New research has revealed that almost a half (49%) of UK drivers admit to being distracted behind the wheel of their cars because of mobile phones - despite tough new laws brought in a year ago to act as a deterrent.

The survey, carried out by used car supermarket, The Car People, asked 1,500 British drivers exactly what distracts them when behind the wheel and how it impacts on their driving.

It found that getting a phone call (31%), receiving a new message notification (21%) and using their phone for directions (20%) were the most common distractions across the general population, with changing music putting off 26% of 18-24-year-old drivers.

However, while Government figures show that 18-24-year olds are the most overrepresented in car crashes, the new research reveals that when it comes to mobile phones, it is now drivers aged 25-34 that are the most distracted, with more than three quarters (77%) admitting it is a factor.

Although 66% of 18-24-year olds admit to still being distracted by their mobile phones, the fact that this lower than 25-34 year olds suggests that the change in the law, which increased the penalty for using a mobile phone at the wheel to six points, could be having an impact with younger drivers who now risk having their licence revoked if they are caught using a phone at the wheel.

The worst offending age group (25-34) confessed that they are distracted at the wheel by taking phone calls (40%), using their phone for directions (38%), changing music (23%) and sending text messages (18%). A worrying proportion even said that they get distracted by taking photos (12%) and looking for selfie opportunities (8%) and almost three quarters of drivers in this age bracket (74%) believe being distracted by their phone has led to them driving dangerously.

As a result of being distracted by their mobile phone, 8% of 25-34-year olds said they had crashed their car, 15% had experienced a near-miss, 10% had gone through a red light and 22% had been beeped at.

The survey also revealed interesting results about what else causes drivers to be distracted behind the wheel. Passengers can be a huge distraction for people when they are driving, with almost a third (28%) admitting that they chat to others when the should be focusing on the road while, shockingly, 4% get distracted behind the wheel by being intimate with a partner.

Following the new research, The Car People challenged two drivers aged 25-34 to test their driving in a car simulator to see just how easily distracted they are and how dangerous this can be to themselves and others on the road.

Ryan Robbins, Senior Human Factors Researcher at TRL, who conducted the driving simulation said: “It is difficult to do two things at once well, but when one of those things is driving it is virtually impossible. Driving is a demanding task that can suddenly require all of a driver’s attention when a hazard arises. A driver who has been distracted will be slower to anticipate and react to hazards on the road, and that delay can prove fatal. Most of us drastically overestimate how well we can drive, even when we are concentrating fully, and the evidence is clear that when we are distracted our driving is considerably worse.

Jonathan Allbones, director at The Car People adds: “It’s a real concern to hear just how distracting mobile phones continue to be for UK drivers. We were surprised to find that drivers aged 25-34 are the most likely to be distracted by their mobile, though the fact that drivers in the youngest age group were less likely to be distracted is promising and suggests that the new rules around driving with a mobile could be having some impact. It’s important that older drivers don’t get complacent though as using a mobile while driving is both against the law and very dangerous.

“Challenging some millennials in a driving simulator was a great way to really put them to the test. It allowed us to monitor their concentration and speed limit on the road in a safe environment.”

Blenheim Palace Classic & Supercar returns for its 2nd year on Sunday 2nd September 2018. Created by luxury automotive organisers, Salon Prive, the thrilling event was a roaring success drawing crowds of over 10,000 visitors to its first show.

The family-friendly day will showcase more than 300 of the world's greatest classic and supercars in the stunning surroundings of the Oxfordshire World Heritage Site.

The Pirelli Prestige & Performance Competition is the focus of the day, featuring 80 sensational super and hypercars built 1977 from 1978 to the current day, hosted by prestigious Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli within the Palace's Great Court.

With eight pre-selected classes including 'Hypercars', 'Super Roadsters', '200mph Club, 'Hybrid' and 'Open-Top Porsche 911 (1970 - 1989)', it's an exciting competition culminating in the Winner's Parade later in the afternoon. Details of the full classes will be available soon.

“This truly is a must-attend event for every car lover and enthusiast; it is an unmissable opportunity to see the most extravagant and spectacular hypercars, supercars and classic cars on the planet, all at the most affordable price imaginable,” David Bagley, Co-Founder of Blenheim Palace Classic & Supercar.

“Set against the equally spectacular backdrop of what is undoubtedly 'Britain's Greatest Palace', this incredible show allows visitors to get closer than ever before to the world's greatest automotive marques such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Noble, Pagani, Rimac, Rolls-Royce, Zenvo and many others,” he added.

The public day is an extension to Salon Privé's long-established 'Pirelli Prestige & Performance Competition'.

A wide selection of food and refreshments will also be available from Blenheim Palace's eateries throughout the day.

Built in the early 18th century to celebrate Britain's victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession, Blenheim Palace is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.  It was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Schoolchildren are making sure drivers stick to a new 20mph speed limit – by dealing with speeding drivers at their very own “Kids Court”.

Drivers caught speeding in an operation outside Park Hill Primary on Friday (16 March) were given the option of a fine – or face pupils asking difficult questions about why they were breaking the limit.

The new 20mph limit has been in force since January across the whole of the Friar Park ward.

Fifteen drivers were caught breaking the speed limit – the fastest was going at 34mph. Four were given advice at the roadside and nine chose to go before the Kids Court. Two bus drivers were prosecuted for breaking the speed limit.

Twelve schoolchildren tackled the drivers for breaking the speed limit. They posed thought-provoking and hard-hitting questions to the offenders including “How would you feel if you killed one of us” and “Why were you speeding when the road is clearly signed?”.

Although road safety has dramatically improved on Sandwell’s roads over the past 10 years - with the number of children hurt in accidents falling by nearly two thirds - over the past three years, 300 children have been injured in accidents.

Sandwell currently has 43 20mph areas covering 128km of the borough's roads. Friar Park is one of five new areas with the limit and a further five will be considered for next financial year.

Friar Park is the first of Sandwell's 24 wards to have a 20mph blanket speed limit and the Kids Court operation is part of enforcing the speed limit.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Simon Hackett said: "We need to do all we can to keep children safe on their journeys to and from school. I've been really impressed by the court and the children at Park Hill Primary.

“I'm sure their hard-hitting questions are a powerful reminder and will stay with these drivers for a long time."

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for highways and environment Councillor David Hosell added: “The whole idea behind doing this is that the words of the schoolchildren and the embarrassment of being caught speeding outside a school is going to stay with the speeding drivers for much longer than a fine necessarily would. Every time they see a speed limit sign, or a school for that matter, we hope they remember this and slow down.”

Deputy head teacher at Park Hill Primary Kate Jenks said: "The pupils thoroughly enjoyed taking part in Kids Court. Not only did it provide them with an extraordinary experience that allowed them to develop key social skills, it has also improved their knowledge of road safety and the importance of driving within the speed limit.

"Many of them have said that they will not speed when they become drivers. It is an experience that will remain with the pupils forever. As a school, it was an amazing opportunity to take part in such an important initiative and we would like to thank everyone involved. “ Pc Steve Horton, Wednesbury police, said: "The idea of the Kids Court is to tackle drivers' attitudes towards speeding by getting them to see the potential consequences of exceeding speed limits, particularly around schools.

“It also helps schools, children and their families to work with us and take an active part in making our communities safer for everyone."

The Kids Court project is part of the Sandwell Road Safety Partnership, which sees the council work with West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service. Drivers who went before the Kids Court said: “I was embarrassed”, “I felt humbled, I will remember from the conversation with the children that speed kills” and “I felt surprised, it makes you think.

Following Kids Court, West Midlands Fire Service provided education and advice regarding child car seats to parents and children on the playground.

Road Safety Minister, Jesse Norman, today (19 December 2017) revealed that motorcyclists are set to benefit from improvements to motorcycle training. This follows a public consultation on a number of proposal to modernise motorcycle training.

The compulsory basic training (CBT) course, which allows motorcyclists to ride unaccompanied with L plates has largely remained unchanged since its introduction in 1990.

However, motorcyclists have given their backing to a raft of improvements, including new riders having to pass a theory test before they take a CBT course, and provisional licence holders being stopped from riding and having to take further training if they get 6 penalty points.

Road Safety Minister Jesse Norman said:

“We have one of the best road safety records in the world, but we are determined to do more to prevent deaths and serious injuries.

“Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and have the highest fatality rate of any group. That is why I am pleased to announce these changes to motorcycle training. These improvements should equip learners with a wider range of experience and better riding skills, helping to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Last year 319 motorcyclists were killed, and 5,553 were seriously injured. With around 1 in 6 motorcycle casualties being moped or scooter riders.

DVSA Head of Rider and Vocational Policy Mark Winn said:

“Our priority is to help riders through a lifetime of safe riding.

“In 2016, over a third of moped and motorcyclist casualties were aged between 16 and 24.  We want to reduce the risk they face by introducing more realistic and individually tailored training, provided by better qualified instructors.

“Making these improvements to training will help make sure motorcyclists have the skills and knowledge they need to help them stay safe on our busy, modern roads.”

A public consultation carried out by the Department for Transport (DfT) and DVSA on 9 proposed improvements received more than 2,200 responses. Those responding included motorcyclists, representatives in the motorcycle industry and road safety groups.

The results of the consultation, which have been published today, reveal that of those who responded:

• 92% support introducing a training course that existing riders can take to upgrade their motorcycle licence, rather than having to take extra tests
• 85% agree new riders having to pass a theory test before they take a CBT course, or as part of their course
• 85% support revoking CBT certificates from riders who get 6 penalty points - it would stop them from riding with L plates after getting points for offences including careless or dangerous riding
• 84% agree restricting riders who take their CBT course on an automatic motorcycle to only riding automatics
• 85% support restructuring CBT courses to focus on the importance of equipment and safety clothing, on-site training, motorcycling theory and on-road practical riding skills

There was also overwhelming support for DVSA’s plans to improve the way motorcycle instructors are qualified and quality assured.

• 97% support increasing the range of checks that DVSA carries out on motorcycle training schools
• 87% support improving the way that instructors qualify to provide motorcycle training
• 94% support introducing a system for motorcycle training schools to be given recognition for consistently high standards

Some of the proposals require further consultation to work through the details of how the changes will work. DfT and DVSA plan to consult on these in Spring 2018.

Representatives from the rider training industry are also supportive of the changes.

Motor Schools Association of Great Britain (MSA GB) general manager John Lepine MBE said:

“It is vital that over time we update and modernise all our rider and driver training procedures in line with up to date thinking and research.

“Following on from the successful changes to the driving test we welcome these changes to rules surrounding the safe riding of motorcycles.

“In particular we welcome the improved standards for motorcycle training schools and motorcycle instructors which recognises the importance of high quality training in delivering high quality road safety outcomes.”

Driving Instructors Association (DIA) Chief Motorcycle Examiner Mark Jaffe said:

“As the largest driver and rider training association in the UK, the DIA have been working with the DVSA and the DfT to improve the standard of rider training at all levels for a number of years.

“The consultation results shows support for the changes which we believe are long overdue. The changes will increase the importance on riders getting the correct training for the machines they are riding and reduce the number of casualties through better and more focused training.”

Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) Director of Safety and Training Karen Cole said:

"We welcome the publication of responses to the consultation on modernising motorcycle training and look forward to working with the DVSA to significantly improve rider safety in the future.

"It is important that powered two wheelers remain accessible though, as they are the only affordable form of transport for many people and an increasingly important part of our transport mix as commuters seek solutions to creeping congestion."

The USA state of Michigan is running a special promotion at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire  on Saturday 21st April 2018, bringing to life the story of Henry Ford and the Ford car.

From 1pm onwards, Museum visitors will have the one-off opportunity to view a film from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, located just outside Detroit, Michigan, which showcases the significance of Henry Ford in automotive history. There will also be a display in the Kestrel Suite promoting Michigan as a holiday destination as well as the opportunity to win some exciting prizes.

The Henry Ford Museum is now one of the most popular attractions in the USA. It tells the American story through the automotive, design and innovation industries in a fun and interactive way by immersing visitors in the stories of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation that helped shape the country.

This promotion is included in the standard Museum ticket price. Tickets can be purchased in advance from www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk. The British Motor Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars.

Designed to challenge diesel trucks as king of the road, Tesla has unveiled its first electric articulated lorry with the vehicle set to go into production in 2019 - with a range of 500 miles on a single charge.

Chief executive Elon Musk also revealed a new Roadster, which he said would be "the fastest production car ever" made.

The Roadster will have a range of close to 1,000km (620 miles) on a single charge and will do 0-100mph in 4.2 seconds.

Describing it as "a hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars," Musk said riding in traditional cars would be like driving "a steam engine with a side of quiche." The new Roadster will be available in 2020.

The Tesla Semi will achieve 0-60mph in 20 seconds when pulling 36,287kgs (80,000lbs), the maximum allowed on US roads.

Speaking at Tesla's facility in Los Angeles, chief executive Elon Musk said: "It's not like any truck that you've ever driven."

However, the charismatic Mr Musk faces continued pressure from investors and customers as the firm struggles to meet demand for its Model 3 car – which is behind schedule due to factory delays, a situation Mr Musk described as “production hell.”

As well as coming up against diesel incumbents, Tesla also faces other electric rivals. Concept electric big rigs have been unveiled by Daimler, Volkswagen and Cummins - though all fall short on range, and none are currently on the roads.

There are an estimated 3.5 million truck drivers in the US, the vast majority of whom drive diesel-powered engines. Tesla will not be able to compete on diesel’s range, and battery specialists doubt Tesla can produce a powerful enough battery at a reasonable price.