Category: IAM RoadSmart

1. IAM comment on government response to transport select committee

   Posted on 12:01am Monday 29th Oct 2012

   The IAM is continuing its call for post-test training for young drivers in the light of the government’s response to the transport select committee.

   IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said:  “We welcome the MPs’ call for more central government responsibility.  We want to see national targets to reduce death and injuries on Britain’s roads.  Getting rid of them was a mistake. We support a review of driver training, especially for young drivers.  The current system of learning to drive abandons them when they need help most – in the first six months of solo driving. Post-test training in the first 12 to 18 months after passing the driving test would save lives. Having analysed systems of post-test training from other countries, we know that the best examples have reduced young male deaths by almost 30 per cent2*.”  

   The IAM wants to see accredited training offered to young drivers in the first 12 to 18 months after passing the basic driving test.  

   This would include:  
   • Training by qualified instructors.
   • An initial on-road assessment to gain knowledge of their experience and to highlight any deficiencies.
   • Off-road practice in handling in the wet, speed into corners and the impact of speed on stopping distances.
   • Benefits such as cheaper insurance for young drivers who complete the training.

   www.iam.org.uk

2. Bring me sunshine

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 23rd Oct 2012

   The IAM is calling for changes to British Summer Time (BST), to give us more daylight hours in the evening.  

   Bringing the British time zone forward by an hour in both winter and summer, would mean lighter evenings, when crashes are more likely. Figures from the Department for Transport show that changing the daylight hours could prevent about 80 deaths and at least 200 serious injuries on our roads each year.It would also align the hours of daylight to the waking and working hours of the vast majority of the population.  

   Road casualty rates increase with the arrival of darker evenings.

   In 2011:  

   • The number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured in November was 14 per cent more than the monthly average.

   • The number of cyclist casualties was 5 per cent higher.

   • The rate of motorcycle casualties per vehicle mile was 28 per cent higher.1  

   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Making evenings lighter would save lives.  While an extra hour of daylight would help to make the commute home much safer for all road users, children, cyclists and motorcyclists would benefit most. We want to see a three-year trial of the new daylight system. If the trial period proves the new daylight hours have a positive effect on road safety, it is clear that it is the system we should keep. With convincing evidence of the potential benefits, it is only right that we pilot a new system.”    

   www.iam.org.uk

3. French postpone fines for riders and drivers not carrying breathalyser

   Posted on 8:32am Wednesday 17th Oct 2012

   Fines for drivers of all motor vehicles - including motorcyclists, - who are caught without a breathalyser kit, will be implemented in France from March 2013, according to the IAM. The fines were due to be enforced from 1 November 2012.   All drivers in France, including motorcyclists, are now required to carry a breathalyser kit and the €11 fine is will be applicable to all road users, except for those on mopeds. 

   Single-use breathalyser kits will satisfy the requirement.  The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, lower than in the UK (the UK limit is 80mg). They cost between £1 and £2 and they will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. It is intended that people will be able to test themselves to check whether or not they are over the French limit. 

   Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. Additionally UK motorists and motorcyclists must display a GB plate. 

   IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents. France’s lower limit means it’s very easy to be over the limit the morning after as well. As always, the best advice for road users is not to drink and drive at all.”

   www.iam.org.uk

4. Here comes the autumn

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 9th Oct 2012

   IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced motorcyclist, Peter Rodger, is offering monthly motorcycling tips. This month, he is advising on getting ready for the autumn.  

   • Check your battery is full charged and is in good condition. The colder the weather, the more work it has to do.
   • Give your tyres the once over. You’ll be relying on them to be in a good state, especially in the damp and wet weather.
   • Add to your summer gear. It’s important to have a set of waterproof overalls for the wet weather.
   • The rain will inevitably affect the riding conditions. Allow more of a following distance.
   • Don’t ride into puddles; they could conceal a pothole or other hazards.
   • Riding in low sun can make it difficult to see ahead – be prepared, not surprised, and try to keep your eyes shaded.  

   Rodger said: “As the cold weather takes its toll on the roads, you’ll find that lying water becomes additional hazard as it hides cracks in the surface as well disguising the depth of any holes. Look well ahead to negotiate potholes so that you don’t get caught out by one.”  

   The IAM has launched a new website, for biking advice and tips with traffic updates, touring advice by country and all you need to know about events and local groups. Tips cover riding with pillions, in groups and night riding. There’s also a videos page and you can upload your touring photos and stories - get involved at www.betterbiking.org.uk

5. Why does it always rain on me?

   Posted on 9:16am Wednesday 3rd Oct 2012

   IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced motorcyclist, Peter Rodger, is offering monthly motorcycling tips. This month, he is advising on riding in the wind and rain.   

    • Give yourself enough following distance. In the rain you need to see the road surface ahead of you early enough to be able to avoid puddles, drain covers and potholes full of water.
   • Lorries often throw up a wall of spray that you can’t see through.  Don’t be tempted to rush into an overtake when you can’t see. Stay further back to avoid the worst of spray until you can see clearly enough.
   • Heavy rain creates pools of water across the carriageway. If you see water pooling, avoid it if possible. If you see one too late to avoid it, don’t brake or accelerate in it – ease off the throttle a bit, hold the handlebars firmly and steer straight ahead.
   • Remember, braking distances increase in the rain. Slow down, look further ahead and increase your following distance.
   • Strong winds severely unsettle your bike and blow you off course. Look ahead at the trees and bushes, and the behaviour of other vehicles to see how the wind is affecting them – it will show you where the worst patches are. Watch for gaps in buildings or trees – such as firebreaks in forests – they often cause strong side winds. Riding past lorries and trucks has a similar effect.
   • Wind affects other vehicles too. Large and flat sided vehicles are usually most affected – so give them more room, and plan where you are going to overtake. Avoid spots where they are likely to get blown across your path.  
   
   Rodger said: “Riding in bad weather is more challenging. If the weather is really severe, you need to consider whether you need to go out at all, but if you do, give it more thought. The wind itself is invisible, but its effects aren’t – watch them. Getting both cold and wet will really destroy your concentration, as well as be unpleasant, so make sure you have suitable kit for riding in wet conditions.”  

   The IAM has launched a new website, for biking advice and tips, with traffic updates, touring advice by country and all you need to know about events and local groups. Tips cover riding with pillions, in groups and night riding.

   There’s also a videos page and you can upload your touring photos and stories - get involved at www.betterbiking.org.uk