Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st September 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Young drivers 'most likely to take work calls'
driving
Drivers who talk on the phone are four times more likely to have a crash resulting in injury.
Charity says employers have a responsibility to staff

Nearly half of young drivers have taken a work-related call whilst behind the wheel, according to a recent survey. Road safety charity Brake says employers have a responsibility to ensure they are not putting their staff in danger.

Brake's survey of 1,000 drivers shows that 49 per cent of young people (aged 17-24) had taken a work call while driving, compared to 17 per cent of drivers across all age groups.

These figures include calls taken on both hand-held and hands-free phones, as previous studies suggest they are equally dangerous. Drivers who talk on the phone are thought to be four times more likely to have a crash resulting in injury.

According to the survey, young drivers are not only the most likely to engage in work calls on the road, but are also more likely to take calls from friends and family. More than a third said they had talked to family on the phone while driving and just over a fifth had talked to friends.

Brake is calling for a ban on using hands-free at the wheel and is urging people to keep their phones on silent and out of reach while driving. It is currently illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving.

The charity is also urging people not to engage in phone calls with employees, colleagues, friends or family members when they know they are behind the wheel.

"In the modern world, drivers are confronted with many distractions that prevent them from giving the road their full attention, risking devastating crashes and loss of life," said Julie Townsend, the charity's deputy chief executive.

"It is a sobering thought that a significant number of these life-threatening distractions come from drivers' own friends and family. That's why we're urging people to put their loved ones safety first by refusing to speak to them on the phone while they are driving.

"Employers, too, have an important responsibility to make sure they are not putting their employees in danger."

To see the full survey findings, visit: http://www.brake.org.uk/news/1479-who-s-putting-your-life-on-the-line-for-a-quarter-of-drivers-it-s-family

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.