SINS OF THE FATHER: Women drivers who lean on the horn and yell obscenities at fellow motorists have their fathers to blame, an analysis of driving habits suggests.
Finnish scientists have found that daughters are more likely than sons to inherit their fathers' road-rage behaviour. The findings support anecdotal evidence that teenage girls can develop a more aggressive style if their fathers teach them to drive.
Professor Heikki Summala of the traffic research unit at the University of Helsinki questioned 174 young people in Brazil about their motoring habits, with one or both of their parents. The research, which will appear in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, is part of a wider attempt to understand how children inherit their parents' good and bad driving habits.
RECORD BREAKER: Blind Mike Newman broke the land speed record for the blind by reaching a speed of 144mph in a Jaguar XJR 4.2-litre. He was alone behind the wheel during the record bid at an old aerodrome in York, England. The 41-year-old bank manager, who has been blind for most of his life, was in constant radio contact with his stepfather, who followed at a distance and gave him directions.
RETURN OF THE CAPRI: One of the best-loved Fords of recent times - the Ford Capri - could be making a comeback.
Ford is unveiling a new four-seater luxury concept car - the Visos - at next month’s prestigious Frankfurt Motor Show. The Visos may herald a return to production of the Capri which first went on sale in 1969.
NEW FROM MASERATI: Maserati has released details of its new Quattroporte, due to make its British debut in spring 2004. The new car is the fifth generation sporting the Quattroporte name. Powered by a 400 bhp 4.2-litre 32-valve Maserati V8 with a maximum speed in excess of 170 mph, the car is styled by Pininfarina.
RATHMINES WIN: Winfield Motors in Rathmines has won Ford's international Chairman's Award, given for customer satisfaction both in the purchase aftersales service. Dealer principal Seamus Byrne collected the award recently at a ceremony in Barcelona. It marks only the second occasion in recent times that a Dublin dealership has secured the accolade.