Dogs Can Detect Sleepy and Unwell Drivers

"MAN's best friend" does not just refer to the loyal companionship dogs provide, but also their uncanny ability to pick up on human emotions and health conditions. Experts at the 1st Vehicle Leasing, teamed up with Joanne Doodson, who says that dogs are exceptional detectors and may act as lifesavers by recognising drivers who are tired or unwell before they become a danger on the roads.

Dogs Deciphering Human Health Status:- 'It's More Than A Nose's Tale... Science identifies dogs' superpower as their extraordinary sense of smell, up to 100,000 times stronger than humans. Leveraging this, dogs are trained to detect various medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and seizures. But what is less known is dogs' capacity to perceive more subtle changes in their owner's condition, including:- fatigue, stress, and general malaise.

"Dogs are incredibly empathetic creatures. Their acute noses aren't their only tool. They are also highly attuned to human body language and emotional cues." states an expert from the website 1st Vehicle Leasing.

Warning Signs from Your Trusty Canine... If your 4 legged companion begins to exhibit unusual behaviour when the car keys are out, it's essential to take note. Here are some tell-tale signs that your dog is concerned about your fitness to drive:

Increased attention and alertness... If your dog seems more interested in you than usual, this can be 1 indication that you aren't fit to drive. This re-direction of focus can be particularly noticeable if they usually sleep or relax on car trips.

Unusual fussiness or behaviour... This can range from barking to whimpering, or even physical resistance when you try and get them into the car.

Refusal to enter the vehicle... A dog refusing to go for a ride with you might be trying to tell you something. If they are generally eager to enter the car and suddenly resist, there might be cause for concern.

Staying Safe on the Roads... What You Can Do?

Listening to your dog's warning signs is an excellent preventive measure. 1st Vehicle Leasing suggests a number of steps to support safe driving:-

Regular health check ups... Many illnesses can affect your ability to drive, so maintaining good health is key.

Rest... Ensure you get a good night's sleep before driving long distances and stop every 2 hours for a stretch and a break.

Listen to your dog... Animals have an extraordinary ability to sense things that humans can't. If your dog is acting differently or seems unusually concerned, it might be time to analyse your health and driving habits.

"Dogs aren't just pets:- they're partners. A dog's ability to perceive changes in their human's health and mental state can be valuable in preventing accidents." reminds an 1st Vehicle Leasing.

So next time you think your dog behaving strangely might just be a temper tantrum, pause. Their heightened senses might be trying to alert you about the danger you didn't realise you were in. Paying attention to subtle warning signs and honouring your trusted companion's instincts could, quite literally, save lives.

Countries agree to safe and responsible development of frontier AI in landmark Bletchley Declaration

LEADING AI nations, convened for the 1st time by the UK and including:- the United States and China, along with the European Union, have reached a world 1st agreement at Bletchley Park establishing a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by frontier AI and the need for Governments to work together to meet the most significant challenges.

The Bletchley Declaration on AI safety sees 28 countries from across the globe including:- in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as the EU, agreeing to the urgent need to understand and collectively manage potential risks through a new joint global effort to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a safe, responsible way for the benefit of the global community.

Countries endorsing the Declaration also include:- Brazil, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

The Declaration fulfils key summit objectives in establishing shared agreement and responsibility on the risks, opportunities and a forward process for international collaboration on frontier AI safety and research, particularly through greater scientific collaboration. Talks today, with leading frontier AI companies and experts from academia and civil society, will see further discussions on understanding frontier AI risks and improving frontier AI safety.

Countries agreed substantial risks may arise from potential intentional misuse or unintended issues of control of frontier AI, with particular concern caused by cybersecurity, biotechnology and misinformation risks. The Declaration sets out agreement that there is:- "potential for serious, even catastrophic, harm, either deliberate or unintentional, stemming from the most significant capabilities of these AI models." Countries also noted the risks beyond frontier AI, including:- bias and privacy.

Recognising the need to deepen the understanding of risks and capabilities that are not fully understood, attendees have also agreed to work together to support a network of scientific research on Frontier AI safety. This builds on the UK Prime Minister's announcement last week for the UK to establish the world's 1st AI Safety Institute and complements existing international efforts including:- at the G7, OECD, Council of Europe, United Nations and the Global Partnership on AI. This will ensure the best available scientific research can be used to create an evidence base for managing the risks whilst unlocking the benefits of the technology, including:- through the UK's AI Safety Institute which will look at the range of risks posed by AI.

The Declaration details that the risks are:- "best addressed through international cooperation." As part of agreeing a forward process for international collaboration on frontier AI safety, The Republic of Korea has agreed to co-host a mini virtual summit on AI in the next 6 months. France will then host the next in-person Summit in a year from now. Further details on these events will be confirmed in due course.

This ensures an enduring legacy from the Summit and continued international action to tackle AI risks, including:- informing national and international risk-based policies across these countries.

The Declaration, building upon last week's announcement of the UK's emerging processes for AI safety, also acknowledges that those developing these unusually powerful and potentially dangerous frontier AI capabilities have a particular responsibility for ensuring the safety of these systems, including:- by implementing systems to test them and other appropriate measures.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:- "This is a landmark achievement that sees the world's greatest AI powers agree on the urgency behind understanding the risks of AI; helping ensure the long term future of our children and grandchildren. Under the UK's leadership, more than twenty 5 countries at the AI Safety Summit have stated a shared responsibility to address AI risks and take forward vital international collaboration on frontier AI safety and research. The UK is once again leading the world at the forefront of this new technological frontier by kickstarting this conversation, which will see us work together to make AI safe and realise all its benefits for generations to come."

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, said:- "Today's agreement signed by attendees from across the globe, offers an important 1st step as we begin 2 days of vitally important discussions here at Bletchley Park. We have always said that no single country can face down the challenges and risks posed by AI alone, and today's landmark Declaration marks the start of a new global effort to build public trust by ensuring the technology's safe development. Bletchley Park marks the start of a long road ahead, and the Summit will kickstart an enduring process to ensure every nation and every citizen can realise the boundless benefits of AI."

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said:- "AI knows no borders, and its impact on the world will only deepen. The UK is proud to have kickstarted the global discussion at Bletchley Park on how we ensure the transformational power of AI is used as a force for good by and for all of us."

A spokesperson for the French Presidency said:- "The French authorities welcome the international and cooperative work cycle launched by the AI Satefy Summit to analyse, understand and respond to the risks that certain Frontier AI models could cause. France is ready to participate in this long term collective effort and will be happy to host the next in person Summit."

A spokesperson for the Republic of Korea Government said:- "Minister Lee is delighted that Korea will be the co-hosts of the mini virtual summit. Korea is a world leader in technologies like AI and recognises the importance of multilateral cooperation to ensure AI technologies are designed, used and governed in safe ways."

To mark the opening of the Summit, His Majesty The King delivered a virtual address, via video to the AI Safety Summit this morning as proceedings got underway. His Majesty pointed to AI being 1 of the:- 'greatest technological leaps in the history of human endeavour' and hailed the technology's enormous potential to transform the lives of citizens across the world through better treatments for conditions like cancer and heart disease. The King also spoke of the:- 'clear imperative to ensure that this rapidly evolving technology remains safe and secure' and the need for:- 'international coordination and collaboration.' The King's address signed off with thanks for the vital role attendees will play over the next 2 days, laying the foundations for a:- 'lasting consensus' on AI safety to cement its place as a force for good.

Employers and employees overwhelmingly support compromise to end strike action

A new survey by workplace expert Acas has found that 94% of employers and 91% of employees believe compromise is important for parties involved in industrial disputes to reach an agreement.

Acas offers a free independent service called collective conciliation that can help employers and trade unions find compromise and end disputes.

The YouGov poll asked respondents how important it was for parties involved in a dispute to compromise and reach an agreement to end strike action.

Just 3% of employers and 4% of employees thought it was not important. While 3% of employers and 5% of employees did not know.

Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said:- "Compromise can be elusive when parties are entangled in a dispute. However, it is clear from our survey that both employers and employees believe compromise is integral to successfully ending a dispute. Understanding and recognising the perspective of the other party may be tricky but it can broaden the range of solutions to help settle a dispute with Acas's expertise. Acas has a great track record of resolving conflict, with over:- 9 out of 10 cases resolved this year. There are a number of high profile disputes ongoing at the moment. Acas experts remain ready to help."

Acas has seen a 12% rise in demand for its collective conciliation service compared to the same period last year and the service is helping the parties reach agreements in 92% of cases. This help has included confidential background support for parties in disputes.

Using an independent impartial Acas conciliator in a long running dispute can help bring a calm, fresh pair of eyes to identify areas for compromise between the sides in dispute and find a way forward, which can help avoid strike action.

Acas collective conciliators are independent and impartial. This means they do not take sides or impose solutions. They're there to help both parties find a solution that everyone agrees to.

The majority of Acas's collective conciliation work takes place before formal talks. It is a period of:- 'pre-talk support.' This can include sharing information informally between parties, educating them on different options about talks, exploring those options and discussing the support needed for the negotiators.

Acas handles over 600 collective disputes every year. For more information, please see:- Acas.Org.UK.