Claire is our latest trivia quiz winner. She correctly answered that the Eiffel Tower was used as a radio signal transmitter in the early 20th century.

Here’s the last of our France-themed questions, so do give it a go – just type your guess in the comments box below and I’ll reveal the correct answer next week.

There are so many reasons why France has made the world a better place – after all, what would life be without Champagne, bikinis, croissants and Chanel No. 5? (Quite a bit duller in my opinion).

The country is often celebrated for these products, but there’s one very popular fabric first created in the Languedoc-Rousillon city of Nîmes that France is rarely given credit for. The chances are you have some of it in your wardrobe right now. Can you name it?

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According to a survey by the Road Safety Foundation 58% of A-roads and 25% of motorways have failed to rate as safe. The 2009 study takes account of 45,000km (27,961.7miles) of motorways and A-roads where as previously only 22,000km (13,670miles) were included. Dr Joanne Hill, the Director of the RSF said “Overwhelmingly, the UK’s highest-risk roads are single-carriageways, and eight out of ten of the ‘persistently higher risk’ roads are in the North of England, notably around Buxton, Sheffield, Macclesfield and Yorkshire and Humberside.”

She continues “Motorways and Primary A-roads are the ones drivers use to travel longer journeys, such as for holidays or for long-distance haulage; but it is the busy non-primary routes – the ones that take volumes of traffic at all hours between towns and villages across Britain – that the new survey shows represent the highest risk, accounting for 62% of all road deaths.”

One of Britain’s most dangerous roads is a 12km (7.4mile) section between Macclesfield and Buxton which has seen a 42% increase in fatal and serious collisions since last year. Of these 27 accidents 18 involved motorcyclists. If motorcyclists are removed from the league table, the A675 between Higher Walton and the M65 (J3) is Britain’s most dangerous road, with over half collisions occurring at junctions.

However, there are measures being implemented to improve some roads. For example, the A40 stretch of road between Carmarthen and Llandovery is now Britain’s most improved road with fatalities cut by more than 80% thanks to road resurfacing and improved design and layout of junctions.

How are you finding the roads in the UK these days? I drive on the A406 and A40 to work every morning, and find it horrendous. The A406 is just awful, in my opinion the worst road in North London, it leads to the M4, A40, M1 and M11. I feel it’s the M25 A-road within the M25, as it circles the outskirts of Central London.

Do you think these road improvement schemes are going to work in the long run with increased congestion on the roads? Let us know your thoughts.

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In tribute to the legendary King of Pop, who tragically died last night June 25th at 10.30pm GMT time, this week we are dedicating our Friday Drivetime slot to our favourite Michael Jackson songs. Instead of our usual top ten, this week we are choosing our top twenty. Michael Jackson had been famous since the age of 5, so in his lifetime he has had many hits songs including his time with the Jackson 5 and his solo career. I personally am a huge fan of Michael Jackson and was due to see him Feb 10th 2010 at his ‘This is it’ tour and was very much looking forward to it. Growing up with his music and getting so excited every time a new single came out, just so I could see what he did with his music videos was great. He will be greatly missed, not only by me, but by the entire world as he was so influential with his music. He will be remembered in all our hearts. May peace be with you Michael.

Favourite Michael Jackson Songs:

1. Smooth Criminal
2. Who’s Loving You
3. Man in the Mirror
4. Blame it on the Boogie
5. Beat it
6. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
7. Remember the Time
8. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
9. Leave Me Alone
10. Come Together
11. Can You Feel it
12. Abc
13. Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough
14. Thriller
15. I Want You Back
16. You Rock My World
17. Blood on the Dancefloor
18. Dirty Diana
19. Billie Jean
20. Bad

What are your top ten or twenty Michael Jackson songs? Now is the time to pick up your ultimate collections and put them on full volume and remember him for the great music he gave us.

(Thank you to Tranchis on Flickr for the use of this photo)

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According to The Guardian the European Road Lobby plans to force Britain and other countries to accept some of the world’s biggest trucks saying they will reduce congestion and pollution on the roads.

These ‘Mega Trucks’ are more than 80ft (25.2metres) long and weigh 60tonnes, almost a third longer and heavier than any vehicle allowed on the UK roads today (it even weighs more than a Boeing 737!) These trucks will be able to tow several trailers behind them which gives it the name “road trains”. They can have as many as ten axles and right now are only allowed on very sparsely populated roads and flat nations in Finland and Sweden, but the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark are running tests and France is very keen to begin trails. Studies from the European road lobby, led by companies in the Netherlands is pressing for them to be introduced as they found that they are 15 – 30% cheaper to run than normal HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) trucks and are more environmentally friendly than rail.

Last year, former transport secretary Ruth Kelly rejected these trucks last year after a study concluded they we unsuitable for British road. She said “Not only are there clear environmental drawbacks, but such vehicles would be unsuitable for many roads and junctions, while providing the infrastructure to accommodate them would require substantial investment.”

The UK have strong opposition for these trucks. Tony Armstrong, the chief executive of Living Streets, formerly the Pedestrians’ Association says “We’ve very concerned about mega trucks, this proposal could have a huge negative impact on road safety. These monsters will cause alarm to residents. Any proposals to bring these trucks to the UK should be strongly resisted.”

Even motoring organisations have concerns: “British drivers feel intimidated by large lorries. They will not be welcome on UK roads. One problem is that they may obscure signs,” said Paul Watters, AA head of roads policy.

What do you think? Do you think these ‘Mega Trucks’ are a good idea? Are they the next step in the future? Let us know your thoughts.

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This year I’ve joined the legions of people planning to holiday in the UK. But even though my family will be driving just a few miles to Torquay, I’ll still be packing the factor 50 sun lotion. My three year old daughter might struggle to escape as I cover her from head to foot, but she’ll thank me in years to come.

I know exactly what it’s like to be burnt from head to toe. During my childhood in the late 1970s and 80s a lot less was known about the potential dangers of the sun, and SPF-free summers were the norm for me and most of my friends.

Nowadays there’s really no excuse. Every year we hear increasingly urgent reports of how skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the UK. Advice on how to protect yourself and your children is everywhere and a huge range of creams are sold in every pharmacy. But still it seems the message isn’t getting through to everyone.

According to a recent poll carried out by Superdrug, nine million British holidaymakers get sunburned every time they go abroad. This scary statistic emerged in a study which showed that while one in two people fall victim on holiday to sun burn, more than one in ten get burned twice during the same break.
And the report, which is featured on the Mail Online, also revealed women are three times more likely than men to end up with scorched skin. Falling asleep in the sun was the main reason, while not wearing any suntan lotion was also high on the list.

Some of us might have already experienced the discomfort of burnt skin, following the warm days we saw earlier in the year. Research done by Boots has revealed that only two out of five of us start thinking about sun protection in April and May, and nearly one in ten Brits NEVER wear sun lotion in the UK.

After what feels like years of rain and gloom in the UK, we all deserve to enjoy some hot weather. Just don’t let anything spoil it for you – the lobster look is definitely not fashionable this season…

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Well done Jamie, you obviously know your Geography! As you correctly answered, the three bodies of water that France touches are The Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the English Channel. Now see if you can get this one…

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognisable monuments in the world. It is the tallest structure in Paris, standing at 1,063 feet (325 metres), and is also one of the city’s most visited landmarks, attracting around six million tourists a year.

First opened to the public in May 1889, the Eiffel tower was built for the World Exhibition held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French revolution. It was originally intended to be a temporary structure and was to be torn down after 20 years.

Fortunately, the dawning of a new technological era saved it from demolition. What new use was found for the Eiffel tower in the early 20th century?

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We’ve all had stressful times when driving. Whether it be trying to get to an appointment on time, trying to get home, or if you have just had a really bad day and want to feel better and relaxed. There is no better way to calm you down than a nice drive with a great track list to go along with you. Here at Auto Europe I’ve complied a list of songs that make me feel good and cheer me up if I’m having a bad day. I can sing out as loud as I want to, wind down the windows and definitely turn up the volume to maximum!

Driving Songs to Make You Feel Good:

1. Kings of Leon – Molly Chambers
2. They Might be Giants – Boss of Me
3. David Bowie – The Jean Genie
4. Vampire Weekend – Oxford Comma
5. Foo Fighters – Breakout
6. R.E.M – It’s the End of the World as We Know it (and I Feel Fine)
7. The Kinks – All Day and All of the Night
8. LadyHawke – Back of the Van
9. David Bowie – Rebel Rebel
10. Foo Fighters – The Pretender

What are the songs that make you feel good when you have had a bad day?

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There were no correct answers to last week’s question, asking for the names of the three types of grape used to make champagne. Now you can impress friends with your extensive wine knowledge by telling them it’s either the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier or Chardonnay grape!

Now, I hope you paid attention in class because today’s trivia question has a geographical theme…

France is the largest country in Western Europe. The north is humid and cool, while the south is dry and warm – perfect for grape growing (and wine-making of course). It borders with seven countries: Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Andorra and Monaco, which makes it a great starter destination for anyone planning a European tour.

France’s beautiful beaches are one of the reasons why it has become so incredibly popular amongst tourists. Can you name the three bodies of water France touches?

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Under the new government scrappage scheme will allows driver to trade their old bangers for shiny new cars, gives a £2000 discount to anyone buying a new car and trading their 10 year old car.

But according to the Times Online, all is not what it seems to be. Manufactures who normally offer finance of 0% and up are charging customers who go under the scheme up to 10.4% interest. It seems that drivers would be better off ignoring the scheme, selling their old car, then buying another one or just buying the car outright with no finance

For example Toyota normally offer finance deals with their rates between 3.9% – 5.9% APR depending on the length of agreement and deposit. But with cars bought under the scrappage scheme they have no option but to accept the rate of 8.9%. This means that not only does Toyota make their money back, but they make a profit too.

The Society of Motor Manufactures and Trader said “ Unlike most European Scrappage Schemes, which are entirely funded by the government, the UK scheme demands an industry contribution of £1000 to match the government own input.”

I personally bought my new car under the scrappage scheme, however, after seeing the interest rates they were charging for £5000, which would have ended up in me paying over £10,000 back, I decided I would just buy the car outright so the discount was kept. I do understand some people unable to do this, so I would think again and keep looking at companies who do offer finance of 0% such as Vauxhall.

What do you think? Is it an excuse the Manufactures are using to make more money? Have you used the scrappage scheme? How has it affected you?

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It’s that time of the week again! Friday Drivetime! We’re going to slow things down a little this week and look at those times when you and your partner decide to go away for the weekend. You may choose to hire a car or get in your caravans, but whatever you decide, it’ll be just the two of you spending quality time together.

But what is a wonderful road trip with your other half than some wonderful music to go along with you. Start the weekend as you mean to go on with some of these hand selected songs I have chosen for you this week.

Songs for a Romantic Weekend Away:

1. U2 – Magnificent
2. Jack Johnson – Banana Pancakes
3. Air – Le Voyage de Penelope
4. Morcheeba – Blindfold
5. Andrew Bird – Imitosis
6. Sufjan Stevens – Henney Buggy Band
7. Newton Faulkner – Gone in the Morning
8. Jamie Cullum – These are the Days
9. Jack Johnson – Better Together
10. Nora Jones – Come Away With Me

Now you have no excuse not to take your other half away with you. We want to know what you would listen to if you were going to take your other half away for the weekend. Do have a song that is just yours and theirs? Is there a movie soundtrack that reminds you of a great time? Hop in your cars or caravan and get going!

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