Page 82 • The HERALD • 14th November 2024 v KEEP ON THE ROAD WITH THE HERALD v Holbury Service Station MOT’S & SERVICING and Repairs to Cars and Vans TYRES FITTED WHILE YOU WAIT Budget and Branded Tyres held in stock Member of Good Garage Scheme Long Lane, Holbury SO45 2NZ Tel: 023 8089 3727 Web: www.holburyservicestation.com Email: holburyservicestation@hotmail.co.uk All Major Cards Accepted 145 Long Lane, Holbury SO45 2NZ Tel: 023 8024 3300 FOR ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS LOCALLY • Free fit batteries (most cars) • Free fit wiper blades • Battery chargers • Oils • Braking • Service parts • Tools/tool hire • Car paints • Engine management diagnostics/reset • Towing accessories • Number plates • Exhaust systems • Steering/suspension • Haynes manuals W: www.cobramotorcomponents.co.uk E: sales@cobramotorcomponents.co.uk MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN • MOT • DIAGNOSTICS • SERVICE • REPAIRS Daniel Parkes • Tel: 07711 135196 Email: parkesautos@gmail.com AVOID THE DANGERS OF DRIVING IN THE DARK Road safety expert, TTC Group is urging motorists to be extra vigilant during the winter months. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) there is a surge in the number of vulnerable road users killed or seriously injured as daylight hours shorten. To help motorists stay safe TTC calls upon them to use ‘defensive driving’ techniques, which can be adopted through the winter months. TTC says that those most at risk are fearful of driving in low light, including older motorists and young drivers with low mileage under their belt. Knowing the dangers of night driving and what to do to mitigate those risks is essential. Comments Andy Wheeler, Training Manager for TTC Group, “As the days get shorter it’s worth reminding ourselves of the simple techniques which can make a difference to staying safe while night driving. A higher number of traffic-related fatalities occur at night with fatigue being a significant factor in most cases. Reduced visibility and inappropriate driving add to that risk, that is why we advise all drivers and riders to embrace defensive driving techniques.” DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS • Speed: It is safer to reduce your speed when driving in the dark, especially in unlit areas. is will buy time to observe vulnerable road users and stop accordingly. • Distance: It is harder to spot hazards at night so get into the habit of increasing the two-second time gap from the vehicle in front. Following too close reduces visibility and time and distance to stop. Headlights could also distract or intimidate the driver in front. • Slow down: Take extra time to read the road for signs of other road users by travelling slower than normal. is also allows time for the eyes to adjust when travelling from well-lit to dark roads. • Lights: Ensure external lights are clean, in good working order and interior lighting is turned o . Be careful not to dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users by always using dipped headlights in urban areas or when approaching oncoming vehicles. Use full beam on all other roads, particularly unlit rural lanes, when the opportunity arises and you won’t dazzle other road users. • Eyes: Routinely have your sight examined. To avoid being dazzled by oncoming headlights, drivers can keep attention on the le -hand kerb. e rear-view mirror should be adjusted to re ect light away from the eyes and above all, let your eyes adjust to di erent lighting levels • Tiredness: Falling asleep when driving overnight accounts for 40 per cent of collisions in the UK. Prevent drowsy driving by ensuring business drivers take regular breaks every two hours. • Visibility: A dirty windscreen will increase glare from other vehicles at night and are also prone to steam up. Keep windscreens, windows and mirrors clean with a micro bre cloth, both inside and out • Stay alert: Remember other drivers may not be as cautious. Drivers should slow down more than usual at junctions and check side and rear-view mirrors regularly. Take care when driving at night New Forest Sounds Christmas Concert ‘How To Measure A Year’ is the intriguing title of this New Forest Sounds ladies choir concert on Wednesday 4th December at 7.30pm in St John’s Church, Hythe. As usual, this will feature a wide variety of music from both stage and screen, this time going through the seasons and in the second half celebrating Christmas. ere will be something for everyone including carols to join in and create a thoroughly festive atmosphere surrounded by the lovely decorated trees of the Christmas Tree Festival in the Church. Tickets are £8 to include festive refreshments and can be purchased in advance from choir members or on the door. A donation from the proceeds will be made to support Blood Cancer UK. ese are always relaxed and enjoyable evenings so do go along and support it whilst also helping a charity. You will be very welcome and it will be an ideal way to get into the Christmas spirit. TOTTON REPAIR CAFE Totton Repair Café is running on Saturday 7th December, 10.30am to 1pm at Totton & Eling Community Centre. e aim of the Totton Repair Café is to try and prevent small household goods from going to land ll if they stop working. You can take along small electrical or other items too good for the tip, you can sit and help/observe with any repair and refreshments are available while you wait for a small charge. It’s also an opportunity to nd out more about the Repair Café and Men’s Shed. A er your repair is completed all they ask for is a voluntary donation towards the cost of the hall and insurance. For further details please contact the Totton & Eling Community Centre by email: tottonrepaircafe@gmx. co.uk
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