the seat is lightweight and flimsy. Kids will not fare much better, either.

    The Outlander does not get the attention it deserves, though. It is one of a handful of small crossovers to offer a V6 option, which increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Its tail/liftgate combination is surprisingly useful. And the Outlander handles more like its quick-witted Lancer Evolution relative than comparable cushy crossovers.

    At the same time, the Outlander has been outpaced in a segment that evolves quickly. The Honda CR-V and Ford Escape were both recently redesigned, and the Toyota RAV4 should bow later this year with new sheet metal and hardware. The spacious Chevrolet Equinox, the handsome Kia Sorento and new Mazda CX-5 are also all worthy considerations. Overall, we like the Mitsubishi Outlander but we also think the majority of small crossover shoppers will likely be happier with one of the aforementioned rivals.

    When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is among the most enjoyable picks in its segment. Its handling limits are noticeably higher than the typical crossover’s, its steering is pleasantly weighted and its suspension is tuned to deliver athletic handling that does not come at the expense of comfort. While the Outlander’s V6 is not as powerful as those in the Kia Sorento or Toyota RAV4, it delivers brisk acceleration. As an added bonus, the all-wheel-drive system ably keeps the car planted on loose road surfaces like sand and snow.

     Body styles

    The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three trim levels: ES, SE and GT.

    The entry-level ES is equipped with a four-cylinder engine and comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, roof rails, heated side mirrors, LED taillamps, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cloth upholstery, reclining rear seats and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack.

    The SE adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, turn signals in the mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded gauges and upholstery, automatic climate control, heated front seats, sliding second-row seats, third-row seats, steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, a six-disc CD changer and the Fuse hands-free link system that integrates voice controls for iPod and Bluetooth devices.

    All Outlander GT models are powered by a 3.0-litre V6 and come with all the above-mentioned features plus automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers, satellite radio, chrome accents and soft-touch dash and door trim. The AWD GT also includes an active front differential, hill start assist and an advanced AWD mode selector.

    SE models are eligible for the premium package, which adds a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with satellite radio and the soft-touch interior trim. The Touring package is offered on GT models; it features most of the amenities in the premium package and adds leather upholstery (front- and second-row seats), heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver seat.

    A hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and digital music storage is available as a stand-alone option for all trims, as are rear parking sensors, LED interior lighting, a tow hitch and harness, a rear entertainment system and remote engine start.

    Powertrains and performance

    The Outlander ES and SE are powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet torque. The GT has a 3.0-litre V6 that is good for 230 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. Four-cylinder Outlanders come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6-powered GT uses a traditional six-speed automatic. Both have manual-shift capability.

    All-wheel drive is offered as an option on the SE and GT, while the ES is front-wheel-drive only. The AWD system offers different driver-selectable modes to optimise traction in varying conditions. The GT’s all-wheel-drive system features an improved front differential, plus additional driving modes.

    All major safety features are standard on the Outlander, including antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Whiplash-reducing front head restraints are also standard.

    Interior design and special features

    The Outlander’s cabin feels distinctly austere and masculine, all square lines and clean surfaces devoid of the accents and flourishes seen in rivals striving for a more premium environment. On one hand, the interior’s unadorned utility complements the Outlander’s more rugged, all-weather credentials. Outlander GT models step it up a bit with soft-touch upper instrument panel and door trim, with eye-catching double-stitch accents. But folks considering one of the other, more mainstream trims will wonder why the cabin is not as nice as that seen in a Ford or Kia.

    The Outlander’s steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, something taller drivers should consider. The Fuse system allows you to make phone calls and access your iPod via voice commands, and is relatively intuitive to use.

    SE and GT models come with a third-row seat that works in a pinch, but is too slight and ineffectual for regular use. Small, cramped and located uncomfortably close to the tailgate glass, this mini jump bench is also remarkably ill-padded. On the plus side, the Outlander offers a unique flip-down tailgate capable of supporting up to 440 pounds. With the second- and third-row seats folded, total cargo space measures nearly 73 cubic feet — significantly more than the CX-5 and Escape, slightly more than the CR-V and about even with the RAV4.

  • Ministry praises FERMA over zero potholes compliant

    Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Dr. Abubakar Koro Muhammad, has praised the Management and staff of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for living up to the expectations of Nigerians by delivering on the Presidential directive on Operation Zero Potholes by Yuletide 2012.

    He gave the commendation while on a working visit to FERMA Headquarters in Abuja, along with some directors and other senior officials of the Ministry.

    Dr. Muhammad noted that in the past, the overwhelming sentiment among members of the public was that of derision of FERMA on account of the poor condition of Federal roads. He said that was now history, having successfully overcome the challenges of rampant potholes on Federal roads.

    According to him, the agency should feel proud that such negative public commentary has now given way to commendation.

    He enjoined the agency to ensure the current positive image is sustained by remaining focused on its mandate all year round.

    He said the ministry of Works is happy to associate with the agency’s success story and that the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen, and the rest of Management at the Ministry will avail the agency all the support and goodwill needed to sustain and improve on the achievement.

    Earlier, while briefing the Permanent Secretary on the history and operational structures of the agency, FERMA Managing Director/CEO, Mr Gabriel Amuchi, recalled that at the time of establishing the agency 10 years ago, about 75 per cent of Federal roads were in poor, weak, failed or collapsed state owing to many years of non-maintenance and the roads had out-lived their design lives.

    Amuchi said with careful planning and prudent utilisation of resources and effectively deployment of personnel to road maintenance, the agency has been able to reduce the level of disrepair to about 35 per cent over the period.

    Apart from maintaining road carriageways and their appurtenances, FERMA, he said, has also invested a lot in road support services, such as truck parks and observation camps as well as street lighting of critical locations and bridges nationwide. This, he said, were aimed at providing alternative parking spaces for trucks which park on highways thereby damaging them in the process.

    He also said the observation camps have assisted the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Nigeria Police to provide first aid services to highway accident victims, as well as check crime at flash points located across the country.

    Other innovations by FERMA include the Rapid Road Recovery blueprint under which Operation Zero Potholes is being executed.

  • Trailer drivers and the new Lagos traffic laws

    As the new Lagos Traffic Law is being implemented, there is a need to take some urgent steps to avoid creating more problems than the laws are meant to solve.

    One of the provisions of the new law says that trailers are not permitted to move on Lagos roads between the hours of 6am and 9pm. They are, however, free to move from 9pm to 6am, everyday.

    This provision is to reduce the rate of congestion on Lagos roads. The following should, however, be noted and acted upon as a matter of urgency.

    •Consequent upon the fact that the trailers cannot ply Lagos roads from 6am to 9pm, there will be traffic congestions in Shagamu, Ijebu – Ode, Mowe, Ibafo, Ogijo, Ogere and Ibadan among others as a result of vehicles waiting till 9pm to commence their journey to Lagos State. Trailers Lagos waiting to move out of Lagos may also create some traffic congestions. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the governments of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states to come together or individually create mega trailer parks to prevent them from blocking or narrowing the roads.

    •Owners of the trailers or their Unions should also consider the possibility of acquiring land in Ogun and Oyo axis for the parking of their trailers to avoid falling prey of the Lagos State Traffic law and those that may come up in Ogun and Oyo states as well.

    •Considering the fact that some of these trailers do carry edible and expensive goods, there is the need for the governments to put in place additional security measures to guarantee their safety as they move mostly in the night (9pm – 6am) by virtue of the new Lagos State Traffic laws. The trailer parks must also be monitored by law enforcement agents to prevent criminal activities.

    •The law enforcement agents should also be monitored so that they will not be using the cover of the night to extort money from the trailer drivers thereby creating traffic congestion in the night.

  • NDDC begins roads projects in Abia

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced construction of 15.5 kilometre Amaba-Ezere-Ozara-Acha-Ivo Road with two bridges and three double culverts.

    The commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr Iditoye Abosede, said this in a statement in Port Harcourt last Friday.

    It stated that the 15.5 kilometre road project in Abia North Central district would connect Abia and Ebonyi states.

    It also stated that the construction of Lekwesi-Isiagu Road and Ugwube-Nkwoagu-Mbala Road projects had commenced.

    The statement said Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, representing Abia North Senatorial district, said the road projects would improve the living standard of the people.

    “We will collaborate with the NDDC and the contractor to ensure the early completion of the roads which will connect two states in the Southeast,” he said.

    He said the host communities would provide the necessary logistics that would fast-track the early completion of the projects.

    The statement said the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Christian Oboh revealed that the commission is giving priority to “big-ticket projects” that would fast-track development of the Niger Delta.

    Oboh, represented by Mr Aniete Usen, an official of the commission, called on the people to cooperate with the contractor to ensure early completion of the project.

    According to the statement, the Chairman of Isukwuato Local Government Council, Mr Enyinnaya Nwosu, promised to assist the commission in monitoring the performance of the contractor.

    “These are good projects that have come to our communities; so we will do everything within our powers to ensure that the projects are delivered on time,’’ he said.

  • Stallion opens support centre

    Stallion Motors Nigeria, has inaugurated an ultramodern Sales, Service and Spare Parts (3s) facility in Sokoto State.

    The centre will provide full scale support for all brands of vehicles distributed and marketed by Stallion Motors’ dealerships.

    Stallion Group Managing Director, Mr. Parvir Singh, said the facility became imperative to meet its growing clientele spreading across the country.

    “Stallion Motors has crisscrossed all nooks and crannies of Nigeria and we feel honoured to reassure our growing clientele that we are determined to help our customers derive the most favorable value for every product purchased from us,” Mr. Parvir assured.

    The new Sokoto 3s facility will complement Stallion’s facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu and Kano.

    The initiative, Singh said, is to restore customers’ confidence in the company’s dealerships which cut across all strata of automobile class.

    “As representatives of global brands with reputation for excellence, we will continue to invest in after sales support to meet our principals’ corporate identity for quality service and customer satisfaction. This is one of the reasons why we are always keen on expanding our network to cater for all customers irrespective of their locations,” he said.

    3s phenomenon in automobile dealership gives existing and future customers the convenience of complete one-stop facility, covering all aspects of vehicle ownership and ensuring seamless access to global standard practice.

  • Emergency vehicle speed limit plan announced

    PLANS to extend the number of emergency services allowed to break speed limits to save lives have been announced by the United Kingdom government.

    The proposals, now out for consultation, examine the possibility of extending speed limit exemptions to other services apart from police, fire and ambulance.

    These would include those carrying organs for transplant, bomb disposal units and coastguard vehicles.

    The consultation will also look at amending road safety legislation so that emergency drivers would be required by law to complete high-speed training before exceeding the limit.

    But this will not place any additional burden on police, fire and ambulance services which already run an effective voluntary training scheme.

    Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: “Police, fire and ambulance service drivers are highly trained individuals who are at times required to exceed the speed limit in order to save lives.

    “It is only right that we look at allowing other services whose duties can mean the difference between life and death to exceed the speed limit when responding to emergencies.”

  • Security surveillance and road safety

    Security surveillance and road safety

    On several occasions, we have heard of policemen abandoning their duty post when armed robbers strike, leaving the unarmed drivers and passengers to face the wrath of the armed robbers.

    The retreat of the policemen is not mainly because of the sophistication of the firearms of the armed robbers. Inadequate training, surveillance and commitment are more prominent factors.

    For example, there was an armed robbery attack some years ago near the Ketu police station in Lagos. The policemen outside quickly ran into their station and shut the station gate, leaving the members of the public to face the robbers.

    A policeman with a gun who was trying to run into the police station as well was sited by an unarmed soldier. The soldier collected the gun from him in a dramatic and military technique.

    As if watching a film, the soldier was demonstrating his combative skill, firing at the armed robbers and avoiding their bullets. He brought down one of them and the rest escaped. They could not carry out their evil act that day because of a single soldier in an environment where there were over 30 armed policemen.

    The police officers later come out and carried the soldier shoulder-high to appreciate his bravery and skill.

    When policemen stop a vehicle for search, all of them will gather round the vehicle, exposing themselves to an easy one-time attack just because they all want to witness how much the driver gives them.

    As soldiers have been drafted to some roads, you will notice they don’t crowd themselves around one vehicle at a time. Rather they will scatter themselves so that all of them will not be gunned down at a go thus making it possible for others to counter-attack, when one of them is attacked.

    It is equally important for all drivers to have a sound knowledge of security surveillance and counter-surveillance as the security system in Nigeria is not yet fool-proof.

    Drivers should know how to apply security surveillance strategies.

  • Over 100, 000 injured on roads daily

    Over 100, 000 injured on roads daily

    OVER 100,000 people are injured on roads across the world daily, experts have said.

    Also, no fewer than 4,000 people are killed through road accidents daily.

    These were part of the statements made by Steering Driving School and Nigerians Unite for Road Safety in Lagos.

    Addressing journalists on the World Day Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims which was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1993 to commemorate with the victims and sensitise road users on avoidable road crashes in the country, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Steering Driving School, Mr Samuel Akinfe, said the statistics were from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    Akinfe urged governments at all levels to recognise the day.

    He maintained that there is a need for government to help people understand the reason for them to come together to celebrate the date.

    According to him, the school has concluded arrangements to mark it this year.

    The event would focus on devastating nature of road accidents.

    Also speaking, the former Military Governor of Ondo State, Rear Admiral Abiodun Olukoya, said it is unfortunate that many road users are not conscious of the signs on major roads.

    Olukoya regretted the issuance of drivers’ licence without following due process by the authority.

    He urged motorists to always concentrate while driving.

    The Lagos State Co-ordinator of the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Mr Gbolahan Toriola enjoined road users to take precautions on the road and ensure they drive with care so as to avoid crashes on our roads.

    He called on the government use give the day to remember road traffic victims.