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


 

Top 10 Driving Distractions

In keeping with our tenth anniversary year, we thought we’d share a list of the most common driving distractions to remind you to stay safe on the roads.

1. Eating and Drinking – If you eat your breakfast on the way to work it is likely you won’t be giving the road your full attention

2. Listening to music – it is not so much the listening that can distract you, but the changing of radio stations or flicking through your playlist.

3. Using your phone – we all know that phones and driving don’t mix, but did you know that texting drivers are 23 times more likely to crash than those paying full attention to the road

4. Viewing an incident – most of us would admit to slowing down to view an incident on the road involving other motorists, but in doing so we are actually putting ourselves and others at risk of an accident on the road ahead

5. Dozing off – tiredness can be one of the worst driving distractions with around 5% of motorists actually admitting to nodding off whilst behind the wheel.

6. Other occupants – if you have ever driven anywhere with children you will realise how easy it is to become distracted by their arguments when you should be concentrating on the road

7. Pets – almost a quarter of UK households own a dog, and often these pets need to be transported to the vets, kennels, dog day care or just out with the family for the day. Barking or movement from the back seat or boot can be distracting when driving. We reveal how even F1 drivers can become distracted by children and pets!

8. Applying make-up – using your mirrors to check the application of mascara or lipstick is not the best way to stay alert when driving.

9. Adjusting devices or controls within the vehicle – just as changing the radio station can be distracting, so too can adjusting your climate control, altering your mirrors or moving your seat forwards or backwards.

10. Smoking – it is not just lighting a cigarette that takes your attention away from the road but also distinguishing one.

Even worrying about your vehicle can be a distraction, so remember to maintain regular servicing to give you one less thing to worry about.

Use our Good Garage Scheme website to find a trustworthy garage in your area.

Accidents Happen - What Should You Do?

The reality is nobody wants to think about having a car accident. It’s not a nice thought, but it’s important to be prepared in case you are involved in one. In moments of panic, it’s quite easy to get caught up in a state. But knowing what you must do and taking simple precautions can make things easier afterwards.

If you do find yourself in this position, think about the following:

The initial feeling after an accident can leave you feeling in a state of panic and worry. Make sure you take a couple of minutes to gather your thoughts before you begin to deal with exchanging insurance details.

Remain safe and keep as calm as possible

Stop where it is safe if you have the option and check that any other passengers involved are safe and well too. 

If appropriate, turn the engine off and put your hazard lights on.

Exchange details

You will need to swap some details with the other driver(s), especially if someone is injured. Sometimes this isn’t possible because of an injury or because they drive off. If you don’t swap the details, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours.

When exchanging details give your name, address, and registration number and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle. You should also get these details from the other driver(s).

Notify your insurers

Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as you can.

Obtain evidence

Get any witness contact details and take photos of the scene and vehicle damage. This may come in use later on when dealing with your insurers.

Make sure you note carefully how many people are in the other vehicle(s) involved.

Thanks to the IAM for the guest blog this week.

For peace of mind download the free Good Garage Scheme app. You can be sure to locate a garage you can trust no matter where an accident occurs.