U.S. unveils blueprint to tackle driver distraction

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday the agency isn't looking at new regulations to address distracted driving, but rather is calling on automakers to step up voluntary efforts to combat risks with new technologies and education. LaHood, who's made distracted driving a top automotive safety priority of the Obama administration, said he's met with the CEOs of numerous automakers and feels confident "they're committed to safety." He even praised Subaru of America for a TV ad that highlighted the dangers of driver distraction. The commercial featured a father talking to his teenage daughter about the risks of using a cell phone while on the road.

54,000 learner drivers have points

54,000 LEARNER DRIVERS have received penalty points on their licences before even passing the driving test. This equates to 22% of all learner drivers on the road and the majority (60%) are for speeding offences. Other common causes for learner drivers to accumulate penalty points on their provisional licence include jumping a red light (43%), driving without insurance (33% and driving carelessly (15%).

Revealed: New Mini Coupe set to become first modern two-seat Mini

This is what enthusiasts have been waiting for. From the cute Mini Coupe concept that debuted almost two years ago at the Frankfurt motor show to Monday, when the sporty two-seat Mini Coupe in the United States has finally been revealed as reality. Mini released the first pictures of its diminutive new car on Monday, which will fittingly and simply be called the Mini Coupe.