A full 98 per cent of Irish drivers agree with the recently introduced stiff fines and punishments for texting behind the wheel. That’s according to a survey by Motorcheck.ie, which also revealed that a full 100 per cent of those who responded to the survey agreed that texting behind the wheel poses a significant danger to themselves and other road users.
However, 20 per cent said that they continue to “often” use their phone for calls and texting when driving.
"In order to change driver attitudes to this practice is important that the Garda consistently police this issue rather than just performing blitzes every now and again," said Michael Rochford, managing director of Motorcheck.ie. " If not it is very likely that the majority of people will not change their behaviour."
Motorsport pioneer Brabham dies at 88
Veteran race driver Jack Brabham has died at the age of 88. The Australian became the first man to win an F1 title in a rear-engined car in 1959 (with the original Cooper-Climax) before becoming still the only man ever to win an F1 title in a car bearing his own name, with the Brabham-Repco in 1967. Brabham not only had a lengthy F1 career spanning three decades (he retired from the sport at the end of the 1970 season), but also transformed the motorsport scene with the creation of Brabham racing cars, which were sold and competed at all levels of motorsport. In recent years, Brabham returned to racing and demonstrating original cars at events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, while his sons Geoff and David have both gone on to hugely successful motor racing careers of their own. "He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of. and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves behind," said David Brabham.
Porsche preps updated 991 for early 2015
Even though Porsche has only just released the latest version of the current 991-era 911, the Targa, it is already hard at work on an updated version of the 991, due to be released early next year. Visual changes are likely to be limited to a reprofiled front bumper and new LED daytime running lights, while Ferrari-style active front air intakes, which close at speed to improve the aerodynamics, are also on the cards. The existing 3.4 and 3.8-litre flat-six engines will be tweaked, improving power and emissions and bringing them in line with EuroVI emissions regulations. Porsche is denying, though, that a base-model 911, featuring the firm's forthcoming new flat-four engine, will make an appearance.