Category: IAM RoadSmart

1. ‘No age barrier to being a better driver’ – rally legend Paddy Hopkirk and son reach highest driving standard with IAM RoadSmart

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 13th May 2019

   Race and rally legend Paddy Hopkirk and his son Patrick achieved the highest civilian driving standard in the UK recently, when they both passed IAM RoadSmart’s Masters with Distinction qualification.

   Paddy, 86, and Patrick, 47, were assessed on 8 May by Richard Gladman and Stuart Haythorn, who ensure that all driving standards are of the highest level for IAM RoadSmart.

   Paddy needs no introduction in the world of motorsport. Although he is famous for winning the 1964 Monte Carlo and 1967 Acropolis Rallies, he also raced at the fearsome Le Mans 24 Hours as well as many other circuits around the world.

   Paddy was also greatly admired for giving up a sure win in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon to rescue with his co-driver Alec Poole a fellow competitor from his burning car.

   For the past three years Paddy has worked as a volunteer for IAM RoadSmart as its Mature Driver Ambassador – travelling the UK talking about road safety and how older people can drive safely and with confidence on today’s roads.

   Paddy and Patrick now join a select team of just 500 advanced drivers who have reached Masters standard with Distinction. There are around 1,000 Masters holders in total in the UK.

   IAM RoadSmart Masters programme helps drivers take their talent to the next level. Building on the individual’s skills as an existing advanced road user, the Masters programme will help them enhance and develop their ability even further in the following areas:

   • Cornering principles
   • Assessing, planning and executing safe overtaking manoeuvres
   • Recognising opportunities to make safe progress, within the speed limits
   • Improving observation, anticipation and awareness consistent with vehicle speed
   • Applying sound judgement of speed and distance

   Paddy has already taken IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Driving Course twice (27 years apart) and the Mature Driver Review.

   He said: “It doesn’t matter if you are a rally winner or a daily commuter, everyone can be a better driver. I really want to keep developing my driving skills because the roads are always changing – it is very important to be aware of what is around you, and to make sure that all road users are protected from the risk of injury as much as is possible.

   “I enjoyed taking the Masters as did Patrick, and am delighted to have reached Distinction. It is proof that there is no age barrier to being better and safer behind the wheel.

   “I especially learnt that the habitual use of mirrors is very important; it’s the best way of getting the information you need to be a better driver.”

   Mike Quinton, Chief Executive Officer of IAM RoadSmart, said: “We are proud of Paddy who has worked tirelessly on our behalf. Taking the advanced test and the Masters is not for the elite; it is something everyone can try – and everyone will benefit from. It could even save a life one day.”

2. Better drivers and riders can reduce road deaths and injuries in UK says new IAM RoadSmart Chair

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 9th Apr 2019

   In his new role as Chairman of IAM RoadSmart, the largest independent road safety organisation in the UK, Managing Director of Ford of Britain Andy Barratt has pledged to focus on driver and rider behaviour in the road safety debate.

   In his new position, which starts on 1 April 2019, he will launch a revamped IAM RoadSmart Manifesto. The Manifesto highlights the seven areas where IAM RoadSmart believe they can make the most impact in reducing the number of people killed and injured on UK roads.

   With an emphasis on the potential that improved driver and rider behaviour could have on the safety of our roads, the Manifesto acknowledges the importance of driving to the economy and business. It should be seen as a core skill for business and a health and safety responsibility for all organisations in the public and private sector.

   The Manifesto will form the basis of a submission from IAM RoadSmart to the House of Commons Transport Committee Inquiry into Road Safety.

   Andy has taken on the prestigious role of IAM RoadSmart Chairman from Ken Kier OBE, who steps down this month having been in the role for three years.

   Andy has almost four decades of experience at the Ford Motor Company where he started as an apprentice. Since 2015 he has been Managing Director of Ford of Britain.

   Speaking of his appointment, Andy said: “To be appointed chairman of IAM RoadSmart is an honour. I wholeheartedly support IAM RoadSmart’s Manifesto pledge that post-test training is vital for safer roads. I’m delighted to be taking a leading role for a charity whose principal purpose is to make better drivers and riders.

   “In my roles at Ford, developing safe vehicles is the number one priority. In taking the Chair of IAM RoadSmart, my focus will be to ensure that human factors are high on the road safety agenda in order to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on roads in the UK.

   “As a cyclist, driver and pedestrian I’ve been pleased to lead Ford’s ‘Share the Road’ initiatives, encouraging cooperation and understanding between road users. As a motor industry representative chairing IAM RoadSmart, I believe that we can continue to find common ground, cooperation and practical ways forward to make sure that real change happens - with vehicle makers, politicians, the media, and with all road users.”

   IAM RoadSmart’s Manifesto focuses on the importance of boosting the confidence of drivers and making it an enjoyable activity, while keeping everyone safe at the same time.

   Embracing all stages of a driving and riding career from immediate post-test into older age, the Manifesto underlines the importance of periodic refresher courses. It also includes extending driver rehabilitation after a conviction for a wider variety of motoring convictions.

   It also highlights the changing world of new technology as the switch to autonomous and connected vehicles continues to gather pace.

   Mike Quinton, IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted that we have attracted someone of the calibre, standing and seniority in the UK automotive industry as Andy to the role of Chairman.

   “I am confident his knowledge and contacts will be invaluable in driving us forward and I look forward to drawing on his skills and leadership experience.”

3. Race winner Coates to run IAM RoadSmart logo on Renault UK Clio Cup car for the 2019 season

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 26th Mar 2019

   Max Coates, multiple-race winner and championship favourite in the Renault UK Clio Cup, will be running the IAM RoadSmart logo on his 130mph Clio for the 2019 season.

   Max, 25, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, was one of 15 up-and-coming young racing drivers who are part of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Rising Stars and SuperStars programmes who took the IAM RoadSmart advanced driver test during an intensive two-day event called #Formula DriveSmart at Silverstone last December.

   #FormulaDriveSmart was championed by race and rally legend Paddy Hopkirk MBE.

   Max scored a F1RST in his advanced test and to show his commitment to safe driving he has agreed to donate space on his Renault Clio to promote IAM RoadSmart and its activities for the 2019 season.

   He is racing with Team HARD in the 2019 Renault UK Clio Cup. Team HARD is also taking part in the British Touring Car Championship with Bobby Thompson – who also achieved a F1RST at #FormulaDriveSmart.

   IAM RoadSmart is delighted that Max has made the gesture, as it puts the charity’s name directly in front of the biggest at-risk age group when it comes to drivers - young men under 25 - with a large television, social media and race-day audience.

   Max said: “I am more than happy to be supporting IAM RoadSmart on my car this year. Taking the advanced driving course made me think about observation and planning on road far more than before, and I saw that my driving could become smoother and I would derive more enjoyment from it as a result.

   “Those principles of planning, reading the road ahead and anticipation should stand me in good stead on the race track this year – I hope you’ll all come out and cheer me on in 2019!”

   Mike Quinton, IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Officer, said: “Many thanks to Max for agreeing to run our name on his car this year. Getting the word out about our work will be invaluable in showing young drivers how relevant advanced driving can be to them – it is an enjoyable activity and could save a life one day.”

   The Renault UK Clio Cup supports the British Touring Car Championship, so look out for Max and his Clio as part of ITV4's race coverage through the year.

   If you want to take a look at what #FormulaDriveSmart was all about take a look at our video about the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vp_zr69tXQ

4. IAM RoadSmart warns dangerous cocktail of e-scooters and vehicles on our roads is bad news for road safety

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 19th Mar 2019

   With a wide-ranging review of transport laws announced by the government today (19 March), IAM RoadSmart has warned that the rise in the use of electric scooters alongside vehicles on our roads is bad news for road safety.

   The Department for Transport revealed its report 'Future of mobility: urban strategy' today, which is described as the biggest regulatory review in a generation to explore regulation around new transport modes.

   The government plans to invest £90 million in towns and cities to test transport innovation, and the review will explore regulations around new types of vehicles including e-scooters and e-cargo bike trailers.

   However IAM RoadSmart believes that e-scooters and their increasing popularity will lead to many people riding them on public roads alongside bigger and faster vehicles – and will put individuals, including the scooter users themselves, in great danger.

   The charity welcomes a long-term approach to transport planning by the government, but new modes of transport need dedicated routes to be truly safe.

   It added that there is a great need for users of e-scooters to embark on some level of basic rider training and awareness before they start.

   Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “Electric scooters are simply not safe enough to be on our roads alongside full size vehicles.

   “Mixing with pedestrians is also potentially very unsafe in shared areas. As with cycling, the answer probably lies in dedicated safe infrastructure for vulnerable road users.  Allied to that there is an urgent need for more for rider training and clarification of their legal status.”

   Neil added: “While we welcome this potentially useful announcement, transport changes and trends are happening far faster than the network is developing to accommodate them.

   “This ought to have happened a long time ago, and so should be implemented as a matter of urgency.”

5. Racing stars take IAM RoadSmart advanced driving skills onto the racetrack for exciting 2019 season

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 14th Mar 2019

   Some 11 of the talented young racing drivers who passed their IAM RoadSmart advanced driving tests at the charity’s #FormulaDriveSmart event late last year have announced their motorsport programmes for 2019; many having graduated to new teams and exciting new series.

   The drivers, all between the ages of 18 and 24, are part of the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s (BRDC) Rising Stars and SuperStars programmes, which supports the brightest young racing talent in the UK today.

   At the end of last year the racers all took part in #FormulaDriveSmart, a two-day programme run by IAM RoadSmart and the BRDC at Silverstone circuit, where they were trained in the IAM RoadSmart advanced course to full test standards. At the end of the course they all passed their advanced driving test with flying colours.
   
   The purpose of #FormulaDriveSmart was to demonstrate to young men under 25 years old (the biggest at-risk group sector on the roads; contemporaries to the professionals taking part in the exercise) that advanced driving was not only relevant to them, it could also be fun and could save a life one day.

   Now the racers are not only taking their advanced skills only onto the public roads, but also onto the race track too for the new season.

   Mike Quinton, IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Officer, said: “The drivers did themselves proud in all passing their advanced tests. They all said how what they learned will not only help them drive safer and smarter on public roads, but also help their skills, planning and anticipation on the track too.

   “Everyone at IAM RoadSmart wishes them the best of luck in their 2019 racing programmes. We look forward to them bringing home the silverware!”

   This is what our new advanced drivers have planned for 2019:

   Jordan Albert (Silverstone, Northamptonshire): McLaren GT reserve driver

   Max Coates (Richmond, N Yorkshire): Renault UK Clio Cup with Team HARD

   James Dorlin (Barnsley, S Yorkshire): British GT Championship with Tolman Motorsport in the McLaren 570S GT4

   Raoul Hyman (Ealing, London): FIA Formula 3 Championship with Sauber Junior Team

   Stuart Middleton (Ashington, Northumberland): European Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship with Bonaldi Motorsport

   Jack Mitchell (West Kingsdown, Kent): British GT Championship with Century Racing in the BMW M6 GT3

   Sandy Mitchell (Forfar, Angus): Blancpain GT Series with Barwell Motorsport; Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship with Wayne Taylor Racing

   Seb Morris (Porthmadog, Gwynedd): Blancpain GT Series with Team Parker Racing; British GT Series with JRM; Spa 24 Hours, all with Bentley

   Toby Sowery (Melbourn, Northamptonshire): Indy Lights debut with BN Racing

   Bobby Thompson (Hornchurch, Essex): British Touring Car championship with Team HARD in the Volkswagen Passat

   William Tregurtha (Milton Keynes, Bucks): VLN Endurance Championship in Germany with Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW plus Nurburgring 24-hour race.