Jan 21
With potholes estimated to cost motorists £320 million every year, and more potholes than ever appearing with the thaw of the recent cold-snap, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has issued advice on how to deal with them.
Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, said: “Potholes form and get worse after icy spells as water gets into small cracks in the roads, expanding as it freezes and forcing the tarmac apart.
“For this reason, roads will increasingly start to show signs of damage as the weather warms up.
Continue reading »
Related articles ...
Jan 18
Drivers over 70 are no more likely to cause crashes than any other driver, and are considerably safer than younger drivers, according to a report published today by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).
Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: “The report contradicts the common assumption that older drivers are a danger on the roads. Just eight per cent of drivers are over 70 and they are involved in around four per cent of injury crashes; but of the 15 per cent of drivers who are in their teens and 20s, 34 per cent are involved in injury crashes.”
Older people rely heavily on their cars, and the ability to drive gives many older people better mobility and access to more activities. Men in their seventies make more trips as car drivers than men in their late teens and 20s.
Continue reading »
Related articles ...
Jan 08
The internet dashboard, or ‘infotainment system’ is the next in-car device that could cause a major distraction to drivers, says the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).
Intel and Google are both looking into interactive dashboards, including 10-inch screens above the gearstick which will show 3D maps, web pages and even videos. Other similar systems are being previewed at trade shows.
Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: ‘If drivers were tempted to use the internet or watch videos on the move, the results could be deadly,’
Continue reading »
Related articles ...
Dec 03
Most motorcycle crashes occur in daylight in fine weather, according to an IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) study published today.
Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research, said today: ‘The fact that most crashes happen in good conditions may come as a surprise, but is due to the fact that many riders simply avoid riding in bad weather or in the dark. The message is clear – even if the conditions seem good for riding, accidents can still happen.’
‘Sundays are the most dangerous day of the week, with 20% more accidents happening than on any other day of the week. Sundays have mostly leisure riders on the roads, who travel much longer distances than the average weekday rider.’
Continue reading »
Related articles ...
Nov 20
With more flooding predicted, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has today (18 November) issued advice to drivers.
IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: “If the journey is unavoidable, motorists should take extra precautions when dealing with severe surface conditions. Torrential rain brings with it visibility problems as the car mists up in seconds.”
Advice for motorists considering driving in flood conditions:
1.Don’t go in if the water’s obviously too deep or flowing too quickly: consider an alternative route.
2.If you have to drive through water try to drive in the highest section of the road and don’t set off if a vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction. Leave time and space for each other, so you don’t swamp other drivers.
3.Drive only fast enough to create a small bow wave in front of the vehicle – driving at speed may be dangerous to other vehicles or pedestrians.
4.Keep going once you have started – make sure you have a clear run, put the car into first gear, keep the revs high and set off. Don’t go in if you can’t see a way out on the other side.
5.Do not take your foot even slightly off the accelerator, as this will allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe. As you go through the water, slip the clutch if you can. After you come out, dry brakes gently before you need them – the best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds.
6.At the other side, keep moving and continue to rev the engine to clear any water from the exhaust.
Related articles ...
Nov 05
The cash for bangers scheme has not only helped the motor industry but has played a part in putting safer cars on the road, says the IAM (Institute of Advance Motorists).
Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, says: ‘New cars have better safety technology, such as traction control and EuroNCAP four or five star crash ratings, as well as lower emissions levels and reduced fuel consumption. They are also cheaper to insure and run.
‘The scheme has not only put new cars on the road, it has taken old bangers off it. It will undoubtedly save lives in the future and, with fatalities costing the economy £1.8m each, it could represent a significant potential saving for the taxpayer, more than covering the costs of the scheme itself.’
Related articles ...
