Category: IAM RoadSmart

1. From July motorcyclists as well as drivers must carry breathalyser in France

   Posted on 12:01am Monday 5th Mar 2012

   From July motorcyclists as well as drivers must carry breathalyser in France
    
   Latest advice from European motoring body the FIA says that drivers of all motor vehicles, including motorcyclists, will have to carry a breathalyser kit in their cars when travelling in France.
    
   The IAM previously reported that from 1 July this year all drivers would need to carry a breathalyser kit, as French drivers will have to, but new information dictates that this €11 fine is applicable to all road users including motorcyclists, but excluding mopeds.
    
   With a start date for the new measure of 1 July 2012, the rules will apply to anyone travelling to or through France by motor vehicle in the summer holiday season, even just for a day trip. This measure won’t actually be enforced until the 1 November 2012, giving road users time to prepare for the change.
    
   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.
    
   The IAM is advising all road users travelling in France to have at least two breathalysers at all times, so that if one is used you still have one to produce for the police if you are stopped.
    
   Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. Motorcyclists should carry extra bulbs. Additionally UK motorists and motorcyclists must display a GB plate, and cars should have their headlights adjusted to the right.
    
   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 

2. Eighteen motorcyclists killed or injured a day

   Posted on 12:01am Friday 3rd Feb 2012

   Provisional DfT figures released today confirm that 1,690 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured in July to September 2011.

   This means 18 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured every day between July to September 2011 - an increase of two per cent compared to the same period in 2010 when 1,652 were killed or seriously injured.
    
   While all casualties among car users have reduced by seven per cent, the figures for motorcyclists have remained stagnant. 5,630 motorcyclists were injured between July to September 2011, compared to 5,666 in the same period of the previous year (a 0.64 per cent decrease).
    
   IAM director of policy and research, Neil Greig, said: “The increase in motorcycling casualties is worrying especially while casualties among car drivers continue to fall. The government needs to ensure that education campaigns targeting motorcycling continue and funding is made available for local initiatives. The police and councils must continue to work together to improve high risk routes, encourage post test training and target bad riding behaviour through innovative enforcement techniques.”

   www.iam.org.uk

3. Warning as bikers take to bus lanes

   Posted on 12:01am Wednesday 18th Jan 2012

   The IAM warns motorcyclists and cyclists to take extra care when Transport for London’s (TfL) decision to allow motorcyclists to use bus lanes on a permanent basis comes into force on Monday 23rd January 2012. This decision will see London joining cities such as Birmingham and Bristol who already allow it. 

   While motorcyclists’ use of bus lanes will help to ease congestion and reduce CO2 emissions in the city, studies by Ealing Council* and TfL*1 have shown a significant increase in motorcycle collision rates and severity. TfL’s review also found that there was an increase in pedal cycle accidents of 173 per cent*, even when the increase in the number of people cycling was taken into account.
    
   The TfL trial of 418 sections of road in London that contain a bus lane, showed direct collisions between motorcycles and pedal cycles. Although there were no direct collisions between motorcycles and pedal cycles in Ealing, the council was concerned that pedal cycles are reacting to the presence of motorcycles in bus lanes by travelling nearer to the kerb than before, making them less visible to vehicles turning across their path*.

   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “This change will improve congestion and journey times for motorcyclists, and responsible bikers should find it safer being in a bus lane. Safer motorcycling in busy cities will encourage more moped and motorcycle use which can only be a good thing for traffic flow. But the evidence does show two of the most vulnerable road user groups – motorcyclists and cyclists – will be at more risk.

   “This decision doesn’t just affect Londoners. With thousands more people visiting London for the Olympics this summer, everybody needs to be aware of the risks. Bus drivers and cyclists need to be vigilant and get used to sharing the space with motorcyclists, but there is a lot motorcyclists and cyclists can do to protect themselves.”
    
   Motorcyclists:
    • Always assume that other road users may not have seen you
   • When travelling in a straight line position yourself where you can be easily seen – don’t sit out next to the traffic beside you, or hug the kerb. You get lost to sight
   • Be seen. Big blocks of bright colour are better than broken up or patterned clothing, which effectively camouflages you, and always have your headlight on
   • Give other lane users time to realise you are there. Give cyclists space and time to avoid startling them
   • Don’t use the extra space in the bus lane to unnecessarily increase your speed
   • Be careful of traffic crossing the bus lane at junctions, both from side roads, and out of the queue on your right. They aren’t looking for you – they’re looking for a big bus
   • Look well ahead to avoid needing to make sudden changes in direction for potholes etc – bus lanes tend to have uneven surfaces
    
   Cyclists:
    • Always assume that other road users may not have seen you
   • Claim the lane. Ride in the middle of the lane, moving to allow others past as needed, but never ‘hug’ the kerb
   • Make eye contact with drivers emerging from junctions, particularly if they are turning right
   • Be seen. Check your lights, and wear high visibility clothes.  Put your front light on.
   • Be aware of the other people who can use the bus lane.  Don’t let them force you into things that are unsafe – but do try to make their lives easier by letting them past where its sensible
   • Don’t position yourself on the left of lorries and buses at junctions or undertake them on the left. The bus or lorry driver can’t see you, and if they turn left will cut across your path. They also have a different turning circle to a car – you risk getting trapped between the vehicle and roadside barriers

4. Give them life-saving road skills this Christmas

   Posted on 12:01am Friday 2nd Dec 2011

   The IAM is reducing its Skill for Life advanced driving and riding programmes by ten per cent this Christmas, to £125 from £139, on special Christmas gift voucher purchases.
    
   Skill for Life is available for car drivers and motorcyclists, and consists of regular coaching sessions with one of 200 regional volunteer groups. Your group allocates a local observer who, when you’re ready, will put you forward for the advanced test. Eighty-five per cent of drivers and riders pass first time.
    
   Passing the advanced test also qualifies you for insurance discounts from IAM Surety, which beats other competitive quotes in 93 per cent of cases for IAM members. IAM membership also offers a host of other benefits, from breakdown cover through to discounts on weekend breaks. You’ll also learn green driving techniques, which save up to 15 per cent on fuel costs.
    
   For drivers or motorcyclists who want a refresher, DriveCheckPlus or RideCheckPlus is a short on-road assessment with an IAM examiner. This one-hour course improves confidence by identifying what you’re doing well and where you can develop. For those who have held their licence for a bit longer, DriveCheck55 gives older drivers an opportunity to check their driving is still up to scratch.
    
   Momentum is a two part assessment for young drivers, online and on-road with an IAM examiner. It raises awareness of dangers and improves the experience of our highest-risk road users. And for riders of scooters, mopeds or sub-125cc machines there is RoadRider Plus – a half-day assessment  which gives a clear indication of current skills and abilities, and is a great way of progressing after the essential Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
    
   The IAM cycling membership gift voucher costs £15 (normally £19.99) and includes the How to be a better cyclist book – a comprehensive guide to better, safer and more confident cycling – and a range of benefits including cycle insurance cover. How to be a better cyclist can be bought separately for £9.99, and makes a great stocking filler. We also offer three levels of cycle training to suit anyone from the real beginner, to those wanting to increase their confidence in busy traffic.
    
   And if improving your driving or riding while learning more about the limits of your vehicle is your thing, why not try one of our Skills Days? These events are held at five major circuits around the UK and include at least six separate 'on-track' sessions with the focus on anticipation, cornering, planning, smoothness and understanding how your vehicle performs in a variety of situations.
    
   IAM Christmas gift vouchers are available from your local IAM group or can be purchased at www.iam.org.uk/xmas

5. IAM comments on budget statements on infrastructure and fuel duty

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 29th Nov 2011

   Comment on budget announcement of £5 billion for infrastructure projects
    
   IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “£270 million for managed motorways is good news. In some cases managed motorways have halved the number of crashes.  They also ease congestion and cut carbon emissions.  The extra money for our A roads is also welcome. But while today’s announcement will help, we need serious and sustained investment across the UK’s road network.
    
   “Our roads are crying out for basic maintenance.  Crumbling roads and potholes are a serious problem and a road safety hazard, especially for those on two wheels.”
    
   Comment on plans to cancel 2012 fuel duty increases
    
   IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Cancelling fuel duty rises next year is a welcome relief for motorists. But don’t wait for the chancellor to reduce the cost of driving, do it yourself now. The way you drive has a big impact on the amount of fuel you use. If you slow down and leave more of a gap between yourself and the vehicle in front, you won’t need to accelerate and brake so much. That’s two easy ways to reduce your fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.”