Daydreaming motorists on road to ruin
DRIVERS daydream for up to 40 minutes an hour – putting themselves and others in danger.
In a study, motorists were hooked up to monitoring equipment to check brain activity during a driving simulation test.
Its findings show that on many regular, monotonous routes, drivers struggle to stay sharp and alert.
Inattention is a major factor in crashes and fatalities.
Professor Carryl Baldwin, of George Mason university, in Virginia, USA, said: “We found that during simulated driving, people’s minds wander a lot – some upwards of 70 per cent of the time.”
She added: “Mind wandering may be a way to restore the mind after a long day at the office.
“We need more research to see how dangerous it is.”
The study was in the journal Frontiers In Human Neuroscience. BUILDERS hauled down a 400-year-old Jacobean ceiling just 24 hours before it could have been legally protected.
The elaborate fresco had adorned the property since the 1620s. The house, in a conservation area, is being turned into student flats after previously being a hotel and a bar.
Officials at Historic England said they received an urgent listing request and arranged a visit to try and protect the ceiling. They were due to arrive at the property in Bristol on Thursday with city council officers – but the ceiling was apparently torn down the previous day.
Conversation group Save Britain’s Heritage claims the ceiling was “deliberately removed” before it could be assessed.
Pictures have emerged of the ceiling in pieces, loaded into bags and exposing wooden beams.
Historic England has confirmed it was about to inspect it with a view to granting listed status.
Workmen had ripped down much of the ornate plaster ceiling. It is understood they acted legally because the building is not yet listed.
Simon Birch, of Bristol Civic Society, said: “It’s sad the protection wasn’t in place. I find it amazing developers do this because you’d think it would enhance the value of the building.”
Mike Fox, of Save Britain’s Heritage, was “appalled at the mutilation” and wants “interim protection” for buildings being assessed.
He said: “We strongly encourage Bristol City Council and Historic England to pursue all available means to have it reconstructed and to reprimand those responsible.”
A spokeswoman for Historic England confirmed developers were within their rights but added: “We are saddened that this important 400-year-old feature has been lost for future generations.”
The owner of the building has yet to respond to requests for comment.