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.
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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.
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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,’
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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.’
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