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.’
Continue Reading

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.
Continue Reading

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:
Continue Reading

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’.
Continue Reading