Category: IAM RoadSmart

1. Fear of mobile phone usage while driving increases in minds of UK drivers IAM RoadSmart survey finds

   Posted on 10:50am Friday 25th Nov 2016

   Over 86% of UK motorists think distraction caused by mobile phones has become worse in the last three years.  In second place was congestion at 81% reflecting the increasing number of vehicles on our roads as the recession ends.  These worrying figures come from the second Safety Culture Survey commissioned by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.

   Of the 2,000 UK drivers surveyed, nearly three quarters believed aggressive driving (72%) had worsened over the last three years, with more than 60% reporting the same for drug-driving.

   IAM RoadSmart’s Safety Culture Survey was produced for the first time last year, and looks at UK motorists’ safety attitudes and behaviour and has just been updated for 2016.

   The survey asked about the potential car driving problems faced by motorists now compared to three years ago,  perceived threats to personal safety whilst driving, support for potential new regulations  and many other aspects of motoring life in the 2010’s.

   Huge numbers of UK drivers believe the dangers of mobile phones and technology are bigger threats than any other factor on the roads.

   Some 94% saw drivers checking or updating social media as a threat to their personal safety, while 93% said that was the case for drivers text messaging or e-mailing, and for 91% it was the case for drivers talking on mobile phones.

   This was higher than the perceived threat from drink and drug driving. Some 89% of those surveyed felt people driving after drinking alcohol was a threat to their safety compared to 88% who felt that about those who took illegal drugs and then drove.

   And those surveyed thought the problems were caused by others; 91% said they had never used the internet whilst driving in the past 30 days, 88% had not sent a text or email whilst driving, 82% had not read a text message or email whilst driving and 79% had not talked on a mobile phone.

   There is also huge approval for stricter measures to prevent and reduce drivers using mobile technology in cars.

   Some 97% of those surveyed strongly supported a law outlawing reading, typing, or sending a text message or email while driving; 86% strongly supported the regulation of in car technology to minimise the distraction to drivers and 67% strongly supported a law prohibiting the use of any type of mobile phone while driving, hand-held or hands-free.

   And nearly two-thirds (65%) agreed that all drivers be encouraged to improve their driving skills by taking advanced driving tuition and passing an advanced driving test.

   Sarah Sillars, IAM RoadSmart chief executive officer, said: “The worries and concerns of Britain’s 32 million drivers should be listened to.  Whilst we can all take more responsibility for our actions it is clear that distraction and congestion are the two biggest bug bears for drivers today. 

   “New road building and smart motorways will help with congestion but our survey has shown that UK motorists have real concerns about the way mobile phone technology could be a threat to their safety. More than 90% say checking social media, texting and talking on mobile phones whilst driving scares them – these are figures that cannot be ignored.

    “It is important that Government, road safety bodies and car makers work together to allay the fear caused by distracted drivers. Recent tragic high profile cases - underline the need for a combination of education, safe design and enforcement to make sure that the high-tech benefits of our modern cars do not prove a threat to safety of all road users.”

2. Higher penalties for hand-held mobile phone drivers welcomed by IAM RoadSmart – but more action needed

   Posted on 11:00am Tuesday 8th Nov 2016

   IAM RoadSmart has welcomed an increase in the punishment for drivers caught using a held-held mobile phone whilst driving – saying drivers need to learn that their actions could kill.

   This morning (8 November) the Government announced that anyone caught using a hand-held mobile phone while at the wheel of a car would be fined £200 and receive six points on the licence – a doubling of the existing penalty.

   The issue was brought into sharp focus last week when lorry driver Tomasz Kroker was jailed for 10 years when he killed a family of four in a crash caused by him being distracted by his mobile phone.

   Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, said: “Addressing the growing problem of smartphone use whilst driving will require a combination of enforcement and education as well as drivers, passengers, companies and individuals taking more responsibility. 

   “IAM RoadSmart is disappointed that the government did not support our calls for first time offenders to be sent automatically on a re-education course specifically tailored to mobile phone use and breaking our apparent addiction to being constantly connected.  We also want to see car companies, mobile phone makers and social media providers working together to develop technical solutions to hand held mobile phone use in vehicles.”

   Neil added: “It is essential that drivers get the clear message that if you are on the phone and have a fatal crash you can expect to go to prison for a long time.  There is a lot of support among the driving public for stronger penalties and more enforcement focus on mobile phones, but also a feeling that this is not always reflected in sentencing. 

   “The Home Office must also review it’s policing priorities to ensure they reflect the risks that new technology can bring on the road.”

3. IAM RoadSmart roars back to “Motorcycle Live”

   Posted on 9:00am Monday 3rd Oct 2016

   Leading independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has announced today it will be returning to the MCIA’s Motorcycle Live in November for the first time in five years.
   
   The show is the UK’s biggest motorcycle event all year, and is billed as a fun-packed family day out with opportunities not only to see the best the bike world has to offer but a chance to meet the stars, and for kids and adults to experience riding for themselves on a special indoor course. Until this year the charity was known as the Institute of Advanced Motorists, but in its 60th anniversary year has become IAM RoadSmart as it looks to attract new drivers and riders to the world of enjoyable and safe driving and riding.
   
   IAM RoadSmart introduced the advanced motorcycle test in 1976. Since its establishment in 1956 more than half-a-million people have taken either the advanced driving of riding course. 
   
   Sarah Sillars, IAM RoadSmart chief executive officer, said: “We are very much looking forward to being at Motorcycle Live – it is a colourful and vibrant show and represents everything that is fantastic in the world of motorbikes. It’s a good fun day out – take the family.

   “We are keen to show that you can ride safely and have fun at the same time. Learning those amazing road skills and showing you have the ability to handle any situation is a very satisfying thing, and we want to empower bikers in this way.”

   Motorcycle Live takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 19-27 November. IAM RoadSmart will be in Hall 2 Stand 2C44.
   
   For more information visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk - come along and say hello.

4. Rain rain go away! Driving Advice from IAM RoadSmart on driving safely in the wet

   Posted on 11:00am Friday 16th Sep 2016

   With torrential downpours this morning, here are some tips from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman about how you can stay safe when travelling in wet weather.

   • Be sure to check your local weather forecast beforehand so you can plan your journey accordingly. If you have no choice but to travel, use main roads where possible which are less likely to get flooded.

   • Don’t forget to check your windscreen wiper blades and lights are working properly. You’ll need to use your dipped headlights if visibility is significantly reduced so give them a check too.

   • On flooded roads, think before driving through deep water, don’t stop in standing water and drive through the highest section of the road slowly. If there is any doubt don’t enter it. Once you have managed to drive through check your brakes and dry them out as quickly as possible – a light touch of the brakes whilst still moving should do the trick.

   • Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.

   • Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.

   Richard said: “If your tyres begin to lose traction, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking and allow the speed to naturally decrease until you have full control of your car again.

   “Driving in wet weather can be challenging, and with delays and increased concentration needed it can be more tiring too. By allowing increased time to stop and extending your following distance you can remain safe.”

5. IAM RoadSmart stages its first ever female-only bike skills day next month‏

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 3rd Sep 2016

   IAM RoadSmart is staging its first ever riding skills day for female bikers only, focusing on handling, skills development and getting the most from their riding. The day will focus on individuals’ own development goals and all levels of ability and experience are welcome.

   The women only riding day takes place at Thruxton circuit in Hampshire on 19th September and you don’t need to be an IAM RoadSmart member to take part.

   Amanda Smith, IAM RoadSmart, head of field service delivery, said: “Our members have been asking for a women-only skills day so they could learn skills at their own pace with like-minded follow bikers. We were more than happy to provide this.

   “This day is for all female riders who want to improve their skills whilst also having some fun.”

   Subjects covered on the day will include:

   • Vanishing points, entry, apex and exit points, how they vary from road to circuit, why and how we use them, where we should position for view, progress and safety together with braking

   • Where to brake, when and how much to brake, how it feels in an emergency and finishing on accelerator (throttle) application to set the balance of the bike for controlled smooth cornering

   • Gear selection – how to decide which is the most appropriate gear for the circumstances and control

   • How to use the accelerator/throttle to add stability to the bike when entering corners, blipping or constant accelerator techniques when changing down gears.

   Place on this skills day are £135 each and can be booked by calling 0300 303 1134. Family and friends are also welcome as spectators. Please note this is not a racing day and attendees will be required to bring their own bike to take part.