Only half of drivers feel prescription drug labelling is clear enough on medicines, according to the latest poll by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Earlier this year, the government announced that a drug-driving bill will be introduced and will include chemicals which can be found in prescription drugs. Almost a third of respondents suggest that a simple traffic-light system would be the best method to inform people of the risks of using prescription drugs when driving.

It is clear that the vast majority of drivers have no sympathy for those who drive under the influence of drugs. Seventy-three per cent of drivers think that those who drive whilst under the influence of illegal drugs are as dangerous as drunk drivers. Eighty per cent of respondents agree with the view that a zero limit should be set for the worst illegal drugs.

Motorists feel that penalties are not harsh enough for drug-drivers. Currently, if prosecuted, they face a one year ban and up to £1000 fine. Fifty-nine per cent of respondents feel that this is not strong enough.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Motorists clearly feel that labelling is not clear or consistent enough when giving information on driving when taking medications. A traffic-light system such as red for no driving, amber for care required and green for limited effects appears to be the most popular option.  What is clear is that we will need a wide ranging information campaign to support the new laws and ensure motorists don’t find themselves on the wrong side of the law.”

The Pata Honda team is preparing for this weekend’s final round of the 2013 World Superbike championship at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.

It’s some 23 years since Jerez hosted a round of the production-based SBK series but many of the teams tested at the 4.423km Andalusian track at the end of 2012, including the current Pata Honda line-up of Michel Fabrizio and Leon Haslam.

Fabrizio has been substituting for the injured Jonathan Rea since round 11 at Istanbul in Turkey and Jerez represents the 29-year-old Italian’s final outing with the team. He is understandably looking forward to leaving on a high and the team will be doing all it can to realise Fabrizio’s wish.

Haslam meanwhile has his own reasons to seek an uplifting end to a difficult season that has been blighted by a double leg fracture sustained at Assen in The Netherlands in April. The 30-year-old British rider will be aiming to maintain his record of at least one podium finish in each of his full seasons as a World Superbike rider.

The Pata Honda team will remain in Spain following Sunday’s two 21-lap races at Jerez for a one-day test on Tuesday 22 October. It is anticipated that Jonathan Rea will use the test to re-introduce himself to his Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade after fracturing his left femur in a crash at Nurburgring in Germany on 1 September.

Leon Haslam

We tested at Jerez at the end of last season and did some back-to-back comparisons between last year’s electronics and the new package, which was at a very early stage of development. It’ll be difficult to use any of the data we got back then but it’s a great track and I’ve always loved riding here since I was in GPs. We solved a pretty significant issue on the bike at the end of the last round in Magny-Cours, so I’m really looking forward to getting out on the Jerez circuit on Friday and giving it a go. It’s the last round of the series and I would just like it to be the one where everything finally comes together and we can get a chance to show what we’re capable of. There are lots of things to improve before the beginning of next season – both with me and the bike – but I’d like to finish this one by challenging the top guys this weekend.

Michel Fabrizio

Jerez will be my last race with the Pata Honda team, so I want to continue the positive direction that we found at Magny-Cours and to finish with some good results. I found a good confidence in the bike and in my riding in France so I want to take this to Spain and finish this year in a good way. I have never raced at Jerez but I tested there last year on a different machine and I was very fast, so I know that the circuit suits my riding style. I wish Jonathan a good recovery and I would like to thank Honda and the Pata Honda team for this opportunity. I hope to put on a good show for everyone this weekend.

Pieter Breddels – technical co-ordinator

So, we reach the last race of the season and our final outing with Michel. We would all like to thank him for his contribution since Istanbul and we will all be trying very hard to help him continue to challenge for top five finishes. We will also try to give Leon back some confidence in the bike and help him to finish this season on a high to generate some positive momentum for the 2014 season. We are also very happy to welcome Jonathan back to the team after his injury and to congratulate him on the birth of his son. He’ll be with us all weekend and I can speak for the whole team in saying that we are all looking forward to seeing him back on the bike during our test next week.

MAG Ireland, the Irish Motorcyclists’ Action Group, reports that at its recent AGM MAG Ireland members voted to adopt a new policy on distracted driving in light of the increase in motorcycle accidents.

MAG Ireland say, “It is clear from research carried out by the RSA (Road Safety Authority) among others, that distracted driving (most typically use of a mobile phone while driving) is both a growing problem and a significant contributor to motorcycle accidents where another vehicle is involved. RSA figures suggest it may be as high as one in four collisions.”

At Right To Ride, riders in the context of vulnerable road users, are more than just concerned of the increasing use of mobile phone and other electronic devices by other road users.

MAG Ireland have brought a rational position to this debate, with suggestions for cyclists and car drivers as well as drivers of goods, construction, agricultural or public transport vehicles and including motorcyclists for policy, rigorous enforcement of the existing laws, public road safety education and funding to get rid of this road user menace and socially unacceptable driving on our roads.

In Northern Ireland we can only support MAG Ireland’s position as well as the inclusion written in Northern Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy To 2020:

•Educate and inform people about the dangers of using any mobile phone while driving, including hands free kits.
•Consider further measures to reduce mobile phone usage, including texting, while driving.

Information on mobile phone use contained in the Northern Ireland Survey of Seat Belt Wearing 2013, states that “In total 13,293 cars were observed and details of 19,792 occupants recorded. This recording took place in eight half hour sessions between 08:30 and 17:00 on Tuesday 23rd and Saturday 27th April 2013.”

•1 per cent of drivers in 2013 were observed using a mobile phone which is the same as reported for 2012 (0.7 per cent were using a hand – held phone and 0.4 per cent were using a hands – free phone)

Travel along any street, road, urban or rural byway and it would not be too long before the count of mobile phone use exceeds the number of fingers you have to count on.

These pariahs of mobile phone use, should be penalised for their actions due to the danger they cause and as motorcyclists or any other road users, avoided at all costs!

Read the article in full on Right To Ride...

899 Panigale to make first public appearance on UK soil - Carl Fogarty to lead demonstration lap on 899 Panigale

The highly-anticipated Ducati 899 Panigale makes its UK debut this weekend at Brands Hatch at the final round of the British Superbike Championship, giving the UK racing public an early glimpse of the latest Ducati Superbike.

The 899 will be on display outside the Ducati hospitality which will be located behind the Pit Straight Grandstand. There will also be a selection of the latest model range to view and Ducati clothing available to purchase in the retail area adjacent to the hospitality unit.

As well as a static display of the 899 Panigale, there will also be a chance to see the bike on track as four-times World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty leads a demonstration lap of the Kent circuit on Sunday at midday. The 899 Panigale will be a familiar sight on UK tracks next year when it will line-up on the grid in the new Ducati TriOptons Cup as a support series for British Superbikes.

This stunning 899 Panigale is intended to provide a new way to access the exclusive world of Ducati Superbikes and is described as a “Supermid” version of the award-winning 1199 Panigale. The 899 still provides the thrill of the flagship model but with the refined character of an everyday road bike.

Its brand new Superquadro engine features a revised bore and stroke for a broad power delivery, producing 148hp (109kW) with a torque of 73lb-ft (10.1kgm). The super-smooth power unit continues to be a fully stressed member of the innovative Panigale monocoque construction, achieving both an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and ride-enhancing agility with a dry weight of 169kg (372.5lb). An 1199 silhouette underlines the family DNA, while the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) and the fully integrated Riding Mode technologies of Ride-by-Wire, triple stage ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC) continue the benchmark ingenuity introduced with the new generation Superbike.

The 899 Panigale will be available from November, priced a £12,495 in traditional Ducati red with black wheels or a stunning arctic white with red wheels.

For further information on the 899 Panigale and the Ducati TriOptions Cup visit www.ducatiuk.com

IT IS the biggest show in the classic calendar. You’ll find everything from the very best motorcycle restorations through to gravity-defying stunts and tributes to the iconic ‘Fizzy’ and it all takes place on two superb days at Stafford County Showground…

The 20th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show is now merely days away – taking place on the weekend of October 19-20 – and it celebrates all things classic bike, with the main focus on machines from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

“We look forward to welcoming more than 30,000 visitors over two days,” said show manager Nick Mowbray.

“The show is the largest classics event in Europe and is packed to the rafters with things to see, buy, do and experience,” he continued.

Among these attractions will be former 250cc GP world champion and 500cc legend Christian Sarron, who will be bringing a wealth of racing memories and anecdotes to share with showgoers.

French star Sarron, famed for his ability to ride in the wet, made his name in the 250cc division before going on to find success in 500cc racing as well as endurance events.

The expert team from Bonhams is heading to the event once again, with a single-owner collection of nearly 100 classic Japanese motorcycles the star attraction of the auction house’s annual autumn sale.

And with more than 70 club stands, visitors can expect to encounter row upon row of stunning machinery – with some even being fired up in the Classic Racer GP Paddock – as they take in a plethora of motorcycle sights, sounds and engine smells.

The FS1-E stand will be one that definitely requires a visit, and organiser Nick is certainly fired up by a significant milestone: “The era we celebrate here at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show is the one that I grew up in and with the FS1-E marking 40 years; this really is the show for the rider who began on a ‘Fizzy’.”

The show isn’t just about looking at bikes though, as a sprawling autojumble that covers every available inch of the showground offers an incredible range of parts, accessories and motorcycle memorabilia for visitors to get their hands on.

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics magazine editor Bertie Simmonds commented: “If you’re in the middle of a restoration project – or looking at the next one – then the big draw is the autojumble that covers the whole venue.

“It’s so good that you can even expect to see me ferreting about for bits for my 1991 Yamaha TDM850!”

If all of this wasn’t enough, top trials ace Steve Colley will be wowing crowds in the main ring with this gravity-defying stunt display.

A one-day adult pass is currently priced at just £10 – incredible value for what is sure to be an action-packed 20th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show.

Discounted advance tickets are available until Tuesday, October 15 and can be purchased at www.classicbikeshows.co.uk