Older drivers are as safe as drivers from all other age groups, according to research published today by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

Contrary to widespread belief, the study shows they have better attitudes to safety, deal with hazards better than young drivers and use experience to increase their safety margins on the road.  

The report reveals that drivers over 75 react just as quickly as other age groups when a vehicle emerges from a side road or if the car in front brakes suddenly on a rural road.  

Official statistics show that people over 70 make up nine per cent of drivers but six per of driver casualties.  This practical study found that where older drivers had slower reaction times, they used their experience on the road to compensate:

•They drive at slower speeds on all occasions
•They keep a bigger following distance than drivers from other age groups. Whilst the study found little difference in driving performance across the ages it did highlight two surprising areas of concern:  
•Compared with other age groups, the eldest group appeared to stop short of the stop line at junctions and not look as often as others before pulling out.
•Older drivers failed to look in their rear view mirror as much as other age groups on the motorway.  

The report found that older drivers were likely to have less flexibility in neck movement and poorer vision standards but this did not translate into differences in driving performance. Neck flexibility varied widely, with some older drivers as flexible as some in the youngest group.

The IAM believes it is important these findings are used in on-road and online assessments to ensure that older drivers understand the risks they face and what they can do to improve their driving in key areas.  
In the light of this new report the IAM is calling for:  

•A government action plan for older drivers
•More car manufacturers considering older drivers in vehicle design
•Greater publicity to encourage health professionals to discuss driving
•Better information for older drivers and their families
•Online self-assessment tools for older drivers
•Wider availability of voluntary on-road driving assessments
•Better partnership working at a local level  

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “The government needs to create a strategy now to deal with the ageing driving population. Older drivers, their families and friends deserve access to assessment and information to help them stay safe on the road. As well as this, car makers need to look at innovative ways to use technology to help this growing sector and the medical profession has to improve the way it delivers support and advise to keep drivers fit for the roads.”  

TRL principal human factors researcher Nick Reed said: “This study for IAM using TRL’s DigiCar simulator revealed that in many of the driving scenarios tested, older drivers were typically as safe as their younger counterparts. It was notable that performance was more varied across the older participants; seemingly reflecting differences in the ageing process and highlighting how difficult it is to make judgements about driving ability based solely on age. It was pleasing to identify specific areas of concern for older drivers and perhaps to correct some common misconceptions about their driving ability.”  

www.Iam.org.uk

THE BIKER GUIDE® is pleased to announce as of the 16th November, 2012 the name and brand has been trademarked.

To secure THE BIKER GUIDE® name, brand and ethos we registered with the Trade Marks Registry on 15th June, 2012 and after a 3 month wait are delighted to announce that we can now officially use the ® sign and also avoid others from using our good name.

What is a brand?

A brand is a 'promise of an experience' and conveys to consumers a certain assurance as to the nature of the product or service they will receive. Intellectual property rights provide legal protection for some of the most important aspects of a brand.

Registered under Class 35:

Advertising; business management; business administration; advertising services provided via the Internet and printed publications; production of television and radio advertisements; trade fairs; opinion polling; data processing; provision of business information; compilation of directories for publishing on global computer networks or the internet.

Even with all the required testing and verification procedures performed, problems can still appear so your car could become uncontrollable.

Causes can range from a mere flat tyre to a serious malfunction of the car’s systems. Depending on the type of problem, the car can be hard to control.

How to Avoid Having Problems

You cannot control what breaks your car down. Even if you are taking it to the mechanic for regular check-ups, it does not mean that a problem cannot occur. The mechanic can miss things when he verifies your car.

If your car shows any symptoms of any kind do not let the problem escalate. A small problem could affect other parts of the car and the damage could be much greater, and so will the costs. So if there is a problem that you are aware of, have the car checked and fixed as soon as possible.

What to Do In Order to Regain Control of Your Car

Depending on the situation, there are some techniques that you could apply in order to gain control of your car. The most important thing you should do, regardless of the situation, is to keep your cool. This way you will have a clearer image of what could happen and how to react to prevent major accidents.

For example, if your car starts to skid, you could regain control over it by steering in the same direction as the car is sliding. Consider this and try to practice if you have a chance on a race circuit, but not in a parking lot. On the circuit you can see how the car behaves when taking a corner at a higher speed.

Using the brakes is sometimes a more complicated problem. As a general rule, if your wheels are straight and you have to stop urgently, then you can push down on them. If the car is straight then the chance of skidding is smaller.

If you find yourself in unfortunate circumstances whereby you sustain a serious injury from a car accident or are a victim of one, Express Solicitors have a team on hand to support you and your claim.

TwoZero is exhibiting at Motorcycle Live The NEC, Birmingham 24 November to 2 December.

TwoZero will be showcasing its range of safety reflective clothing for the first time since teaming up with UK motorcycle distributor Nevis Marketing.      

TwoZero's first product on the market, the Verso gilet is a stylish break-away from the norm reflective vest. Available in full florescent yellow, or a black reflective version. The Verso has clever side expanding panels where when fully open a rucksack can be worn underneath, so the reflection and visibility won't be broken. It has a loop where a LED light can be attached and a secure zip fastening. A comfortable fit is ensured with elastic panels and on cold days extra layers can be worn underneath. Available in sizes S/M, L/XL and 2XL, priced at £35.99.      

BRAND NEW for 2013, is the Verso Cyclone a lightweight waterproof jacket with all the visibility and practical functions as the gilet, including the expandable sides and LED light loops. The Cyclone is also available in full florescent yellow and black. It has two zipped pockets, a mesh lining and has a pouch for storage when not in use. The Cyclone jacket is available in sizes XS - 4XL and priced at £54.99.      

To accompany the Cyclone jacket, is the Cyclone waterproof over trousers. Black with reflective details, the Cyclone trousers are perfect for a rainy day. Lightweight with an elastic waist so can be worn easily over leathers. As with the jacket, the trousers also have a neat carry pouch so can be taken on rides in case the unpredictable English weather takes it toll. Available in sizes XS to 4XL and priced at £24.99.      

The X-Belt is a reflective belt that sits on the torso in an 'X' shape for increased visibility. The belt is easy to wear, heavy duty and has easily accessible mesh front and back pockets ideal for keys, wallet etc. The belt is available in full florescent yellow or silver and priced at £24.99.

Moving away from clothing, TwoZero also has on offer stylish reflective bags and LED lights. The bags TZ-1 and TZ-2 fit closely across a riders body and have a swivel feature to move round without removing the product. It has no metallic parts so will not scratch a motorcycle tank, has reflective detailing on the bag and on the strap. It is shower proof with a practical large zip for easy use with gloves and has a capacity of 2.5 litres. Available in various designs and priced at £39.99 TZ-1 and £33.33 TZ-2.      

The ultra bright LED is simple, but effective. Attach on a rucksack or to the loop of a Verso gilet or jacket and let the little lights give extra visibility. With 100 hours of battery life, easily replaceable batteries and a silicon loop attaching and wearing is simple and easy. Available in white or red and priced at £9.99.      

All these products will be on display on the TwoZero stand at Motorcycle Live. For tickets call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

For more information on TwoZero and to see a preview of the new range, visit www.two-zero.co.uk

The Isle of Man TT: A Dangerous Addiction

Regarded as the world's most dangerous race, yet each year more riders risk all to take part in the annual Isle of Man TT.

Check out the link!