Driving Home for Christmas?

Most of us will travel at some stage over next week. Sharing the road with what can feel like the entire population can be stressful.

image courtesy of IAM Roadsmart

This week’s tips from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, give advice on driving home for Christmas…

• Try and avoid setting off at peak times which includes early afternoon on Christmas Eve as this is when many motorists will start their journey. With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, you might be able to travel on a different day. Don’t forget to check for weather or traffic-related updates so you can allow more time to travel.
• If you’re travelling a long distance then take into consideration that the weather in one region may not be the same as another. So plan for the whole length of your journey and take note of what the weather is like closer to your destination.
• Before you set off, make sure your friends and family know where you are going and your expected time of arrival. Try to be as realistic as possible so they are not worrying about you if you get a little late, and always ensure you have enough fuel as some garages can close early.
• Packing the car can leave you fraught. Make a check list of everything you need and try to ensure there are no loose parcels that could turn into missiles in the event of having to brake in an emergency.
• Family pets pick up on the excitement of Christmas; remember they need seatbelts or a method of restraint too. Keep them away from where you pack the chocolate and mince pies as both are really bad for dogs and you don’t want to start Christmas with a large vet bill.
• Make sure you take regular rest breaks but avoid leaving valuable gifts on show by locking them away out of sight in the boot.
• If you’re too tired to drive then delay your journey. And if you begin to feel tired on your journey, then take a rest break. A coffee and a 20 minute stop are the bare minimum to help you stay alert. In any case, your journey should be planned with breaks every 2 hours. 

Richard said: “Careful planning and preparation can ensure your Christmas drive home is a safe and smooth one. So long as you give yourself extra time at this busy time of year, your journey home doesn’t need to be as arduous.

“We all look forward to spending the festive season with loved ones so let’s all do our bit to make it a safe one for the road. From all here at IAM RoadSmart, here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Everyone at the Good Garage Scheme sends the same wishes and thanks IAM Roadsmart for this useful advice. Don't forget to download the GoodGarageScheme App before you set off on your Christmas journey so that you can always find a garage you can trust.

New Driving Test Takes Effect Today

Britain’s biggest independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart says the new look driving test, which it helped to design and evaluate, will deliver ‘big safety benefits and save lives by including more real life situations and introducing new drivers to the latest technology.

photo courtesy of IAMRoadSmart December 2017

The plans were announced by the Government on 30 December last year and will take effect from today (4 December). The new format was test driven by thousands of learners before its final implementation. Those who had taken the new test were more confident and crucially, for IAM RoadSmart, had undertaken slightly more driving on country roads and dual carriageways.

It is well known that learners who practice more in a wider range of traffic situations make safer drivers in the long run.

The changes include the following:

• Independent driving part of the test will increase from 10 to 20 minutes
• Following directions from a sat-nav
• Reversing manoeuvres will be changed (reverse around a corner and the three point turn will no longer be tested), but drivers will be asked to do one of three possible reversing manoeuvres instead including parking in a bay
• Demonstrating vehicle safety knowledge while  driving

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “Experts from IAM RoadSmart have helped to design and evaluate the new elements of the test, and we are very excited about the road safety benefits it could deliver.

“Our key aim was to ensure the test reflects the real world as much as possible and also encourage learners to gain experience in as wide a range of traffic situations as possible. By doubling the independent driving element of the test and introducing a sat-nav for an unknown route, new drivers will have to practice more.

“A common criticism of the old test was that it always used the same well-known routes which Learner drivers could learn by rote! The new reversing manoeuvres replace the three-point turn, which no one ever used, and dealing with a bay is much more like everyday parking.

“Finally, asking questions whilst driving can help the learner to multi-task and deal with passengers. New drivers with relevant skills and more experience can only be good news for road safety.”

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com


The Good Garage Scheme supports the work of IAM RoadSmart and thanks them for contributing this week's blog.

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21st Century Winter Car Advice from IAM

Photo courtesy of IAM Roadsmart

Modern cars need a different kind of attention to make sure they are ready for safe winter motoring. The Good Garage Scheme shares some sound advice from Tim Shallcross, IAM RoadSmart head of technical policy.

Washers

Yes, fill the washer reservoir with washer fluid and check the spray nozzles are clear, but don’t forget the headlamp washers. 

If your car has Xenon lights (also called HID), there will be high pressure washers, usually under a flap in the front bumper. These must be working, otherwise you risk dazzling other motorists when the lens gets dirty. 

To check them turn on the headlamps, operate the windscreen washers and get a friend to watch the lights or look for the spray which you’ll see over the front of the bonnet.

Light level switch

Talking of dazzling other drivers, if you don’t have Xenon lamps, you will probably have a headlamp level switch, usually numbered 0 to 4. 

You’re supposed to turn the switch according to how the car is loaded. Many of the complaints about dazzling headlights are because people forget to adjust the level. 0 is usually just the driver and no luggage, 4 is for a full load, but check the handbook for your car.

Leaves 

Leaves never used to hurt a car but they can now! Lift the bonnet, look in the engine bay around the area of the bonnet hinges. You’ll see a chamber on each side that collects water as it drains from the windscreen. These chambers have drain holes in the bottom to keep them dry, but leaves can block the drains. 

If water stays in the chambers, it can leak into the car, often soaking sensitive electronic bits, leading to very expensive repairs. Get any leaves or other debris out of the chambers and if water is present, root around until you find the drain holes and unblock them.

Steamy windows Get some soapy water and kitchen roll or a clean microfibre cloth and clean the insides  of all the windows. Getting them squeaky clean will dramatically reduce the glare from the low autumn sun on morning and evening drives and it will make the windows much less likely to mist up in damp weather. It also means you’ll waste less fuel because you won’t need to turn on heated windows and air conditioning in a bid to clear them.

Cabin air filter Today’s cars have a filter for the air entering the car through the heater. Often called the pollen filter, it can often get overlooked at a service and if it’s full of dirt, your heater will be much less efficient. 

Worse still, if it’s wet – which can happen if you don’t clear those leaves out of the chambers– your windows will constantly mist up as the heater pumps damp air into them. 

Changing the filter is usually a simple DIY job - look in the owner’s handbook – and the filters are quite cheap and widely available online.

If you are unsure about maintaining any of the above, don't risk it and hope for the best. Visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member for a some help and advice.

  To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

Drivers Support Diesel Scrappage Scheme

- But drivers say government and car makers can deliver cleaner air together 

Photo courtesy of IAM RoadSmart July2017

Around two thirds of UK road users would support a scrappage scheme for older diesel cars, vans and lorries in an effort to get the worst polluting vehicles off our roads, according to a survey by IAM RoadSmart.

The survey, by the UK’s biggest independent road safety charity, asked respondents to rate the various options put forward in the government’s recent nitrogen dioxide consultation but found that only 3% of respondents are confident that the proposed measures solve the problem quickly.

More than 1,400 people across the UK including members and non-members took part in the survey, which was conducted in June.

Some 64% of those surveyed said they supported a diesel scrappage scheme, compared to 27% who did not. Most wanted any scheme to apply to cars over eight years old.

Some 83% of those surveyed by IAM RoadSmart agreed with the government’s view retro-fitting buses, coaches, HGVs, vans and black cabs with new equipment should be the priority.

However those surveyed felt the driver as an individual also has a responsibility to drive in a more eco-friendly manner. Some 75% agreed that encouraging drivers to change their driving behaviour should play a part in the government’s approach to tackling air quality.

UK drivers appear to have been influenced by the ‘dieselgate’ scandal as 67% of them either mistrust or strongly mistrust car makers to sell cars that will match consumer expectations for environmental performance.

Sarah Sillars, IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is clear to me that the public at large feel the government needs to be decisive and proactive when it comes to making our air quality better. They see strong government direction as key to making sure it happens.

“We must not forget that drivers themselves have a part to play in the way they drive – it is within the power of each of us to become better and more eco-friendly driver and our responsibility to do so.”
She added: “It is however clear that the car manufacturers have some way to go to rebuild trust with the public - it would seem that only when their environmental claims more closely match real world performance that the trust will be on the increase. Reputations take years to build and moments to fall.” 

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://wwwiamroadsmart.com/local-groups

Visit your local Good Garage Scheme member to ensure your diesel vehicle is running well. 

Clean Engines Perform Better !

www.GoodGarageScheme.com - It's like having a friend in the know!

 

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. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

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


 

Think! Before Using Your Phone at the Wheel

photo courtesy of IAM RoadSmart

Using a hand-held mobile phone while on the move is a fatal distraction – that’s the view of leading independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, and as of 1st March, drivers will be fined £200 and
receive six points on their licence – double the existing penalty.

Motorists caught using their mobile twice or accruing 12 points on their licence will face magistrates’ court, being disqualified with fines of up to £1,000.

New drivers, within two years of passing their test, risk having their licence revoked and lorry or bus drivers can be suspended if caught.

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.

“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."

Put your phone away before driving so you won’t be tempted to use it. Make the glove compartment the phone compartment.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and
 services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

Driving on ICE

Despite an unseasonable start to the year in most parts of the UK, temperatures are predicted to drop in many places.

Icy roads are always a danger during the winter months, especially as it is sometimes a hidden danger in fog or darkness.

This week’s tips give advice on how to deal with driving on ice, from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

• Only drive if it is really necessary. In very bad weather it is better to stay in or take public transport rather than risk an accident. Always check the weather and road conditions on your route before setting off
• Make sure you know how the demister settings on your car work and how to adjust them properly
• Never pour hot water on the windscreen as the sudden temperature change may cause cracks. Prevention is better than cure, so if possible cover the glass overnight with cardboard or an old sheet to prevent freezing, or invest in a windscreen cover. Adding boiling water or heating up a key can melt plastic components in modern car locks so be gentle when it comes to warming them up or use a squirt of de-icer
• If you haven’t done so already, get an antifreeze check at your local garage or fast-fit centre. Keep your washer bottle topped up with an even stronger concentration of de-icer
• It might sound like old advice, but you need to triple or quadruple the distance from other cars in front of you in icy conditions. If a car has to stop suddenly or  an accident occurs, you will need that extra time to react and stop

Richard said: “As ever preparation and planning are the key to worry-free driving when the mercury plummets. Plan your route carefully as major routes are likely to be treated with salt and less likely to be icy although this might still form in dips and on bridges. Leave more time for your journey. Respect the conditions and don’t expect your journey to take the same amount of time as normal. Factor in delays and give yourself plenty of time to clear the ice properly from all the windows of your car. A crystal clear view will give you the best chance of surviving the arctic blast.”

The Good Garage Scheme would like to to thank IAM RoadSmart for this week's reminder on safe driving in the winter.

For a Winter Check on your vehicle, visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage here.

Don't be Dazzled by the Winter Sun

While any amount of sunshine is welcomed at this time of year, the glaring low winter sun is taking no prisoners.  In 2015 dazzling sun was a factor in over 2,500 crashes including 17 fatalities.  Even though we have many tools that aid in protecting us from the glare, we often forget to use them.

This week’s tips from from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, offers good advice on how to stay safe on the road with the glare of the sun on rampage...

Keep your windscreen clean both inside and out. Dirt or salt residue will magnify the effect of the sun.

Regularly check for chips or cracks on the outside of the windscreen. Replace worn wiper blades and make sure your washer bottle is kept well topped up with good quality screen fluid strong enough to avoid freezing.

Keep a cloth or chamois to wipe away the dirty film that builds up on the inside due to screen heating and condensation.

Use your sun visor. It may sound pretty standard but a surprising number of people forget.

Invest in polarized sunglasses and remember to take a rest. Your eyes will strain quickly if you are squinting.

Slow down and leave extra space between you and the driver ahead if you are dazzled. This will give you more time to regain full control and assess the situation. 

 

Richard said: “Low winter sun may not deliver a useful tan, but a clear view of the road ahead is vital if you are going to get through the winter as safely.”


To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website

Wild with Fireworks

The Good Garage Scheme shares this week's tips from IAM Roadsmart's head of driving, Richard Gladman ahead of this weekend's bonfire celebrations.

• Dress for the weather but avoid wearing welly boots for driving
• Have a designated driver if you are planning on drinking
• If travelling together with a noisy group, ensure you are able to maintain concentration
• Protect pets and never leave them in a car near a fireworks display in case they become agitated
• If travelling with fireworks, keep them in a safe container in the boot removing any temptation for passengers to interfere with them when you are driving

Photo courtesy of IAM RoadSmart

Richard said, "Fireworks can be great fun, but they can also bring out the wild side in some people. Keep alert and watch out for unusual behaviour such as kids throwing fireworks into traffic. A bit of planning and a lot of common sense will go a long way into making sure your night goes with a bang and isn’t just a damp squib.”


For more information on IAM RoadSmart, visit the website.

Mary Berry is RoadSmart

Photo courtesy of IAM - by Richard Daniels of Ardquoy

Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry certainly knows her way around the kitchen but also knows a thing or two about safe driving.

Mary recently completed IAM RoadSmart’s Mature Driver Assessment and was presented with a certificate by IAM RoadSmart chief executive officer Sarah Sillars.

Mary has been an IAM RoadSmart member since the 1950’s, when she took an early version of the current Advanced Driver Course.


Sarah said: “Mature drivers are statistically one of the safest age groups, but age-related changes can knock confidence. The assessment aims to give a mature driver the reassurance to continue driving happily into the future, while also ironing out any problem areas the assessor might spot.”

For those who remember the nerves of taking the driving test many years ago, there is no need to worry as the assessment is purely advisory and does not delivery a pass or fail at the end.

For more information about IAM RoadSmart’s Mature Driver Assessment, which costs just £49, click here. 

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank IAM RoadSmart for supplying this week's blog and encourages all mature drivers to sign up for the assessment.

Even F1 Drivers Can Be Distracted

 

IAM RoadSmart has taken the wraps off its latest video advising of the consequences of drivers getting distracted behind the wheel of a car.

The light hearted video stars former McLaren Formula 1 test driver and current Aston Martin GT racer Darren Turner, and shows him at the wheel of a racing simulator trying not to get distracted by a small child, a dog and a ringing mobile phone as he tackles a challenging race circuit.

IAM RoadSmart's video highlights an issue which is proving to be an increasing problem.

The new video aims to highlight a serious issue but present it in an amusing way, showing that even a professional racing driver could lose concentration and potentially have a crash.

Darren said: "I thought it would be easy to ignore a child or a barking dog, and easily be able to take a phone call and keep driving safely. But this isn't the case. Losing concentration for even two seconds could lead to pretty serious consequences."

If a professional driver can have their attention diverted, anyone can.

Figures from the Department for Transport in 2013 found 2,995 cases where distraction in the vehicle was listed as a contributory factor to accidents.

The most recent Department of Transport study shows 1.6% of  drivers in England and Scotland were observed using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving.

IAM RoadSmart surveyed 1,500 drivers with one in ten admitting to causing a crash because they were distracted.

The survey found the most common distractions were:

• Children in the car
• Changing the radio channel
• Back seat drivers
• Mobile phone use
• Satellite-navigation system
• Attractive pedestrians, drivers or passengers 

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, added: "No matter how good a driver you are, it is very easy to have your focus shifted away from the job in hand.

"We all have things on our mind, places to go and things to do. ­ It's only human. But it is so important to realise driving is a full-time task and not one to be combined with other things. 

Multi-tasking is expected in many walks of life, but it simply doesn¹t apply on the road ­ no one can do two things at once if one of them is driving.

Book an Advanced Driving Course with a discount and chance to win simulator time at Base Performance Simulators.

To book an Advanced Driving Course, normally £149, with the 10% discount call 0300 303 1134 quoting reference RACE10.

The 10% discount applies to IAM RoadSmart's Advanced Driver Course only booked by 31 August by phone.

All those booking on this course during this period will be entered into a free prize draw to win one hour of simulator time for themselves and a guest at Base Performance Simulators in Banbury. Date of session is subject to availability.

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. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK¹s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart¹s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank IAM RoadSmart for this week's guest blog and encourage motorists to find out more about the Advanced Driver Course.

Hayfever? Some Advice for Drivers from IAM RoadSmart

A runny nose, headache and constant sneezing – these are just a few of the symptoms hay fever sufferers deal with during the summer. These symptoms can affect motorists in a number of ways.

Here’s some advice from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, about what you can do to better cope with it before taking to the road.

• Try to minimise the effects by ensuring your car is clean and dust free and that you operate the air conditioning or ventilation to your advantage, making use of air recirculation where possible.

• For anyone who hasn’t been diagnosed with hay fever and is feeling under the weather, avoid driving or riding and arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. What you might think is just a slight cold can become a major distraction – so get it checked before it gets worse.

• While over-the-counter medicines will help with a runny nose and sneezing symptoms, a lot of these tend to contain codeine, which can blur vision and make you feel drowsy – check with your GP what the best course of action is.

• Your GP may advise you to take anti-histamines to control the symptoms, but make sure you take the non-drowsy ones. If you’re unsure, read the leaflet or speak to your pharmacy for more advice.

• If you need to get somewhere but don’t feel well enough to drive or ride, then see if someone you know can take you and drop you back. Whatever you do don’t take yourself - you may just end up sneezing and travelling up to 50ft with your eyes closed and losing control of your vehicle!


Richard said: “If you are stopped by the police after taking a hay fever remedy and driving whilst impaired you could find yourself falling foul of drug driving regulations.

“Be sure to check the medication thoroughly and see if it is suitable. But most importantly, concentrate on your route to recovery so you can get back onto the road sooner rather than later.” 




For more information, please check the link on the GOV website.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank IAM Roadsmart for this useful information.
Visit IAM Roadsmart website for more advice.