Tag: motoring

A Theory on Why Car Insurance Premiums Are on The Rise

As many motorists will have noticed recently insurance premiums have risen astronomically and many are asking why.

I have a theory.

In 2010, while driving to the shop one wintery evening I came to a junction controlled by traffic lights, and my light was red so I obviously stopped. To my left a Morrisons truck also stopped. On getting a green light, I pulled forward a bit as I was turning right and traffic coming the other way had priority. The Morrisons truck to my left started turning left, and the trailer hit an icy patch and slid into the side of my car, destroying the nearside wing mirror and leaving scratches and scrapes on the front passenger door.

Next day I called the insurance company, gave them the details of what had happened, they advised that not only did they cover me but coincidentally they also covered the Morrisons fleet as well. That same day they had a replacement car out to me and collected my car to be repaired. The place that would be doing the repairs took it on a flatbed truck.

A couple of weeks later my car was returned to me with the repairs having been done. The replacement car was taken away and it was all done and dusted.

Cut to 13 years later and compare that experience with my latest one after a minor accident. Driving from my home in Scotland to my Mum and Stepdad’s in Wales, I stopped off at Todhills rest area on the M6 for a coffee. On leaving the area I began to accelerate down the slip road to rejoin the motorway when a truck driver in front decided to stop his truck, on the slip road, open his cab door in order to empty his coffee or tea mug outside. I’d moved over to pass him when the bottom corner of his door made contact with my car, hitting it just below roof level, denting the A pillar and the front passenger door, shattering the glass in that door, leaving paint on the B and C pillars and leaving gouges out of the rear quarter glass.

By this point I was almost back on the motorway so it wouldn’t have been safe to stop, I had to keep going. When I got to Wales I could get out and see the extent of the damage. Again I called the insurance company that same day and gave them the details. They had a hire car out to me the next day and said they’d arrange for a repairer to collect my car from my home and get it repaired.

So I waited. And then I waited some more. And more. After 4 weeks a company called Motor Repair Network, (MRN) contacted me to arrange to collect my car and said they had a repairer in Glasgow who would do the required work. This repairer was called Activate Accident Repair, (AAR) but my next call didn’t come from them. It came from yet another company called Glasgow Recovery who announced they’d actually been given the task of collecting the car and taking it to Glasgow, to the actual company who would be doing the repairs.

Once the car got to AAR they sent me a link to an online portal where they said I could keep updated on the progress of the repairs, so I watched as it went through assessment, estimated cost, approval from the insurance and then a status of repairs completed. I waited a few days after this status had appeared and then contacted what I thought was the repair company AAR, through their own portal, but it was MRN who responded stating that the repairs had been completed, but that the repairer was awaiting parts which were on back order. So, the repairs are complete, meaning finished, done, finito. But they’re waiting for parts. Parts needed to carry out the repairs. The repairs which are completed. Hmmm.

3 weeks after the status repairs completed had appeared on the portal I got a call from the actual repairers AAR asking if it would be OK to bring my car back that afternoon, which was fine by me as you can probably imagine.

From start to finish the repairs to what was really minor damage had taken almost exactly 3 monthsand involved input from the insurance, the broker or whatever they are, this Motor Repair Network, a recovery company and the actual repairers themselves Activate Accident Repair. 4 companies to do what 2 had been able to do some 13 years prior. And each one of those companies would have needed payment for their part of the job.

Coincidentally, both cars were Peugeot 3008s and both had been damaged by trucks.

Space Invaders

This post, from the blog diary of a disabled person, explains what happens when people use spaces designed for disabled people.

Space Invaders.

Urinary catheters: what they are and how they can help

Urinary catheters are flexible tubes that are used to drain the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag or a valve. They can be inserted through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) or through a small opening in the lower abdomen (the tummy). Urinary catheters are usually inserted by doctors or nurses in hospital or in the community.

There are different types of urinary catheters, depending on how long they are needed and how they are inserted. The main types are:

I have a Supra-Pubic Catheter. This is a tube that is inserted into a hole in my lower abdomen, just beneath my belly button, and directly into my bladder. I had the surgery for this in May 2018 after approximately 10 years of self-catheterising, which is inserting a tube into the urethra and into the bladder several times per day in order to drain the bladder. My hands got too unsteady to do this without causing significant pain and trauma. I made the decision to have surgery for an SPC and I’ve never looked back. Every 8 weeks a district nurse calls by my home to change the catheter.

Urinary catheters can have various benefits for people who have difficulty peeing naturally. They can:

However, urinary catheters can also have some risks and challenges, such as:

To reduce the risks and challenges of using urinary catheters, you should follow some general advice:

Urinary catheters are flexible tubes that are used to drain the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag or a valve. They can be inserted through the urethra or through a small opening in the lower abdomen. There are different types of urinary catheters, depending on how long they are needed and how they are inserted. Urinary catheters can have various benefits for people who have difficulty peeing naturally, but they can also have some risks and challenges. To reduce these, you should choose the right type of catheter for your needs and preferences, keep your catheter clean and well-maintained, drink plenty of fluids, and seek support if you need it.

What is Sleep Apnoea and how does it affect people?

Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and there’s evidence to suggest many more undiagnosed people. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and narrow during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes, and can happen hundreds of times a night. People with sleep apnoea may not be aware of their breathing problems, but they often snore loudly and gasp for air. They also tend to wake up feeling tired, groggy, and irritable.

Sleep apnoea can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. It can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. It can also impair your concentration, memory, and decision-making skills, making you more prone to accidents and errors at work or school. Moreover, it can affect your relationships, mood, and quality of life.

The good news is that sleep apnoea can be diagnosed and treated effectively. The first step is to consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Loud or frequent snoring
  • Choking or gasping sounds during sleep
  • Pauses in breathing while sleeping
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Morning headaches or dry mouth
  • Difficulty staying awake or alert during the day
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Loss of interest in sex

Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist who can perform a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnoea. A sleep study involves monitoring your breathing, heart rate, oxygen level, and brain activity while you sleep. You may be asked to wear a device at home or stay overnight at a sleep clinic.

Children can have sleep apnoea too. In fact, sleep apnoea is quite common in children, especially those who have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can block the airway during sleep. Other factors that can increase the risk of sleep apnoea in children are obesity, allergies, hay fever, and certain genetic conditions. Sleep apnoea can affect the quality of sleep and the development of children, so it is important to seek medical help if you notice any signs or symptoms of sleep apnoea in your child.

The most common treatment for sleep apnoea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This involves wearing a mask over your nose, mouth or both, that delivers pressurized air into your airway, keeping it open and preventing it from collapsing. CPAP therapy can improve your breathing, reduce your snoring, and enhance your sleep quality and daytime alertness.

Other treatments for sleep apnoea may include:

  • Oral appliances: These are devices that fit inside your mouth and help to keep your lower jaw forward and your tongue from blocking your airway.
  • Surgery: This may be an option for some people who have severe or persistent sleep apnoea that does not respond to other treatments. Surgery may involve removing excess tissue from the throat, nose, or mouth, or correcting structural problems that cause obstruction.
  • Lifestyle changes: These can help to prevent or reduce the severity of sleep apnoea. They include losing weight if you are overweight or obese, quitting smoking if you smoke, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and keeping a regular sleep schedule.

In my case I use an APAP machine (similar to a CPAP but it automatically adjusts the air pressure depending on need) as I also have central apnoeas.  Central apnoeas are pauses in breathing that occur during sleep because the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. They are different from obstructive apnoeas, which are caused by a blockage in the airway. Central apnoeas can have various causes, such as heart failure, stroke, brain injury, or high altitude. They can also cause symptoms such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches, and mood changes. Central apnoeas can be diagnosed by a sleep study

If you think you or a family member may have sleep apnoea, do not ignore it. Seek medical help as soon as possible and follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. By doing so, you can improve your health, well-being, and quality of life.

How to Travel the World with a Wheelchair

Travelling the world is a dream for many people, but it can seem daunting or impossible if you use a wheelchair. However, with some planning, research and creativity, you can overcome the barriers and enjoy the wonders of different cultures, landscapes and experiences. In this blog post, I will share some tips and resources to help you plan your wheelchair accessible trip. I’m Dan McIntyre and I’ve travelled the length and breadth of Europe with my wheelchair, from a gondola in Venice to the Nurburgring in Germany and even stopped by the Police in Monaco.

Choose your destination wisely

Not all destinations are equally wheelchair friendly, so you need to do some research before you book your flight. Some factors to consider are:

  • The accessibility of public transportation, such as buses, trains, taxis and subways.
  • The availability of wheelchair accessible accommodation, such as hotels, hostels, apartments or homestays.
  • The accessibility of attractions, such as museums, monuments, parks, beaches and historical sites.
  • The accessibility of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.
  • The attitude and awareness of the local people towards disability and accessibility.

You can find useful information about the accessibility of various destinations on websites such as Wheelchair Travel, Simply Emma and World on Wheels. These are wheelchair travel blogs that provide comprehensive reviews and advice on accessible travel for both people with limited mobility and wheelchair users. You can also join online communities and forums where you can ask questions and get recommendations from other wheelchair travellers.

Plan your itinerary carefully

Once you have chosen your destination, you need to plan your itinerary carefully. You want to make sure that you have enough time and energy to enjoy your trip without exhausting yourself or encountering unexpected obstacles. Some tips to plan your itinerary are:

  • Book your flights well in advance and inform the airline about your wheelchair and any special assistance you may need. You can also request a bulkhead seat or an aisle seat for more space and comfort.
  • Book your accommodation in advance and confirm that it is wheelchair accessible. You can also ask for specific details such as the width of the doorways, the height of the bed, the availability of a roll-in shower or a ceiling hoist.
  • Check the opening hours and accessibility of the attractions you want to visit. You can also look for discounts or free admission for disabled visitors and their companions.
  • Plan your transportation options between different locations. You can use public transportation if it is accessible or book a wheelchair accessible taxi or rental car. You can also use apps such as Wheelmap or Access Earth to find accessible places nearby.
  • Pack light and smart. You don’t want to carry too much luggage that can weigh you down or take up space. You also want to pack essential items such as medications, spare parts, tools, chargers, adapters and travel insurance documents.

Be flexible and adventurous

Even with careful planning, you may encounter some challenges or surprises along the way. You may find that some places are not as accessible as they claimed to be or that some services are not available or reliable. You may also face some cultural differences or language barriers that can make communication difficult. However, don’t let these things ruin your trip. Instead, be flexible and adventurous and try to find alternative solutions or opportunities. Some tips to be flexible and adventurous are:

  • Be prepared for the unexpected and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. You can also have an emergency contact number or a travel agent who can help you in case of trouble.
  • Be open-minded and respectful of the local culture and customs. You may encounter some different views or attitudes towards disability and accessibility that may not match your expectations or preferences. Try to understand their perspective and educate them if necessary.
  • Be friendly and sociable with the local people and other travellers. You may find some helpful allies or new friends who can assist you or enrich your experience. You may also learn some useful tips or insights from them.
  • Be adventurous and try new things that are within your comfort zone and abilities. You may discover some hidden gems or amazing experiences that you would not have otherwise.

Fun facts: The Police stop in Monaco was because I was following the F1 track round at some early hour of the morning and coming off a roundabout the exit I needed was being guarded by a Policeman, so in a slight panic I went completely around the roundabout and started heading back the way I’d come, not noticing the no entry signs. I’d got about 50 yards when I realised it was a one-way street and at the same time I realised that 2 Police cars stuck their lights and sirens on and parked right up to me to ask what I was doing.

The gondola ride in Venice was very expensive but also amazing. There is a jetty with a lift that can take you and your wheelchair down into the boat, so wheelchair users don’t have to leave their chair at all.

Travelling with a wheelchair may seem challenging, but it is not impossible. With some planning, research and creativity, you can explore the world and have a memorable trip. I hope this blog post has inspired you to travel more and make new discoveries, whether that’s abroad or in your own hometown. Happy travels!

Service Call – A Great Idea

Great Idea – If People Know About It

DMUK Member Dan McIntyre Takes A Look At ServiceCall

ServiceCall is a system which allows disabled people to summon help
when needed, for example when visiting a petrol station.  It was developed and manufactured and is
marketed by Autochair Ltd, a supplier of various motoring-related mobility
products such as wheelchair hoists, person lifts and swivelling car seats.

The system is quite simple and consists of an infrared transmitter
which the user carries in their car.  On
arrival at a petrol station that uses the system the user points their
transmitter at the receiver which is usually mounted in the cashiers area in a
prominent location and presses the Call button.
This activates a beeper and flashing strobe light at the receiver.  The cashier or assistant then comes and
assists you.  This is more discreet than
the usual sounding of a horn or flashing of lights.

At time of writing the transmitter costs £14.95 which includes postage
and packaging and the receiver (which the relevant company pays for and
installs) costs £335 excluding VAT.
ServiceCall can be used at locations other than petrol stations where
assistance might be needed.  I have seen
it installed in banks and chemists, though how much use it gets there I do not
know.

I have been using the system since late 2006 and have had mixed
experiences.  For the most part petrol
station staff are trained quite well and respond quickly and politely when
possible.

One of the more interesting experiences I have had was at the Tesco
supermarket in Batley on a Saturday in 2007.
I had pulled up needing fuel and used the ServiceCall transmitter as
usual.  The receiver had beeped and
flashed and the young lady working inside had looked at it, reset it and
ignored it.  I waited a few minutes
thinking she may have been busy and come out when she could.  After this I used the transmitter again and
again the receiver beeped and flashed, was reset and ignored.  I was now worried that I wouldn’t be able to
get any fuel.

On my third attempt the young lady inside reset the receiver again and
looked out of the window, at which point I flashed my lights and she came out
to the car.

Once I had explained to her what the problem was she apologised and
replied that she hadn’t been told what the beeping was and just kept resetting
it.  When I asked her about filling the
car she replied that she was 16 and didn’t know how to use a petrol pump.

Her colleague in the shop was busy so she was unable to assist.  I was then surprised when a young lad who had
been filling his scooter came over.  He’d
heard what was going on and asked if he could help.  I explained to him I needed petrol and he
very kindly filled my car.  The young
employee had returned back inside by this time so he took my money and went
inside to pay.  As a thank you I also
paid for the fuel he’d put in his scooter – it was the least I could do.

So the system is useful, where people have had training and are able
to actually assist.  To their credit the
above incident was highlighted to Tesco in a letter and they responded by
ensuring all petrol station staff are trained in its use, as well as the use of
petrol pumps.

 

DMUK campaign on behalf of disabled motorists and have a campaign
around the subject of refuelling.  This
centres around 4 main issues:

  • Disabled motorists must be able to receive appropriate assistance
    with refuelling and paying.
  • If there are changes to the way that fuel is supplied, such as
    changes in automation or staffing levels, these must not have a negative
    impact on disabled drivers.
  • Petrol stations should install Servicecall and train their staff to
    use the system properly.
  • Petrol stations must find an acceptable way of taking payment using
    credit cards, for example by installing ‘spark safe’ terminals or accepting
    a signature instead.

An effective campaign relies on as much information as possible being
received from the people affected – disabled motorists and/or passengers who
need to refuel their cars in order to keep their independence.  DMUK have an online survey at http://tiny.cc/petrolstation where you can
submit details of your experiences.

End

ServiceCall
details: http://www.service-call.net/

Address: ServiceCall, Milford Lane, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1EX

Tel: (01629) 814488 –
or Freephone 0800 458 3008

Fax: (01629) 815470

Email: info@service-call.net

Check Your License – Is It Valid?

In January this year I placed an order for my next
Motability car with my local Peugeot dealer.
A few days after this I received a phone call from the dealer explaining
that the order had been refused by Motability because my license was
invalid.  This was a shock to me as,
having renewed my license in 2009, I had noted that it was valid until 2047.

A quick phone call to the DVLA in Swansea revealed the
problem – driving license holders are now required to update the photos on
their license every 10 years.  The expiry
date of the photo is shown in section 4b on the photocard part of your license.

In order to update the photo a driving license holder needs
to obtain a passport style photo, a D1 driving license application form (which
can be obtained from your local Post Office) and a cheque or postal order for
£20 made payable to DVLA Swansea.  Fill
in the relevant sections on the D1 form (it comes with a guidance leaflet) and
send the form, photo, cheque or postal order and both parts of your current
license to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DH.  It
is important to use the right postcode due to the way the mail is sorted at
DVLA.

In my case I sent off my application and new photo and have
now received my updated license.  And my
Peugeot dealer managed to get the car ordered with Motability.

DVLA say that they send reminders to anyone whose current
photo or license is about to expire, but this didn’t happen in my case.  With the onus being on the license holder and
with a £1000 fine if you do not update the photo, it could be worth checking.