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13 people drown in France during heatwave weekend, announce authorities
Several teenagers who died were swimming in forbidden areas.
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European beaver confirmed living in Gironde
After decades of absence, signs of the protected species have been verified near Bordeaux by France’s biodiversity agency
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How long will the extreme heat last in France?
Red alerts to continue for much of the country with 42C forecast (in the shade) in some areas
New French drivers swear to be responsible
People who pass their driving tests are now required to sign a “Charter of the responsible driver” online before they are issued with a certificate allowing them to take to the roads.
Candidates will be asked to read safety advice and to watch a YouTube video (tinyurl.com/y743tclf) which includes a reminder that drivers are three times more likely to die in a road accident in their first two years.
It also recommends downloading a Mode Conduite app which puts your phone out of action and responds for you to people who text or call.
The latest accident statistics show a year-on-year drop in deaths (down 44 in October, 2018, compared to 2017), possibly linked to the lowering of the speed limit on secondary roads.
However, the total number of accidents was up 5.5%, as was the number of pedestrian deaths.
The government hopes these will be reduced by measures including the possibility of drivers being fined if they are seen on camera not respecting pedestrians’ right to cross the road.
In theory, pedestrians always have the right of way.
