Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has called for the issue of deaths of young people in car crashes to be given equal attention to knife crime and drugs in government plans.

The charity reiterated its call for tighter restrictions on young new drivers in response to the government’s research into how the number of serious and fatal crashes can be reduced.

Friday saw IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s biggest road safety charity, make its submission to a road safety inquiry by the House of Commons Transport Committee, which recently launched an investigation into ways of cutting the number of crashes involving those under 25.

In its submission, Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “The risk factors are well known; lack of experience in all traffic conditions including rural roads, darkness and poor weather, distraction by peer passengers or mobile phone use and alcohol. 

“Choosing restrictions to limit these risk factors should be the key objective of the government in creating a new graduated licensing system that is practical, affordable and effective in reducing young driver road deaths and injuries.”

IAM RoadSmart is calling for a number of measures to be introduced which would tackle this tragic issue and ensure young drivers are less at risk when they take to the road for the first time:

•        Road safety education should be part of the National Curriculum and theory and hazard perception training and testing should take place within the education system

•        IAM RoadSmart supports a 12-month minimum learning period with an online learning log for learner drivers to complete prior to taking the practical test

•        The practical driving test should include driving on high speed and rural roads

•        IAM RoadSmart strongly supports the development of a post-test phase to the licensing system. After passing the practical test, refresher and eco-driving lessons must be taken before full license status is granted

•        Alongside these interventions IAM RoadSmart supports graduated licence controls in the first months of driving to allow only one peer passenger (but no limit on older passengers) and a zero blood-alcohol limit

•        IAM RoadSmart does not support night-time curfews on young drivers as they reduce opportunities to gain experience, impact on the economy and job prospects and raise problems of enforcement

•        IAM RoadSmart is ready to provide its knowledge and expertise in developing the content of the minimum learning period and post-test interventions

Neil added: “Successive governments have brushed this issue under the carpet which is disgraceful as road crashes are the biggest killer of young people today, yet it gets scant attention in terms of time and effort at the top level of government and in the media compared to knife crime or drugs.

“It is time that the government took this seriously at last and show that it cares for the young people of the UK by supporting fundamental changes to save these valuable young lives.”

ALEIX TWELFTH IN THE SILVERSTONE QUALIFIERS

CHATTERING LIMITS ANDREA, ON THE SIXTH ROW

The first good news for team Aprilia came at the end of FP3, where Aleix Espargaró was sent straight through to the Q2 session. The Spanish rider therefore took advantage of FP4 to work on race strategy, trying various tyre options and assessing the ideal setup. Aleix finished qualifying with a time of 1'59.620, which puts him in twelfth place.

Andrea struggled in today’s sessions with some nasty chattering which limited his efforts in finding the best performance. His time of 2'00.240 places him in the second spot of the sixth row on the grid. In anticipation of the race, Andrea and his team will analyse their options to attenuate the problem with vibrations and increase the feeling.

ALEIX ESPARGARO'
"I am having a lot of fun riding the bike and that is a positive aspect. I think that the new asphalt is helping. We have not had any problems caused by vibrations. The layout, with not too many spots where we need to accelerate from low speed, also suits the RS-GP well. I am pleased with this Saturday, but the top-ranking riders were really fast. It will not be easy to stay in the group during the race, but that is my goal."

ANDREA IANNONE
"In terms of tyre selection and race configuration, we have rather clear ideas. Unfortunately, we still have the chattering problem which really limited me. We’ll see if the guys are able to find some solution that will allow me to gain confidence and close the gap, even compared to Aleix. It will not be simple, but we’ll hang in there and try to improve constantly."

Following the refurbishment of its MICE facilities and re-opening its conference and event space for corporate hire, the British Motor Museum has appointed two new Senior Sales Managers to strengthen the Conference & Bookings Team.  Charlotte Dawes and Toby Batchelor will be responsible for generating new business and re-connecting with past customers and agencies.

Charlotte has worked both agency and venue side and has extensive knowledge of both. She previously worked as Business Development Manager at The Manufacturing Technology Centre and prior to that worked at the NAEC Stoneleigh focusing on exhibitions and outdoor events. 

Toby has spent the last six years in the direct mail industry in Business Development and latterly in the role of Managing Director. Prior to that, he had 10 years of advertising sales experience with Trinity Mirror, now part of Reach Plc.

Charlotte said, “I am looking forward to spreading the word that the British Motor Museum has re-launched its MICE business and helping our clients create amazing events. There is so much potential at the Museum with great road access, free parking, excellent branding opportunities and for those looking for that special experience, the chance to dine in the Museum amongst the classic British cars”.

Toby said “My role will give me the opportunity to leverage all that I have learnt from advertising and marketing and apply it to the vibrant conference and events sector. I’m keen to work with our clients to ensure that their objectives are met and that their delegates and guests have a memorable experience.  The fact that the events and conference revenue helps to preserve our automotive history is also a great plus”.

The venues recent refurbishment included its new look, re-named roof top rooms, ‘Sky Suite’ for up to 200 theatre-style and 240 for dining.  The suite features stunning panoramic views over the Warwickshire countryside as well as a private roof-terrace to further enhance event options.   The ‘Conference & Exhibition Suite’, seats up to 600 theatre style, and the ‘Lecture Suite’, seats up to 150 theatre style and all have been refurbished.  Additional doors have been installed into the Lecture Suite to provide a second suite with vehicular access. The venues flexible room arrangements offer 2,000 sqm of internal exhibition space which includes a 680 sqm Exhibition Gallery, with an additional 20 rooms for smaller meetings seating up to 50 delegates.

Set in 65 acres, the impressive external event space is licensed for up to 5,000 visitors making the British Motor Museum a unique environment for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, events and product launches.

To find out more about venue hire and conferencing please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/venue-hire. For more information or  to make an enquiry contact the Bookings Team on  01926 649649 or email [email protected]

Abigail Winter and Shirley Douglas at the Co Armagh Ride for the Wall run, September '18

but enforcement will be near impossible without new tech and more police.

IAM RoadSmart says it’s time to bust the myth of multi-tasking behind the wheel, to ensure drivers are fully aware of how dangerous a hands-free mobile phone can be.

With the report Road Safety: Driving While Using a Mobile Phone issued today (13 August) stating that “using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, with potentially catastrophic consequences,” IAM RoadSmart says there needs to be much stricter controls on the use of hands-free mobile phones in cars – and they remain a major distraction to the task of driving.

However, the charity said that it cannot see how any ban can be enforced, with a lack of police numbers meaning drivers feel they won’t get caught.

Today saw the House of Commons Transport Committee issue its report on the use of hands-free mobile phones with MPs calling for tougher restrictions, enforcement and education on the issue.

Official statistics show that in 2017 there were 773 casualties; including 43 deaths and 135 serious injuries, in collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was a contributory factor.

The figures show that the number of people killed or seriously injured has risen steadily since 2011, however alarmingly the rate of enforcement has dropped by more than two-thirds since then.

Two years ago, motorists caught using a hand-held phone have faced a punishment of six points on their licence and a £200 fine – a doubling of the previous penalty.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “IAM RoadSmart strongly welcomed the House of Commons Transport Committee report as it fully confirms what we have known for some time – multi tasking is a myth and any form of smartphone use at the wheel is distracting.

“Clarifying the law so that any use of a phone that involves holding it or placing in the driver’s lap is made illegal should be a top government priority. It doesn’t matter if it’s for music selection or social media updates, it all increases risk behind the wheel particularly for new drivers.

“New laws and tougher penalties are welcome but will only work if the fear of being caught is increased. This can be done through more high-profile policing but could also given an immediate boost by issuing clear guidelines for the use of mobile speed cameras to prosecute any driver they spot with a phone to their ear. 

“The final piece in the jigsaw for IAM RoadSmart would be a revamping of the mobile phone awareness course with every first offender being sent on one to see and feel the real impact of their behaviour.”

He added: “Technology is changing however, and with the introduction of call blocking while in motion and other such measures, we would support the legislative change to ban hands-free to match hand-held.”

IAM RoadSmart also called for the greater use of education campaigns to ensure drivers are aware of the risks of a hands-free call.