Lazy Britain could get it's comeuppance

NCD News: Lazy Britain could get it's comeuppance - 19.11.09

>> NCD News: Facebook: murder, affairs, suicide, bullying ... a real society!
>> NCD News: How many No Claims Bonus years do you have? Are you sure?
>> NCD News: Women lying about rape to claim compensation
>> NCD News: "Up to 75% No Claims Discount!" they shout ... "up to"???

Lazy Britain could get it's comeuppance: >>>> Direct Line has teamed up with the safe driving charity Brake, to survey drivers on head restraints. They found that two thirds of drivers don't know what position the head restraint should be in to prevent injury during a crash. Only one in three correctly said that the top of the restraint should be level with the top of the head. Just 6% of drivers check the head rest regularly. The surveyors found that these results had not changed since they last completed the research 5 years ago.

>>>> The London Marriott Hotel hosted The Personal Injury Awards this week, where ARAG won the ATE Insurance Provider of the year award. The award was based on their customer care, service and innovation in the industry. ARAG management described the win as recognition of their hard work and also pointed out it was a reflection of the firms wide product range.

>>>> Towergate Risk Solutions have revealed the results of their Quarter 3 survey, which measures the opinion of the group's 100 plus brokers, regarding insurer performance. They are judged on general service, quotations, renewals and documentation. Allianz received high scores in all areas along with NIG, who were both named the top performers in the survey. Aviva and RSA both showed improvement, while AXA remained steady.

>>>> Figures from Michelin as part of their Fill Up With Air campaign, have revealed that 36% of UK drivers have incorrectly inflated tyres and are also the worst offenders in Europe. Correct air pressure can actually save money, making the car more fuel efficient. They also point out that under-inflated or damaged tyres can be dangerous and can lead to accidents.

>>>> Lloyds TSB has issued a warning to owners of Victorian homes that they may face a "maintenance time bomb" over the next few years. They say that home-owners are putting off essential maintenance due to the economic recession. Victorian houses are 3 times more likely to suffer from dry rot and 5 times more likely to have rising damp than modern properties. It is estimated that a Victorian home costs £3800 to maintain each year; twice as much as a modern home. Lloyds warn that upkeep is vital on all properties but particularly on older style homes.

>>>> The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Spanish Governmaent overcharged non-residents on capital gains tax for properties sold between 1997 and 2006. It has been estimated that those who sold a Spanish property during that time could be eligible for as much as £13,000 compensation each.

>>>> Classroom Assistant, Yvonne Macklin from Colchester has been given substantial compensation after she suffered a slipped disc while carrying school lunches. She has been unable to work since the incident in 2006. Mrs Macklin already had a degenerative back problem, which was aggravated by the injury and has left her in constant pain.

>>>> The Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International has measured the level of corruption in 180 countries around the world. It showed that most of the 180 countries rated scored below 5 on a scale of 0 -10 (10 being very low perceived levels of corruption). Countries involved in war or conflict scored the lowest, including Somalia, Iraq and Sudan. The highest score went to New Zealand with 9.4, followed by Denmark at 9.3. This reflected strong Governments and solid public institutions, independent media and financial transparency.

>>>> Latest results from the Interim Congestion Update have seen an 11% increase in congestion since the end of September, compared with the same time period in 2008. Congestion on the M25 was the worst with increases of 50% due to roadworks. Congestion also peaked on Monday and Fridays due to increased numbers of people taking weekend breaks during the warmer than usual Autumn. †