Category: IAM RoadSmart

1. Young driver deaths – it’s not all about the driver

   Posted on 8:59am Sunday 8th Jun 2014

   The number of drivers aged 17-24 killed in an accident has decreased by 10 per cent since 2010, according to the latest analysis by road safety charity Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

   In the same time frame, the number of 17 – 24 year old passengers killed in a car with a young driver (aged 17-24) has decreased by 24 per cent. The difference in figure could be due to the general improvement in safety on our roads, fewer young people passing the test, ongoing campaigns and enforcement and the recession.

   Younger drivers are more likely to travel with passengers of a similar age but the risk goes up with every extra passenger. A study from the USA showed that a young driver’s chances of being killed went up 44 per cent with one passenger, 90 per cent with two and 300 per cent with three or more.1

   In 2012, 133 drivers aged 17-24 were killed alongside 71 young passengers. The previous year (2011), there 148 drivers aged 17-24 killed as well as 93 young passengers.

   These figures are still completely unacceptable with new drivers far more likely to cause their passengers' death than any other age group. New drivers and their passengers also have far more life changing catastrophic crashes with lifelong injuries than any other age group.

   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Road safety has been improving for everyone in the UK in recent years and that is reflected in the improved situation for new drivers. But, it’s worrying that our younger people are still at such high risk of causing death and injury to themselves. These figures show an urgent need to improve awareness of the risks for younger drivers and their passengers.”

   “We know that inexperience and overconfidence are significant factors in crashes among the younger age group and addressing this issue must be a top priority. By delaying its Green paper the government has missed a great opportunity to provide better training, more support and learning from a younger age. In the meantime parents and young people should follow the IAM’s tips for young passengers to maximise the chances of survival.”

   The IAM’s top tips for young passengers:
   •More passengers equals more risk so don't overload the car as it will handle differently and the driver may not know how to deal with that
   •Don’t distract the driver by trying to show him or her stuff on your phone
   •Don’t give in to peer pressure – if others are being stupid don’t get involved
   •Never get in a car with a young driver who has been drinking
   •Agree with parents you can call them up or they will pay for a taxi if you have worries about your lift
   •Risk is highest at night and on country roads - make sure your mate knows where they are going and has put in the hours learning how to cope with a wide variety of roads

2. Caught on camera: 149 mph tops list of England and Wales’ speeders

   Posted on 8:29am Thursday 29th May 2014

   A motorist in on the M25 at Swanley holds the record for the highest speed clocked by a speed camera in England and Wales between April 2013 and May 2014. The 149 mph figure was revealed following freedom of information requests to 39 police authorities by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). Eighty-five per cent of police authorities responded.

   Other findings include:
   •The highest speed recorded on 30mph road was 96mph on the B1288, on Leam Lane, Gateshead
   •The highest speed recorded on a 50mph road was on the A414 Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire where a motorist clocked 119 mph
   •The highest speed recorded on a 60mph road was 127mph on the A413 Wendover By-Pass, Wendover

   The guidelines to magistrates on sentencing for speeding include:
   •70 mph road: For driving between 101 and 110 mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.
   •50 mph road: For driving between 76 and 85 mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.
   •30 mph road: For driving between 51 and 60mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.1

   IAM chief executive Simon best said: “149 miles per hour equates to nearly two and a half miles in a minute. If anything goes wrong at that speed, you’re unlikely to walk away and you are a grave danger to the innocent road users around you.”

   “Speed limits are a limit. They are not a target to beat. Unfortunately this message has not got through to many motorists and it’s clear that efforts to make speeding as socially unacceptable as drink driving continue to fail. That’s why we need sustained campaigning by the government, motor industry and charities to keep ramming home the message that excessive speed kills. Catching speeders at two or even three times the limit also shows the importance of keeping speed cameras at well-known black spots.”

   “The current guidelines on sentencing for excessive speeding offences are out of sync with modern roads, modern vehicles and society’s view of the value of lives lost in crashes. We all share the roads with these speeding drivers and the government must crack down on them with more consistent penalties and tougher measures to break their addiction for speed.”

3. Most motorists don’t want 20mph zones

   Posted on 12:04pm Monday 19th May 2014

   Drivers are against the idea of a blanket 20mph speed limit on urban roads, according to research published today by road safety charity, Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

   Half of drivers from the UK are against a blanket 20mph speed limit with under a third willing to embrace the idea and a fifth are undecided. Male drivers are more likely to be against the idea than female.

   Fifty-five per cent of young drivers were against 20mph zones as a speed limit for towns while thirty-four per cent of older drivers were in favour.

   Drivers are very supportive of lower speed limits outside schools, with ninety-four per cent of respondents agreeing that this would be a good idea. Areas with high numbers of pedestrians such as parks (34 per cent), hospitals and shops were the next most popular with 21 per cent of drivers in favour. Only eight per cent of respondents opted for 20 mph near cycle lanes.

   Over three quarters of drivers believe that 20mph speed limits help to increase safety for pedestrians; however, only a fifth saw it as a positive advantage for cyclists. Pollution and noise were not seen as important benefits.

   Using 20mph speed limit signs only to enforce lower limits was twice as popular as physical traffic calming measures and three times more popular than the use of speed cameras. Only a fifth of drivers think enforcing 20 limits should be a police priority.

   Sixty-eight per cent of drivers would like to see a specially tailored re-education course for drivers caught doing up to 30mph in a 20mph zone.

   There is a difference between speed limits and zones. Councils have the power to introduce 20 mph speed limits and zones without obtaining consent from the Secretary of State.

   Speed zones are a collection of streets with a 20 mph limit whereas speed limits are set for individual roads. Some local authorities have set 20 mph speed limits on a number of individual roads so creating blanket coverage of residential areas with a 20 mph speed limit.

   20 mph speed limits can be introduced without any form of traffic calming. In many areas they are being used across the whole area. Whilst not as effective as 20mph speed zones they can still produce significant lowering of speeds over a wide area for very little cost. Compliance is increased by publicity, driver awareness and community involvement. This can and does play a large part in self-enforcement.

   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Drivers are not as negative about 20mph speed limits as many commentators would have us believe. Those responding to our survey found it quite easy to stick to 20 and there is large scale support for 20mph outside schools.”

   “However, most drivers don’t want 30mph zones to be replaced with 20mph in towns. Many drivers still need to be convinced it would be a benefit. Re-education is also much more popular than prosecution. The total number of under 16s involved in accidents between school rush hours in the morning and afternoon is 6, 106. Good design and widespread consultation is the key to the successful use of 20mph zones as a road safety tool because limits that match the road environment enforce themselves.”

4. Motorists worried about safety on SMART motorways

   Posted on 11:00am Saturday 10th May 2014

   The IAM is calling for more information and advice on SMART motorways for drivers.

   The call comes after seventy-one per cent of drivers said they would feel less safe on a motorway with no hard shoulder than a motorway with one, according to the latest poll by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

   One of the main concerns of respondents is the plan to increase the distance between safety refuges with forty-eight per cent of respondents believing that safety refuges should be no more than 500 yards (0.45km) apart.

   Forty per cent of respondents are sceptical that new monitoring systems on SMART motorways, such as electronic signs, can protect them in the event of stopping in a running lane.

   Other survey findings include:
   
   •Sixty-seven per cent of respondents said they haven’t seen any publicity about SMART motorways.
   •A third of respondents (thirty-two per cent) would support the legalising of undertaking on SMART motorways.
   •Forty-two per cent believe SMART motorways have reduced congestion and forty-three per cent of respondents said it has improved their journey times .

   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “SMART motorways are being rolled out across England but our survey shows that drivers want more reassurance and information on how safe they will be and how to use them. The IAM has been supportive of hard shoulder running but we have always said that the Highways Agency must be quick to learn and implement any real world lessons as more schemes come into use.”

   The IAM offers some guidance on using SMART motorways:

   Pay attention to the overhead gantries as they provide information on traffic conditions and lane access for the road ahead.
   
   The six signals are:
   
   •A red cross without flashing beacons. The hard shoulder is only for use in an emergency or breakdown.
   •A speed limit inside a red circle. It is absolutely mandatory and may have cameras enforcing it.
   •A blank signal. Usual motorway rules apply.
   •A white arrow with flashing beacons. This applies to all lanes and means you should move into the lane which the arrow points to.
   •A red cross with flashing beacons. You should not continue to use the lane.
   •A national speed limit sign is shown. The national speed limit, 70mph maximum, applies to all lanes apart from the hard shoulder.

   Types of motorways:
   
   •Controlled motorway – these have three or more lanes with variable speed limits. Hard shoulder use is strictly for emergency use only.
   •Hard shoulder running – the hard shoulder will be opened at busy times and the speed limit will be reduced. Don’t use the hard shoulder unless overhead signs show that you can do so.
   •All lane running – there is no hard shoulder on these sections of the motorway. Obey the variable speed limits and do not stop on the motorway. In the event of an emergency, use an emergency refuge area, motorway service area or exit at the next junction.

   www.iam.org.uk

5. IAM calls for safety rating on motorcycle clothing‏

   Posted on 9:44am Friday 2nd May 2014

   Road safety charity the IAM is calling for protective motorcycle clothing to have clear labelling for the amount of protection it gives.  The call comes after research shows that motorcyclists find it difficult and time-consuming to find the right clothing at the right price.1

   Eighty-five per cent of motorcyclists consider protection the most important factor when purchasing motorcycle clothing.  This was closely followed by sixty-seven per cent of respondents who saw comfort and fit as an important factor.

   Nearly every motorcyclist who took part in the research had spent time researching protective clothing but 43 per cent of respondents felt the right information was only available if you look hard enough.

   Motorcyclists are willing to pay for top quality gear as only 30 per cent of respondents consider price a priority.

   Other research results included:

   •71 per cent of respondents believed the brand partly contributes to the effectiveness of protective clothing.
   •60 per cent said the torso was considered the most important part of the body requiring protection.  46 per cent said hands and legs.
   •90 cent of motorcyclists stated that they always wear motorcycle protective clothing when riding.
   •48 per cent of respondents believe that protective clothing (other than the use of a helmet) should be compulsory.

   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “The industry must introduce a safety labelling for clothing like the SHARP rating for helmets.  Not only will it provide better guidance on the best way to stay safe on the roads, it will give motorcyclists clear and unbiased information and advice that they need.  The current situation is confusing and relies too much on promotional information to be of any real use in making a judgement.”

   iam.org.uk