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.

“As well as worrying about your vehicle, with potholes being a major cause of suspension failure,drivers should be particularly conscious of cyclists and motorcyclists trying to get past a pothole and give them a wide berth. They are entitled to a wobble and would appreciate not having a motorist attempting to overtake just as they avoid a hole in the road,” added Mr Greig.

More pothole advice from the IAM:

Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front so that you can see the road surface before you drive or ride on it
If you do hit a pothole accidentally, make a point of checking your tyres once you’ve stopped. Check the inner as well as the outer tyre wall, which may have been damaged as a result
Avoid suddenly pulling out to avoid a hole – you might discover that there is a motorcyclist trying to get past you, or encounter an oncoming vehicle
Bikers and cyclists need to look well ahead and change direction early so they have time to deal with the holes, and so that their movements don’t cause surprise to other road users
Potholes tend to reappear in the same place again and again as previous repairs fail – remember where you saw one and expect it to be there again
Be extra vigilant on roads with lots of lorries and also around bus stops.  Extra pressure is put on the road surface wherever heavy vehicles stop, start or turn
“Always make a point of reporting a pothole to the local authority as an early repair could prevent a future accident, although councils are reluctant to carry out permanent repairs until the winter conditions subside,” Mr Greig added.

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.

Mr Greig added: “The IAM recommends that, rather than seeking to prevent older people from driving, we need to make them aware of the risks they face, and offer them driving assessments to help them cope with these risks.”

Greg Lewis of Age Concern/Help the Aged said: “We believe that where drivers wish to continue behind the wheel beyond the age of 70, only convincing reasons should prevent them from doing so.”

Mr Lewis added: ““An elderly person’s risk of being killed or suffering a serious injury as a result of a road crash is between two and five times greater than that of a younger person because of their increased physical frailty.”

Other key findings:
•          In the next 20 years the number of male drivers over 70 will double, female drivers will treble.
•          Drivers over 70 are safer on bends and overtaking than 50 year olds, but are more at risk at roundabouts, junctions and slip roads on high speed roads.
•          In some traffic situations, older drivers are less likely to be in a crash because they tend to adopt a more careful and restrained driving style.
•          No particular age was identified where there is sudden increase in crash involvement.
•          Older drivers self regulate and take fewer trips on motorways, in poor light or wet weather, or  at peak times.
•          Drivers over 85 are four times more likely to have caused a crash than to have been an innocent victim of one.
•          Crashes in which older women are to blame peak about five years earlier than those for older men.

“The IAM strongly believes that there is no case for compulsory retesting of older drivers at an arbitrary age. More research is needed on the best age to renew driving licences and there needs to be a wider debate on the introduction of restricted licensing,” said Mr Greig.

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,’

‘If it’s not acceptable to read a novel while driving, how can it be acceptable to read a multimedia display? Just how much information can a car driver absorb and still drive responsibly?’

‘There is a fine line between providing useful extra information and causing a dangerous distraction. This system appears to cross that line,’ Mr Rodger added.

‘Viewing things like restaurant reviews and venue information online while driving should be illegal, and it should be an offence to buy, sell, fit and transmit information for this particular use.’

The systems are not designed to be used on the move, but not all systems will be impossible to use while driving. One car manufacturer’s version, due out this autumn, bears the notice: ‘Please only use the online services when traffic conditions allow you to do so safely’.

‘It should be made clear that the system should only be used when the vehicle is parked,’ Mr Rodger commented.

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.’

The research also shows that half of rider fatalities happen when the rider leaves the road and hits a roadside object, such as a crash barrier, road sign or tree.
According to the report most fatal crashes occur on bigger bikes with over 60% of bikes involved being over 500cc. Mr Greig added:  ‘Over the years bikes have got bigger and bigger, so this may be down to there being more of them on the road.’

Younger riders have more crashes than those in their mid 30s and 40s, unsurprising as they have less experience on the roads. Riders under 30 represent 20% of all motorcyclists but they represent half of all fatal and serious casualties.  Younger riders tend to crash in urban areas and at junctions with other vehicles but this is often the fault of the other road user.

Rural bends are responsible for a third of rural crashes, again often involving older riders on bigger bikes. Rural crashes are more likely to occur on left-hand bends, and are often the fault of the rider themselves.

Mr Greig added: ‘Safe riders are made, not born. Courses such as those led by the IAM expose them to experienced riders who can show them where the risks lie.’
Launching the report at the Motorcycle and Scooter show in the NEC, journalist and broadcaster Vicki Butler-Henderson added: ‘This IAM study shows the importance of competent, confident riding. I applaud the IAM for publishing this report as it can only change rider behaviour for the better as well as making riding more enjoyable and safe.’

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.

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.’

Drivers should bear safety in mind this weekend as the end of British Summer Time (Sunday 25th October 2009), says the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: ‘Optimum driving conditions are now ending after an autumn with reasonably good weather, so drivers may need to reduce speed to reflect bad light and weather conditions. More hours of darkness as the clocks go back may require slower speeds – especially in the evening as earlier darkness means children are still on their way home in the dark.’

‘Drivers should remember that speed limits are not targets. They are there as a guide for driving in optimum conditions.

‘The period between late afternoon and early evening, the time when most casualties happen, is now in darkness.’

Driver safety suggestions from the IAM:

* Don’t wait until it’s fully dark to turn your lights on; see and be seen.
* Take particular care where children may be playing as light fades, especially between 4pm and 6pm.
* Look out for pedestrians and cyclists wearing dark clothing.
* Check your windscreen wiper blades are in good condition and washer reservoir topped up.
* Keep the windscreen clean and clear
* Carry a spare pair of shoes in your car as dry soles make it easier to drive.
* Check your lights and tyres, including your spare tyre and carry a spare set of light bulbs
* Wipe your head lights and tail lights to keep them bright.

Leaves on the line, slippery streets and endless hours sweeping the driveway. They may look pretty but autumn leaves can interfere with getting around. They can also have a devastating effect on the electronics of many modern cars, and the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) is advising simple autumn checks to prevent breakdowns.

Plenum chambers

At this time of year it’s quite common for leaves to accumulate in ‘plenum chambers’ – the tray-like area under the bonnet, just below the windscreen.

Most modern cars have one or two plenum chambers at the back of the engine bay, where the heating system draws in air.

Leaves can block up the drains and cause them to fill with water when it rains which then leaks into areas that should be protected from the elements, such as the computers which control the engine, braking systems and other expensive electronic equipment. Trapped water can also make the windows constantly mist up, impairing visibility and reducing safety.

So the next time the bonnet is up, perhaps when checking the oil or topping up the windscreen washer, have a look at these chambers and clear out the leaves and any accumulated grime.

Batteries

Autumn can also take its toll on car batteries as the first frost settles, but some basic maintenance can help to prolong battery life.

The top of a battery must be clean and dry, the terminals must be tight and free from corrosion and the battery itself must be mounted securely in its tray. Modern batteries need be kept fully charged by the car’s alternator. If a battery is more than three years old, it is worth having it checked now to save many a frustrating start to an autumn morning.

Also make sure you check your antifreeze and stock up on de-icer for the frosty mornings ahead.

It pays to bear your own driving behaviour in mind as the seasons change, and to adapt your driving to the conditions. Always drive within your own – and your car’s – limits.”

(Via .)

Harvest time is upon us and local drivers, as well as out-of-towners, will be confronted by slippery mud patches on the roads, usually with nothing more than the charmingly rustic home-made sign as a warning.

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has urged drivers to look for other clues to the possibility of mud on the roads, which caused 696 accidents in 2008*. IAM Chief Examiner, Peter Rodger, said:

‘Mud on roads is particularly an issue around harvest time. If you’re driving on a rural road, keep an eye out for indicators such as tractors in the fields, and straw or tractor tyre marks on the roads. Field and farm entrances or farm buildings by the roadside are places where the landscape is giving a clue that there could be a problem. If you do find a small amount of mud, be ready for more, and prepared to find yourself on a very slippery surface. If it rains the result can be a very slippery film of mud spread across the road.

‘If you are amongst other traffic, drop back from the vehicle ahead and allow yourself more time to see the road surface – and keep away from the mud splattered up onto your windscreen at the same time.

‘Mud is an inevitable part of life in the country, and drivers should always expect it to be there. Statistically rural roads are our most dangerous and observation is the key to safe driving. By taking this kind of information on board, and by adjusting your driving accordingly, you can avoid being caught by surprise, and serious accidents due to skidding.’

If you’re planning a long drive, take a quick but thorough look at your tyres.

According to the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), around 10 per cent of cars on the road have at least one tyre with an illegal tread depth. This reduces braking effectiveness, increases risk of collision, and could lead to a hefty fine and points on your licence.

The IAM’s Head of Technical Advice, Tim Shallcross, says: ‘As tyres have only the area of the sole of your shoe in touch with the road at any one time, it’s a safety ‘no-brainer’ to keep them in top condition – extra care is needed in autumn when sudden heavy showers can profoundly affect tyre performance’.

Stopping distances double on wet roads and the risk of a skid can be trebled if the tread depth is only at the legal minimum of 1.6 mm. This risk increases seven-fold when the tread depth is less than 0.5mm. And if you have to brake hard on one of the 10 per cent of road surfaces with below average skid resistance, the skid risk rises by around 50 per cent.

IAM tyre advice

Inspect

* Check the general state of the tyre for cuts, bumps and uneven wear: worn shoulders indicate under- inflation; if worn in the centre indicates over inflation and wear on one side indicates wheel misalignment
* Check the tyre air pressure (an IAM survey found that only 18 per cent of men and 4 per cent of women check tyre pressures weekly)
* Underinflated tyres affect road grip, increase fuel consumption and tyre wear, and in hot weather they’re more likely to suffer a ‘blow out’

Adjust the tyre pressure

* Check that your tyres are correctly inflated (ideally when they’re cold)

Know the law

* The penalty for driving with one illegal tyre is a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence.
* While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, consider replacing the tyres soon after the tread depth reaches 3mm, and always replace them once the tread is down to 2mm

Fitting new tyres

* When replacing two worn tyres, the new ones should be fitted to the same axle
* Also make sure the tyres are suitable for the vehicle and the wheels they are being fitted to”

(Via .)