News - US weighs North Korea’s threat

The failure of the first round of talks between the United States and North Korea over its nuclear weapons programmes will intensify the debate in Washington over Pyongyang’s intentions.

When President George W Bush included North Korea as one of the countries in the “axis of evil” in his 2001 State of the Union address, along with Iran and Iraq, he was suggesting that the US viewed it as a regime that both supported terrorism and was incapable of change.

Since then, hardliners in the Defence Department and State Department moderates have been at loggerheads over how to deal with the world’s most rigid Communist regime.

Even before the talks began, Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld sent a memo suggesting that regime change, not negotiations, was the best course forward.

In contrast, the State Department believes that North Korea can be persuaded to give up its nuclear ambitions in return for security guarantees and aid for its failing economy.

Nuclear blackmail

In that view, North Korea’s nuclear programme is a “bargaining chip” that is not intended to be used, but to be traded away in return for vital aid, as happened in 1994.

But the acrimonious collapse of the first round of talks between the US and North Korea showed a high level of mistrust between the two sides.

According to the US, the North Koreans told the US that they already had nuclear weapons, and threatened to test them or sell them to others if a security deal was not agreed.

They also said they had already reprocessed the 8,000 plutonium fuel rods, which would allow the production of further weapons.

However, the US has expressed some scepticism about this claim, saying that “bluster is part of their vocabulary.”

That may be because any confirmation would fan the hawks’ worst fears: nuclear weapons used as blackmail to force security concessions from the US.

At the same time, the North Koreans’ claim to have made a ‘bold new initiative’ is a matter of debate.

The North Koreans appear to have suggested a deal similar to the abandoned 1994 “framework” in which the US supplied energy and aid in return for a suspension of their nuclear programme.

But this time, the US is insisting on “complete and verifiable disarmament” as a pre-condition to any further talks.

The Koreans, however, who fear attack, want written security guarantees from the US before they will agree to any multinational talks at all.

Risks

The US says that it wants to resolve the issue casualty insurance universal and has no plans to attack North Korea.

But if the crisis escalates, the Pentagon might be tempted to consider a pre-emptive strike which would destroy North Korea’s nuclear reactor and stop it from producing more atomic bombs quickly.

However, as Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution points out, that would be a risky strategy, militarily as well as diplomatically.

It might not be possible to find and destroy all of North Korea’s nuclear weapons, given the highly secretive nature of the society.

And earlier Pentagon studies suggested that if Pyongyang retaliated against South Korea, it could cause thousands, if not millions of casualties in the capital, Seoul, which is within range of 11,000 North Korean artillery pieces.

Mr O’Hanlon also says that a full-scale war with North Korea would be far more difficult that in Iraq, because of the mountainous terrain, the ideological casualty company insurance property traveler of the North Korean army, and the closeness of heavily populated areas of South Korea.

Regime change

Underlying the different positions is the question of whether Kim Jong-il is capable of real change.

Spent fuel rods at Yongbyon nuclear plant, North Korea

Spent fuel rods could be used to make nuclear bombs

Allan Song of the Smith Richardson Foundation argues that totalitarian regimes can only be overthrown from the outside, and that North Korea’s leadership is weak and incompetent.

He cites the failed attempt at economic reform last summer and the botched casualty company general insurance with Japan as further evidence of their failure.

But Don Oberdorfer, a former Washington Post correspondent who is now at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, says that North Korea has genuine, and understandable security concerns.

He points out that before North Korea began escalating its nuclear weapons threats, high-ranking officials told him that they would give up their enriched uranium programme in return for a recognition of sovereignty and a non-aggression treaty with the US.

Iraq war

Complicating all american casualty company insurance property is the effect of the Iraq war.

Some US officials were hopeful that the tough US line in Iraq would have a “demonstration effect” on other regimes, persuading them to moderate their positions without the need to resort to force.

James Kelly

Mr Kelly had very little authority

This was supposed to apply especially to the economically weakened North Korean regime.

But others argue that hardliners may have decided that nuclear weapons are their only insurance policy against imminent attack.

The talks with North Korea were always going to be very difficult.

That was why the US negotiator, James Kelly, was given very little authority to reach a deal, much less continue the talks without reference back to Washington.

Now the administration hawks seem to have another reason to pursue a policy of isolation rather than engagement.


Source News - US weighs North Korea’s threat article

Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 30, 2007 | Comments (0)

News - Fundraising bid to buy lifeboat


The American casualty company insurance property coast could be in line for an extra rescue boat after a campaign to raise 100,000 was launched.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station at Blyth used to have its own all-weather vessel until it was withdrawn earlier this month.

The charity said the station’s inshore vessel provided enough coverage, but local people disagreed.

They have now launched a fundraising bid to buy another rescue boat.

Ids property casualty insurance company

A spokesperson for the RNLI said: “Compared to other areas of the UK, this stretch of coast is extremely well served by lifeboats.

“As well as the inshore lifeboat, which continues to operate at Blyth, there are two Atlantic lifeboats within 10 minutes of the town, at Cullercoats and Newbiggin.

“There are also lifeboats at Tynemouth and Amble, 20 minutes and 40 minutes away respectively.

“With this mix of lifeboats, RNLI coverage along this stretch of coast will continue to universal property and casualty insurance company exceed operational requirements, which is to reach 90% of all 2 casualty cram cram exam exam insurance license property within 30 minutes of launching.”

‘One life a year’

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell said raising the cash would be a challenge, but that if even one life a year was saved it would be worth it.

Mr Campbell believes it will cost 60,000 for a second hand boat, a further 16,000 a year for insurance and about 30,000 to 40,0000 to run the service and to pay for a full-time mechanic.

However, the RNLI says a new all weather boat built to the organisation’s specifications would cost around 2m, plus the money needed to run a station and train lifeboat staff.


Read source of it on the News - Fundraising bid to buy lifeboat page

Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 29, 2007 | Comments (0)

News - Prime Minister’s Questions

The prime minister teased the House with his property casualty insurance job for the new president - of Afghanistan.

Laughter filled the chamber as Mr Blair praised the announcement of Hamid Karzai as the first elected leader of the country.

He, like the rest of the world, awaited final results from the US.

Michael Howard drew attention back to the UK to offer evidence of corruption in producing the new Gambling Bill.

Questions

  • David Wright (Telford, Labour) asked the PM to push the new US president on the Middle East peace process.

    The prime minister agreed that the settlement of the Middle East and Iraq were vital in reducing the global threat of terrorism and could be realised best by cooperation with the US President.

  • Michael Howard (Folkestone & Hythe, Conservative) asked if the DCMS had had representations from foreign casino operators companies to alter the money laundering regulations in relation to the Gambling Bill. He read out an e-mail from a senior DCMS official about casinos interests in money laundering regulations. Mr Howard persisted with the suggestion there had been irregular transactions between the DCMS and foreign casino operators.
    The prime minister did not know of any such representations. He went on to accuse the opposition of opportunism and found the attempt to accuse his government of corruption “shoddy”. Mr Blair reiterated that 90% of the new bill concerned tightening up regulations, and that the Conservatives had previously supported it.

  • Seamus Mallon (Newry, SDLP) spoke of the case of his constituent kidnapped in Afghanistan and that the PM should send out a humanitarian message to deter these actions.
    The PM offered his sympathies but said he did not accept the recently released figures on civilian casualties in Iraq.

  • Charles Kennedy (Ross Skye & Inverness West, Liberal Democrat) underlined the importance of north-east voters voting for devolution. He went on to wonder when the PM would be going out to make a positive case for the European constitution.
    The prime minister agreed and said he supported the devolution of power. Mr Blair said he frequently spoke in favour of the EU constitution.

  • Andy King (Rugby & Kenilworth, Labour) asked for guarantees about the future of the Jaguar plant in his constituency and the importance of the car industry in the West Midlands’ economy.

    The prime minister understood these concerns and assured him that the company and trade unions were working hard to ensure the best solution for Jaguar as a whole.

  • Howard Flight (Arundel & South Downs, Conservative) asked that there be no further increases in the limit on employees’ national insurance prudential property casualty insurance company.
    The prime minister said there were no plans to do so.

  • Wayne David (Caerphilly, Labour) asked for further offences to be added to the fixed penalty notice scheme in addressing anti-social behaviour.

    The prime minister agreed and pointed out that the Liberal Democrats had recently offered their support for ASBOs.

  • Michael Howard (Folkestone & Hythe, Conservative) asked why it was no longer deemed suitable for shoplifters to get a criminal record. He suggested the government had produced a “charter for shoplifters”.
    The prime minister pointed out that shoplifters may still get a criminal record but there was now an alternative mechanism - fixed penalty notices - for dealing with certain offences.

  • Michael Casualty insurance (Hastings & Rye, Labour) suggested something should be done to restore the free postal service to troops in Iraq.

    The prime minister revealed they had agreed to provide this service in the run-up to Christmas and review the delivery of mail to troops after that.

  • Charles Hendry (Wealden, Conservative) questioned the reduction in breast cancer treatment in his constituency.

    The prime minister recognised the imperative of treating the disease and said that UK breast cancer care was amongst the best in Europe.

  • John Battle (Leeds West, Labour) wanted to ensure that funds earmarked for Afghanistan reached its destination, to tackle poverty and create sustainable economic development there.

    The prime minister completely agreed and spoke of the importance of providing the Afghan people with alternative incomes to the poppy trade.

  • Simon Burns (Chelmsford West, Conservative) raised the matter of gypsies and travellers buying land and settling it contravention of planning laws.

    The prime minister acknowledged the relevance of the issue and believed his government was working with local authorities to make sure their powers were adequate to address the problem.

  • Alice Mahon (Halifax, Labour) asked that the British troops would not be involved in indiscriminate killing in Fallujah after US bombing raids there.

    The prime minister emphasised that the military presence and the interim government in Iraq was under UN auspices. He resented the suggestion that allied troops were making life worse for Iraqi civilians. He said it was important to tackle insurgents, general casualty insurance company in Fallujah, who were making the country volatile

  • Alan Reid (Argyll & Bute, Liberal Democrat) asked the PM if the post office could be persuaded to keep pension books for certain people.

    The prime minister said the department of work and pensions was in consultation with the Royal National Institute for the Blind about ensuring the partially sighted could still receive their pensions.

  • Iain Luke (Dundee East, Labour) called for the expansion of the community warden scheme.

    The prime minister said he wanted to see community patrols in all communities.

  • Hugh Robertson (Faversham & Mid Kent, Conservative) wondered why the PM had not complained to the UN secretary general about any abuse in the oil-for-food programme.

    The prime minister accepted this was a concern and any such abuses should be dealt with.

  • Richard Burden (Birmingham Northfield, Labour) praised the PM’s commitment to the Middle East peace process but asked him to ensure that the plans would work on the ground.

    The prime minister welcomed the plans to disengage from Gaza but recognised it was a first step and he looked to further progress to achieve a two-state solution.

  • Richard Ottoway (Croydon South, Conservative) referred to a correspondence from the foreign secretary about the problem of war with Iraq on the basis of regime change.

    The prime minister reiterated that the legal grounds for the Iraq war was the breach of UN resolutions.

  • Anne Begg (Aberdeen South, Labour) questioned a newly announced SNP policy to
    raise pensions.
    The prime minister had not heard of such a policy, but joked that it was reason not to vote for them.


    You can watch the PMQs on BBC Parliament on Wednesday 3 November at 2330 GMT and throughout the night.


    Read more on News - Prime Minister’s Questions site

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    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 28, 2007 | Comments (0)

    News - How history has taught us to fight flu

    Fear about bird flu is gripping Europe after the deadly influenza strain reached the continent last week.


    And now experts are warning if it mutates with a human version it could kill 50,000 in the UK alone.


    But if that does happen, it will not be the first time the world has had to do battle with such a deadly flu.


    During the last century there were three pandemics.


    So how were they dealt with and what


    are the lessons for today?


    The first and worst flu pandemic started in 1918. The so-called Spanish flu killed 40 million people - more than died in World War I which was coming to an end at the time.


    Surprise


    The flu took the world by surprise and general casualty insurance were slow to react, said Professor David Killingray, a historian at Goldsmith’s College in London.


    “Countries were really not prepared. They did not really know it was a virus which was causing all the deaths and instead concentrated on bacteria.


    “Vaccines were developed, but it was a shotgun approach. People were pumped full of lots of things, which probably did more harm than good.”


    Countries such as the UK and the United States also relied on quarantine and good personal hygiene.

    PAST PANDEMICS
    Spanish Flu 1918-9 - Killed up to 40m as authorities struggled to cope at the tail end of the First World War. People put in quarantine, encouraged to keep high levels of personal hygiene. But vaccines were targeted at bacteria rather than a virus
    Asian Flu 1957-8 - About 1m died from the flu, but medical response had moved on somewhat since 1918. Strain was identified and vaccines developed, but not enough of them. Quarantine again used to little effect
    Hong Kong Flu 1968-9 - Similar death toll to the Asian Flu. Vaccines developed, but did not meet demand


    Schools and cinemas were closed to stop the spread of the virus and in some cases people suspected of having the virus were forced into isolated hospital wards.


    People were also encouraged to wash their hands and disinfect their living environments.


    But Professor Michael Worboys, director of the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, said: “These measures were not really that successful, troops were moving all over the world and the flu quickly spread.”


    The situation was completely different by the time of the next pandemic in 1957.


    By then the World Health Organisation had set up a global flu casualty insurance universal network which was able to give an early warning that an outbreak was imminent when the virus started spreading across south-east Asia at the end of February.


    Scientists


    Within months scientists in WHO labs in Japan and Singapore had identified the strain and health services across the world braced themselves.


    Vaccines were developed in western countries, but not enough could be produced. Again isolation and quarantine was used. But to little success.


    In the end one million people died - less than in 1918 but much of that could be put down to it being a milder strain.


    Professor Worboys said another difference was the availability of universal health care in the UK.


    Lessons can be learned from the past

    Abigail Woods, of Imperial College London


    The NHS had been set up nine years before, and unlike 1918 people had access to doctors when they became ill.


    “Prior to the NHS only working men had any sort of health insurance. It meant that poorer people, especially women and children, did not use health services so in the most deprived pockets of the country plenty of people died in 1918.”


    It was a similar story in 1968 when Hong Kong flu emerged.


    Again the WHO made warnings, again vaccines were produced. But still there was not enough - the death toll hit one million.


    But that has not stopped scientists wanting to learn from the past.


    Researchers for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the US government, have reconstructed the 1918 virus to try to understand more about it.


    Lessons


    CDC director Dr Julie Gerberding said such research was essential as there was much more that needed to be general casualty insurance company about flu viruses.


    Dr Abigail Woods, a lecturer in the history of medicine at Imperial College London, agrees we ignore history at our peril.


    “Lessons can be learned from the past. Although you cannot apply the measures taken then strictly to what is happening today.

    Romanian health workers throw bags of dead domestic birds into a pit in Ceamurlia de Jos

    Bird flu has reached Europe


    “Analysing how it spread and what happened with vaccines can still help.”


    However, Dr Woods said, as the 2005 flu is being carried by birds, the government should also be looking for more recent lessons.


    “The foot-and-mouth outbreak offers a guide to how the movement of animals means disease can spread quickly. I think that is better understood now than it was a few years ago.”


    And coupled with that, nearly 40 years on since the last flu pandemic, technology has moved on as well.


    Surveillance is much more advanced. The flu threat has been identified before it can even be spread from human to human - the H5N1 strain can only be passed from bird to human at the moment.


    Such an early warning system means measures such as bird culling can be taken to prevent a pandemic even starting - as they already have done.


    The WHO believes a pandemic was prevented in 1997 when Hong Kong authorities killed the entire 1.5 million poultry population after 18 humans had developed the bird flu.


    ‘Surprise’


    Launching a recent report on flu ids property casualty insurance company, WHO director general Dr Lee Jong-wook said: “In the past, pandemics have announced themselves with a sudden explosion of cases which took the world by surprise.


    “This time, we have been given a clear warning.”


    The early warning has allowed scientists to develop drugs to help treat and prevent bird flu - millions of doses of antiviral drug Tamiflu has been ordered by governments across the world - but the effectiveness of these is somewhat limited.


    However, like the earlier epidemics, the battle is still on for a vaccine.


    Experts have said a jab cannot be produced until the H5N1 strain mutates.


    And even then it will take at least four months to produce.


    The challenge, it seems, is still the same as is was in the last pandemic. Are countries able to produce enough vaccine to prevent mass casualties?


    Original article ‘News - How history has taught us to fight flu‘

    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 27, 2007 | Comments (0)

    News - Scotland: Rescues threatened

    Originaly from: News - Scotland: Rescues threatened

    The MoD have announced their intention to privatise the Search and Rescue Helicopter service that provides a lifeline for stricken mountaineers and fishermen.

    It is a move that has sparked fears for the future effectiveness of the service and worries that people could have to take out insurance before they take to the hills.

    The military helicopters which provide the current Search and rescue Service are nearing the end of their property and casualty insurance recruiter life.

    The MoD want replacements provided under a Private Finance Initiative scheme which could involve not only the supply of aircraft but also maintenance and crews.

    Mountain rescue Teams rely on the Search and Rescue teams to lift casualties off hillsides.

    This is a tricky and potentially dangerous endeavour which involves close cooperation.

    Joint training

    Currently, Scotland’s Mountain Rescue teams do a lot of joint training with the Search and Rescue Service

    The civilian volunteers who make up the rescue teams are worried that a new service provider would see such training not as a benefit, but a cost, which could be trimmed in order to increase american casualty company insurance property.

    They also worry that the shift from military to civilian machines and crews will reduce the effectiveness of the air support.

    Military regulations rule

    At the moment the choppers and their crews fly under military regulations.

    This means they can operate in casualty company insurance property traveler that civilian aviation regulations would not permit, crucial given the often difficult scenarios to which they are responding.

    Alfie Ingram of the Mountain Rescue Committee for Scotland worries that teams on the ground might find themselves in “a difficult rescue and suddenly discover that crews are basically not allowed, because of regulations, to go in - where they were allowed to before”.

    That is a view echoed by Roger Wild, safety adviser for the Mountaineering Council for Scotland he’s concerned that civilian regulations could prevent crews “going the extra mile”.

    At the moment it is unclear as to how the new system under which civilian aircraft will be leased to the MoD will be regulated.

    Universal property and casualty insurance company threatened

    Some also raise the prospect that the change will lead to a more profound change in the relationship between those who find themselves in difficulty on the hills and their rescuers.

    The argument is that if air rescue is being provided by a private company, then the taxpayer should not be picking up the tab for those making use of the service.

    That is the long term threat that bothers SNP MSP Michael Matheson, himself a member of Ochil Mountain Rescue Team.

    “People may say, if we have a private operator providing the service, why should the tax-payer pick up any of the bill for that.

    “And if they want to take it to its natural conclusion, you would say then that people will need their own private insurance to pay for the air cover. ”

    Politics Show

    Tune into the Politics Show Scotland, on BBC One on Sunday 04 June 2006 at 12.00pm.

    Let us know what you think.

    Send us your comments:

    Name:

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    Banker life and casualty insurance: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.

    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 26, 2007 | Comments (0)

    News - South West: Compensation culture

    The cost though is met by all of us through higher insurance premiums , so high in fact that some businesses in the South West simply cannot afford them.

    Rocketing costs

    Several riding schools have been among the casualties.

    Those that survive the large payouts are being forced to pass on the rocketing costs to their clients.

    Captain Ted Moore at the Sunshine Riding Centre near Liskeard said: “I think that society generally has got much more litigious.

    “I cannot remember years ago people suing because they fell off, trying to make negligence claims and that sort of thing, it was accepted that it was all part and parcel of the game, you couldn’t ride and not fall off.”

    Other businesses feel the pinch

    According to Brian Harris, owner of several general casualty insurance in Paignton, the claims are getting more bizarre:.

    “If you leave your coat on the floor and you get up and trip over it that is our fault for not picking it up.”

    Allan Manning found the pressure too much.

    His roofing company in Paignton was paying 8,000 a year in public liability insurance.

    Two years ago it went up without warning to 40,000. And last year it increased to 60,000.

    Soon after the company’s 25th american casualty company insurance property it folded.

    American influence?

    South West Devon Conservative MP Gary Streeter believes the problem has been imported from America, but fuelled by the introduction of the “no win, no fee” system.

    “I think one of the worrying trends is the adverts we all see on television now,” he said.

    “They say have you tripped over, have you been in a car accident, do you want to sue somebody and I think we need to do about that kind of advertisement.

    “They are actually inciting people to sue, as opposed to informing people who want to find out where they can get help.”

    What do you think?

    The Politics Show wants to hear from you.

    Let us know what you think. That is the Politics Show Sunday 23 May at Midday.

    Have your say

    The Politics Show

    Join Sophie Long and Chris Rogers for The Politics Show on BBC One on Sundays at Noon.

    Send us your comments:

    Name:

    Your E-mail address:

    Country:

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    Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be universal property and casualty insurance company.


    Source News - South West: Compensation culture article
    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 25, 2007 | Comments (0)

    News - Road crackdown nets 150 offenders

    Source: News - Road crackdown nets 150 offenders
    Nearly 150 people have been caught during a 24-hour police property casualty insurance job on motoring offences which ended on Saturday morning.


    Motorists were stopped for spot checks in Basildon by Essex Police.


    In the road safety campaign, 66 people ge property casualty insurance company fixed penalties for not wearing seat belts and seven for driving while using a mobile phone.


    Four were fined for speeding, four for having no 2 casualty cram cram exam exam insurance license property and 53 others for offences relating to their vehicles.


    The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency seized more than 40 vehicles for not having valid tax or insurance cover.


    Cutting road deaths


    One car was served with a prohibition notice and taken off the road.


    Nine people were arrested for driving while disqualified or having stolen cars.


    Two men who failed to stop at a check point were followed by a police support helicopter and arrested for vehicle theft.


    Chief Insp Tom Diment of Essex Police said the sterling casualty insurance company was mounted to enforce traffic laws and to make drivers aware that speed, flouting regulations on seat belts and mobile phones and neglect of vehicles can result in serious casualties and deaths on the road.


    The awareness campaign was designed to reduce the numbers of these kind of incident.


    “We’re pleased with Banker life and casualty insurance Steelguard but the figures show that in one town in a 24 hour period from Friday to Saturday morning so many people are prepared to flout the law.”

    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 23, 2007 | Comments (0)

    News - Vehicle seizure figures top 200


    More than 200 vehicles have been taken off roads in the Lothians and Scottish Borders areas since the introduction of new police powers two months ago.


    Legislation now allows cars to be seized if they are being driven without valid insurance or a driving licence.


    Drivers face fines to recover vehicles which can be scrapped if motorists fail to provide proper documentation.


    Since police started using the powers on 7 June, 219 vehicles have been taken off the streets and 72 scrapped.


    The vehicles were disposed of after their owners failed to respond to letters sent to them.


    The problems caused by people driving without insurance can be prudential property casualty insurance company, especially to those who are victims of road accidents caused by someone driving 2 casualty cram cram exam exam insurance license property

    Ch Insp Kenny Buchanan


    Vehicles seized included a Vauxhall Astra Sri Turbo 170, Mercedes 208 Sprint, Suzuki Vitara, Honda CRV and Ford Transit pick-ups.


    The seizures came under the Road Traffic Act (Retention and Disposal of Seized Motor Vehicles) Regulations.


    Chief Inspector Kenny Buchanan said the new legislation gave police powers to help reduce road casualties and disrupt criminal activity.


    ‘Greatly inconvenient’


    “The problems caused by people driving without insurance can be devastating, especially to those who are victims of road accidents caused by someone driving illegally,” he said.


    “It will also disrupt casualty insurance universal as there is no doubt in my mind that some of the vehicles are being used for illegal purposes.”


    He said the message should be clear to drivers that getting proper documentation was the cheapest option.


    “It could prove to be a very expensive and greatly inconvenient process in losing your vehicle,” he said.


    In addition to these vehicles seizures, 402 drivers and 84 vehicle owners have been sent banker life and casualty insurance letters under Asbo legislation, with 34 vehicles being seized.


    Originaly from: News - Vehicle seizure figures top 200

    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 22, 2007 | Comments (0)

    News - Teenage driver deaths on the rise



    The number of teenage motorists dying in road crashes in England and Wales has jumped in recent years despite fewer holding licences, figures show.


    Young driver deaths stood at 113 in 2000 but by 2004 had increased to 151, the AA Motoring Trust research showed.


    Those aged 16-19 holding licences in the same period fell from 41% to 26%.


    The news came as two young men were jailed for killing four teenage girls when they crashed while racing at speeds exceeding 70mph in Hull.


    Meanwhile, the research data may rekindle debate over the way new drivers are trained, with ideas like restricted licences being possible future solutions, the trust said.

    Click here to send us your comments


    Curfews, the role of drugs and driving and bans on new motorists carrying passengers are other possible options for discussion, said the prudential property casualty insurance company head of road safety Andrew Howard.


    In recent years, the government has begun to respond to statistics showing new drivers are more likely to have accidents, employing measures like the Pass Plus course.


    Car culture


    The information highlighted by the AA Motoring Trust was gathered by cross-referencing government statistics on accidents and driving licences.


    It showed deaths of 16-19-year-olds per 100,000 driving licences had risen from 9.76 in 1998-2000 to 19.23 in 2004.


    It could be that a higher proportion of young drivers now comes from this high-risk group.

    Andrew Howard
    AA Motoring Trust
    Race drivers jailed


    Figures reveal the number of driving tests being taken is on the increase.


    Teenagers may be deciding to delay the time they start driving, a trend possibly connected to the rise in university admissions, said Mr Howard.


    “More youngsters may travel in a vehicle as there are less drivers to go round. This makes multiple deaths in accidents more likely.


    “Similarly, there is a smaller pool of drivers to be the ‘designated driver’ and stay off the alcohol.


    “Much research has suggested that the ‘car culture’ - those young people whose lives rotate around cars - leads to a poor safety record,” he added.


    “As it is unlikely that those teenagers who are mad on cars will defer learning to drive, it could be that a higher proportion of young drivers now comes from this high-risk group.”


    One option put forward by the trust, which researches road safety, is for a curfew on teenagers driving late at night, when most accidents involving teenagers occur.


    Philip Ennion, a young learner driver, told BBC News 24 the organisation’s ideas made sense.


    “Obviously at night you’ve got a free road and young people who like to impress people’ especially if they’ve got a lot of young people in the car as well,” he said.


    “They just feel the road is more theirs at night than during the day and they can do what they want on it basically. So obviously I think it’s a good idea.”


    Fatal crash jailing


    On Monday, David Rogerson, 22, and Robert McCartney, 24, were jailed for eight years each for killing four teenage girls when their cars crashed.


    The pair were racing at speed when they crashed into the same tree, killing four young passengers, Hull Crown Court heard.


    Judge Michael Mettyear told the court: “This is truly a terrible case. It is yet another example of young men driving too fast and seminole casualty insurance company.


    “This is an offence committed almost exclusively by young men. “It is an unfortunate coincidence that today, on the front page of one of the papers, it’s reported that the death rate among young drivers has doubled over the last five years.


    “In this case it wasn’t the drivers who died but the passengers of one of them.”


    Your comments:


    It is poor drivers who like to show off and act hard who give young drivers like me a bad rep, and even worse a casualty insurance universal high insurance premium. Why is it so unfair for young drivers trying to get insured?
    Joe, Nottingham


    I’ve seen a few seminars about young drivers and road accidents and it really hurts people when they see them but there aren’t enough seminars.
    Jordan, Dunfermline


    Maybe if the government imposed some control on the spiralling cost of motor insurance for young drivers, these vunerable drivers may be able to afford to drive larger, safer cars.
    Rob Armstrong, Hartlepool


    I had the opportunity to live in England for 3 years during my military career. I saw first hand all the car meets and young driver antics. I also saw a complete LACK of Police to even try to hinder these actions. Cameras do NOT work, REAL cops need to patrol and enforce laws like speeding and racing. Many people were able to speed at will at any speed because there was no fear of being caught/suspended
    Phil, Seattle, WA USA

    Introducing a series of tests for new drivers sounds silly. Being confined to 30 mph roads under a basic test, as suggested by BRAKE today is ludicrous - did the charity actually look at the metropolitan casualty insurance company of roads at all?! Most country roads have a 60 mph limit, so how does a new driver on such a license leave their idyllic but lifeless hamlet in the middle of nowhere?! Make the tests harder or put a horsepower restrictions in place like those in force for motorcyclists.
    Matty, Brighton


    I think the age at which people are allowed to drive should be raised. I have three daughters aged 21 and over. My eldest two began to drive at over age 25. That seems more reasonable to me. But we need decent public transport too, so they can get about safely. These accidents are very sad.
    Yvonne , Bexhill on sea, East Sussex

    Considering a 1.1 litre car is able to go plenty fast enough to kill anyone limiting power wont help; neither will increasing the age at which the driving test can be taken, the ones that want to offend will do so, licence or not. Even the alternative, a scooter is just as likely to get someone killed, especially as they are not limited to road use (children’s play areas are quite popular too). Education and discipline are the answer.
    Steve Curtis, Bath

    Rob, Hartlepool, it doesn’t matter what size the car is, you can kill or be killed by it at any speed. What is needed is education and tougher punishments as a deterrent, eg drink, drive and kill, then prison sentence and no license again forever etc etc
    Ken, Hemel, UK

    Now that speed cameras seem to have replaced traffic police as the primary means of enforcement on Britain’s roads, it’s no surprise the figures have worsened. In addition the basic L test teaches people how to pass the test, not how to drive. As well as practical skills, advanced driver training teaches self control, which is what is lacking in many teenage drivers.
    Jez, Woodbridge, UK


    Stupid young drivers trying to impress their mates increase insurance premiums, wreck lives and give young drivers a bad reputation - why not make the P plate system compulsory and impose a speed limit of 50mph on them?! The law shouldn’t be so soft on those who cause death and injury through dangerous driving… harsher punishments would act as a deterrent.
    Kate, Isle of Man

    I blame the value of second hand car prices and the ever more powerful cars we drive. When I passed my test I could only dream of affording a 118bhp GTI - that kind of power is in the most basic of models now - with “hot hatches” making 225 bhp. 17 year olds simply do not have the experience, ability or common sense to drive such cars and a horse power limit would ensure they gain experience before they hurry out to buy very fast cars with no skill. They have the same for bikes, why not cars?
    Duncan, Cardiff Wales


    The sudden rush of adrenaline that pumps in for a few seconds providing great pleasure in defeating someone on the road while one shows off their skills and talent to leave many in wheel chairs and beds for life and a great number six feet under the ground. It is a pity that parents and teachers and the adults do not step up to teach the young youths the hazards associated with such errands. Proper knowledge about the hazards of harsh driving and strict punishment if laws are broken could and will ensure a decrease in the number of casualties in road accidents.
    Asif Aziz, Karachi, Pakistan

    Young drivers should be given easy access to skid pan courses and track days, and encouraged to use these to learn how to control a vehicle under adverse and extreme conditions. For many, this will satisfy their need to drive fast and try out silly stunts, in a controlled environment where they are not putting anybody’s life at risk. For the rest, at least when they do decide to behave badly on the public highway (and they will, there’s nothing we can do to prevent this), they’ll be more likely to have the skills to pull it off without killing anybody.
    Gavan, Watford

    Basically, I think that the test should be harder, and a minimum period should be sent as a learn under the supervision of an instructor for so many hours and a longer period under a licensed driver (who has no points), 18 months, so that they can gain experience. Insurance companies should play more of an active role in this instead of the government, like making insurance incentives for post test training courses to learner and low-experience driver.
    Darren, Casualty company fire insurance york


    I think that new drivers should have a limit on the horse power of the vehicle they drive. This will not only stop testosterone fuelled rallying, but also teach new drivers how to handle progressively more powerful vehicles. Also, Police should have powers to confiscate vehicles and order the driver to re-take the driving test if any sort of speeding or dangerous driving offence is committed. That should make new drivers think twice before ‘hoofing’ it.
    Simon, St Asaph, Wales

    I believe an extension of the motorcyclists’ scheme should be applied where the newer drivers are limited to less powerful cars, rising in steps at their 21st & 25th birthdays. We must change the culture of younger drivers ‘macho’ image - and that is best sourced from their peers, which means education for all at an early stage.
    Phil Lee, Wimborne, England

    I think the driving age should be raised to 18 years old. Also, that youngsters should be limited to less powerful cars, until they are 21 or 25, in the same way as certain lorries cannot be driven until 21. I also agree that youngsters should have to do the advanced driving test.
    Margaret Maden, Swansea U.K.


    restrictions have been in place for motorcycle riders for a few years now, why has this not been introduced for new drivers!? I really think introducing this would cut the death rate of young inexperienced drivers, if they pass the driving test and dad buys them a sports car at 17/18 what chance do the innocent pedestrians have as it will surely be these that suffer
    Steve cocks, Warminster England

    There should be some hard rules or laws which would take dangerous drivers who have been caught speeding or dangerously driving to be taken off the road. I my self as a learner driver, it had been very difficult trying to get insurance it cost more than what I would have spent on learning and paying for tests.
    Thushanth, Harrow, Middlesex

    Sadly, I think you will find that many young drivers are driving without licences than used to be the case. The reasons for this are, I believe, the costs involved in learning to drive because they need greater tuition than a few years back as the practical test is now harder. Plus they have to study for and pass the theory and hazard perception tests, both of which cost money and take time. Therefore I believe many youngsters just do not bother and risk driving without a licence. I wonder if these youngsters are included in the death figures?
    Graham, Great Wakering, England

    A car is a lethal weapon, and should be licensed as such. No one under 25 should be allowed to drive, there should be good affordable public transport for all whenever and wherever needed. Every driver should be police checked, as with other weapons, and those that fail should not be allowed to re-apply for a set period - say a year. The norm should be for us all to travel on public transport.
    Mary, Shrewsbury


    Originaly from: News - Teenage driver deaths on the rise

    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 21, 2007 | Comments (1)

    News - Hurricane damage hits AIG profits

    Source News - Hurricane damage hits AIG profits article
    Claims for damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have eaten into profits at US insurer American General casualty insurance company Group (AIG).


    AIG, the world’s largest insurer, saw net income for the three months to 30 September fall to $1.7bn (989m) from $2.69bn for the same period last year.


    Estimated future losses from Hurricane Wilma are expected to reach $400m.


    Despite the fall in profits, AIG said the scope and diversity of its business ensured it remained financially strong.


    Expensive period


    Experts believe Katrina could turn out to be the costliest natural disaster in US history, with estimated insured losses of up to $40bn.


    AIG incurred catastrophe-related losses of $1.5bn in the third quarter, covering the period in which Katrina and Rita struck the US.


    AIG has the capital and financial resources to respond to our customers’ needs

    Martin Sullivan, AIG chief executive


    The period was the most costly so far for the industry, AIG said.


    “Catastrophes reduced AIG’s general insurance results domestically as well as in our foreign property casualty insurance job,” said AIG president and chief executive Martin Sullivan.


    However, AIG said it still had the financial capacity to provide insurance coverage to those rebuilding areas devastated by Katrina.


    “AIG’s ability and fire marine casualty insurance to continue as the leader in the property-casualty business is unwavering,” Mr Sullivan added.


    “Although reinsurance capacity could be constrained in the near future, AIG has the capital and financial resources to respond to our customers’ needs.”


    Troubled year


    Analysts expressed relief that the decline in profits was not steeper and AIG shares closed slightly up on Monday.


    AIG has endured a troubled year after the firm and its former chief executive, Maurice Greenberg, were accused of accounting fraud.


    The firm revealed in May that it had overstated its profits for the past five years by nearly $4bn.

    Posted In: Casualty insurance on December 17, 2007 | Comments (0)