Are You Sitting Comfortably?

With many drivers taking to the road this weekend for the May Bank Holiday, we offer welcome advice from IAM Roadsmart on avoiding muscle aches. 

We don't always think about our posture while driving despite spending many hours at the wheel. 
Here are some driving tips from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman.

 

Be mindful of your posture

As a driver it’s important to avoid positions that can cause muscle ache. Before you move off, try adjusting your car seat to a secure position that allows you to stay alert and maintain good visibility.
An incorrect seat position will not only be uncomfortable but may affect your ability to operate the vehicle controls.

Sometimes a nibble goes a long way

Pull over and have something to eat, but try and make sure that your snacks aren’t too sugar loaded – you may experience an energy crash later on.
Stay nourished and hydrated – your brain needs food to maintain concentration.

Wear the right attire

Avoid uncomfortable footwear that provides little sole support, such as high heels and especially flip flops.
In an event where you may need to brake firmly, the support of the soles of your shoes always helps.

Travel safe

It’s always a good idea to take out travel insurance so that you're covered in the event of an accident or emergency.

The Good Garage Scheme reminds motorists to have their cars checked at a local Good Garage Scheme member garage prior to a long journey for peace of mind.  Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com to find one local to you and ask for a Holiday Check.

Get the games out!

Journeys do not always have to be dull and repetitive. Plan ahead and get some fun games organised for the younger ones on board. This will make the journey feel miles faster and smoother, allowing you to concentrate on your driving.

Richard Gladman is IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards.

IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit www.IamRoadSmart.com


 

Is your car ready for Holiday Season?

Spring has officially sprung and the holiday season is just around the corner. Whether you are planning a getaway for Easter, hoping to take advantage of the Bank Holiday weekends or have booked your May half term break, don’t forget to get your car checked before you go.

From 1st April our Holiday Check will be available at participating Good Garage Scheme garages. This seasonal check will ensure your car is in good working condition ready for the holiday season ahead.

Participating garages will check that your tyres, wheels and suspension have not become damaged by harsh winter driving conditions. They will also ensure that engine oil and coolant levels are adequately topped up and check that the air conditioning, lights and power steering are operating efficiently, so you can drive safely and comfortably.

To find a local garage taking part in the Holiday Check programme, please visit our website (please add a link to the holiday check page) and enter your postcode in the box provided.

In a recent survey by Hatchbag, it was revealed that 46% of people are planning to enjoy a staycation this year. If you’re holidaying at home, chances are you may be towing a caravan, trailer or perhaps installing a roofbox to carry your essentials. All of these can put an extra strain on your vehicle, so checking everything in is good working order now will give you peace of mind ahead of your getaway.


For a full list of everything that is covered in the Holiday Check or to find out more about the garages in your area offering this service please visit our website. 

It's like having a friend in the know!

Don't suffer from Bank Holiday Blues

If you plan to drive this bank holiday weekend, the Good Garage Scheme recommends you carry out a few simple safety checks on your vehicle before setting off.

• Make sure you have enough fuel
• Check the oil
• Check your lights
• Check your coolant level 
• Check your windscreen wash and refill if necessary
• Make sure your windscreen is clean and clear
• Check your tyres

If you are in doubt about how to check any of the above, or if something seems worryingly low, simply contact your local Good Garage Scheme member garage and ask if they could check it for you.

As well as making all of the necessary checks, don't forget to download the free Good Garage Scheme app before you set off. If you have any motoring worries while you are travelling or visiting family and friends away from home, you can locate a reliable garage using the app no matter where you are.

Over 13,500 motorists have already downloaded the app and The Sunday Times listed it as one of the Top 500 Apps in their App List two years in a row.

Here are some of the comments received from those who have already downloaded the App:


"Can't believe it's free!"

"A genuinely useful app, simple to use and the kind of app that gets you out of a hole when you need it."

"Very helpful"

"It’s a great application I found especially when you are on the move and you don’t know where you can get your car fixed. It’s so easy to use. I don’t remember if I have found something as useful as this recently."

‘This is a very useful App especially when you’re on the road a lot, off on holiday around the UK or just on the move’