ADVANCE Autumn 10 by D & G Grp of Adv Motorists & Motorcyclists

D N E

The official magazine of Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

JOHN F. BLACK Tel: 01387 267473

Servicing, Repairs, Welding, Recovery, MOT for cars, motor-homes & commercials

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Group Committee Members for 2009/10 This magazine was published Group President: Tommy Jardine

by the Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists.

Chair, Graeme McColm Chief m/c Obs

01387 720425

Vice Chair

Jamie Wood

01683 300347

Secretary

Helen Cameron

07707 035518

Treasurer

Russell Wears

01387 263893

Minute Sec

Anne Lind

07877 291715

Contact the Group Secretary:

01848 331994

dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk

M/c Coordntr Phil Sayers News Dist.

Christine Donaldson 01576 202805

Events

Stewart Cameron 01387 264005

Committee

Andy Campbell Neil Martyniuk Maureen Hewitt Andrew Bird Sheena Traill Elaine Paterson

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For more details of our activities see our web site at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk

Magazine comments and contributions to: editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor, Group or the To e-mail any member of the committee, please in Institute of Advanced Motorists, the first instance, use the group contact e-mail to which the Group is affiliated. address: dumfries@groups.org.uk Reg Charity No. SC 023511

What’s on? - check for details & late changes at www.iamdumfries.org.uk 13 September - DRIVING & THE LAW with Bob Morison, Procurator Fiscal 11 October - Visit to AMBULANCE STATION .... (to be confirmed - see web site) 8 November - MICHELIN MAN with Duncan Livingstone Meetings to be held at Dalston House Hotel, Dumfries starting at 7:30pm unless otherwise stated.

Monthly events Don’t forget that group meetings are open to all Associates, full Members and those interested in finding out more about advanced skills. Check the group web site for the latest details of the monthly and other events.

About us This magazine, distributed free to Members, is published three times a year. Our Group’s aim is to help drivers and riders improve their skills on the road and so help reduce collisions, injuries and deaths on the roads. We promote IAM ‘Skill for Life’ courses throughout the year. The purpose of this publication is to inform readers about the activities of the Group and to stimulate thought about safe driving and riding issues. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

The Chairman’s comments - Graeme McColm Welcome to the Autumn edition of Advance Magazine. Well despite the weather it’s been a busy summer with plenty of activities. We have had our gazebo out and about at a variety of locations trying to attract both drivers and bikers. Hopefully you may have seen us at one of the local Tesco stores, at Gretna Gateway, at the re-opening of Scotspeed or one of the annual shows in the region. By the end of the summer we will have promoted the Group in Dumfries, Gretna, Castle Douglas, Moffat and Sanquhar - my thanks go to all those who have taken the time and trouble to help out at these events - it is greatly appreciated. This year we have also been trying to promote the IAM and raise our profile in the region through local newspapers and advertising on WestSound. We have been proud to be associated with Bikesafe presentations run by Dumfries and Galloway Police although it looks like these events will finish in our region after the next one due in September this year. These events have always been a good way of meeting potential Associates so your Committee will be considering if and how we can plug the gap which will be left when these events cease to run. The Group continue, to be involved with Promoting the cause at Gretna the Procurator Fiscal’s office and the Dumfries & Galloway Road Safety Partnership by carrying out Drive and Ride checks. My thanks go to our Observers, who carry out these checks on those young drivers/riders who have come to the attention of the police, usually through some sort of inappropriate driving or riding. The new syllabus for the coming group year has not been fully finalised yet. Inevitably, at this stage, some of the proposed events are provisional so please remember to check the group web site for up to date details of events.

Scotspeed offer IAM Members 10% discount at their S C O T S P E E D Dumfries shop. This offer does not apply to sale items, special offers, workshop servicing or bike sales. See the advert - P21. O MOT

CLES R CY

ED LIMIT

More riders taking pleasure in our roads An IAM poll has found that motorcycle use is on the rise, with more than 60 per cent of riders stating that their overall bike usage has gone up since last year. The online poll found that 78% of the 5,717 respondents owned both a motorbike and a car. The majority (88 per cent) use their bike for leisure at some point, with one third using the bike just for recreational riding. Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, said: “Most of this increase appears to be in riding for pleasure, so is unlikely to be a short-term, recessionlinked trend: only a tiny proportion of bikers are using their machine exclusively for business or commuting.” The poll also found that over 90 per cent of respondents felt that motorcyclists should be allowed in bus lanes in every town and city across the country. Mr Greig added: “Feelings are running high on access to bus lanes for bikers after a successful experiment in London recently, so it comes as no surprise that there has been such positive feedback from the riders. A nationwide approach to consistent signposting and regulation would mean improved safety as bikers and the wider public would be more aware of the rules.” The current state of our roads was also a key issue with respondents, with almost half believing that any available public money should be spent on better roads and infrastructure. Only 1.2 % cited safety cameras as the best use of public money.

Group accounts 2009/2010 The summary overleaf reflects another successful year in terms of fundraising which has kept the Group's accounts in a healthy state. Examining the accounts in detail, it is clear that, without these fundraising activities, the Group's core business (coaching Associates) is costing more that the Group brings in. As always your Committee asks all Members and Associates to support the IAM by encouraging others to consider joining the Skill for Life programme and become an advanced driver or rider. The recent advertising campaign in the local press and on local radio has raised awareness of the Group, and new Associates are joining up. We can build on this and achieve the aim of 30 new Associates in the next 18 months. Achieving this will go a long way to setting the Group’s business on a firm footing. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Enter charity name below

Enter SC No. below

Dumfries and Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

SC023511

Receipts and payments accounts Period start date

For the period from

Period end date

Day

Month

Year

April

2009

Day

Month

Year

Mar

2010

Section A Statement of receipts and payments Unrestricted funds

Restricted funds

Expendable endowment funds

Permanent endowment funds

Total funds current period

Total funds last period

to nearest £

A1 Receipts Donations

8,186

3,171

Legacies

1,134

Grants

741

1,060

1,310

1,639

1,564

2,760

4,754

11,806

8,678

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

Proceeds from sale of investments

8,678

Receipts from fundraising activities

Gross trading receipts Income from investments other than land and buildings Rents from land & buildings Gross receipts from other charitable activities

A1 Sub total

7,052

A2 Receipts from asset & investment sales

A2 Sub total Total receipts

4,754

7,052

11,806

A3 Payments Expenses for fundraising activities Gross trading payments

727

591

1,328

5,902

3,027

Investment management costs Payments relating directly to charitable activities Grants and donations

2,863

Governance costs:

3,039

Audit / independent examination Preparation of annual accounts Legal costs Other

A3 Sub total

3,634

3,039

6,673

5,211 error

A4 Payments relating to asset and investment movements Purchases of fixed assets

Purchase of investments

A4 Sub total

Total payments

3,702

3,039

6,741

5,245

Net receipts / (payments)

1,052

4,013

A5 Transfers to / (from) funds

5,065

3,432 -

Surplus / (deficit) for year 1,052

4,013

5,065

3,432 -

Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary - Graeme McColm How the time flies, it seems no time since I last wrote this. Weather-wise it’s not been a good summer, but despite this we continue to keep our numbers up with a number of passes over the last few months. There have been plenty of events including the slow manoeuvrability training held in May, as well as our monthly runs, which have been well attended and have included Carter Bar, Girvan and St Mary’s Loch. Our annual weekend away is due soon but at the time of writing no confirmed details are available. Phil Sayers as usual is organising this, and by the time you read this Elaine with her certificate at Scotspeed hopefully things will have been finalised.

The stand was incredibly busy, and at one point the staff were inundated with so many bikers that Elaine stepped in to help. What a fabulous day we all had and thanks to everybody who helped. May I take this opportunity to wish Ian, Cheryl and staff all the best with the business. Well all that remains to say is enjoy what’s left of our summer, although I think the autumn will prove to be better weather, get out and about on your bike and please keep safe.

Slow manouevres at Dalbeattie

Scotspeed held their open day at the end of July and we were asked to go along and help out with activities for the day. Helen brought along the gazebo and Elaine and Andrew helped set it up. Phil, Graham Abrines, Bob Morrison, Jamie Woods, Jim Hunter and myself were busy all day taking out people on accompanied demonstration rides; with Observers riding at the front and back accompanying up to six demonstration bikes, supplied by Scotspeed. Specified routes were followed allowing the interested riders to get a feel of the capabilities of the demonstration bikes. Hopefully the event will lead to positive outcomes for both Scotspeed and our Group.

Group Members and Associates can get a free basic car wash, or two jet wash tokens when you fill up. Just show your membership card, or for Associates your IAM confirmation letter. Let the staff know you would like the free bike/car wash before you pay for your fuel. This offer may be withdrawn at any time. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Purchase of a vehicle fitted with ESC is now generally recommended, and as EU member states and manufacturers work towards technical standards, the day when such a system is mandatory for all new vehicles registered in the EU is only a matter of time. The Department for Transport has carried out research which indicates that ESC equipped vehicles are involved in 25% fewer fatal road accidents on UK roads. ESC appears to also offer benefits in adverse road conditions, such as wet or snowy conditions, where results show ESC equipped vehicles are 11% less likely to be involved in a serious accident and overall 7% fewer crashes involving an injury. ESC does not prevent accidents, but does help in many accidents which involve the driver losing control of the vehicle. This can be due to misjudgment (e.g. approaching a corner too quickly), or because the driver has to make a sudden manouevre to avoid a hazard, or because the driver hits a slippery road surface (e.g. ice). When this sort of event happens, a vehicle can exceed the limit of traction (grip) of the tyres causing the car to slide. The car either cannot turn quickly enough (under-steer) or it turns too quickly (over-steer). Once control has been lost, it is very hard for the driver to steer the vehicle safely. An accident is often the result. If the loss of control can be avoided, or it can be corrected, an accident could be avoided. ESC senses when a vehicle is deviating from the intended direction. It then makes adjustments to the vehicles brakes etc to get the car back to its planned course. The driver does not have to activate the ESC. The driver might not even be aware that the ESC system has intervened. ESC is often integrated with other safety systems such as Traction Control. ESC relies on sensors to identify events resulting in loss of traction. These sensors collect information to determine how the car is behaving, and what the driver is trying to do. Yaw and gyroscopic sensors, wheel-speed detectors, accelerometers and information on steering inputs, pedal positions, engine speed and gear selection are commonly used to work out whether or not the vehicle is stable as it manouevres, for example when negotiating a bend. When the ESC system determines that loss of traction is occurring, it acts by selectively braking individual wheels and also uses engine management ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

controls and maybe even steering inputs to get the vehicle back on line. The ESC system reacts in accordance with programmed criteria, depending on the nature of the loss of control detected by the sensors. In situations such as under-steer, ESC typically reduces engine torque leading to weight transfer forwards and more grip at the front. If this action by itself did not allow control to be regained, ESC applies individual rear brakes to help bring the vehicle back in line. In the case of over-steer, by contrast, braking would be applied to one front wheel to help pivot the vehicle back in line. In reality these can be very complex situations so the ESC will probably be doing several things at once, especially if a wheel that needs to be braked has insufficient grip. The brakes are applied by the ESC through control of the ABS pump and valves to generate brake pressure on the required wheels. ESC is not likely to be effective at very low speeds and when starting off in poor grip conditions such as snow or ice. In the latter case, traction control is useful as it is used to reduce loss of drive caused by a spinning wheel. This can occur when driving on slippery surfaces, or when accelerating hard in first gear from rest. Traction Control reacts by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel so the drive is diverted to the wheel or wheels with the most grip. Traction Control operates at low speeds. Of course using Advanced Driving techniques should largely negate the need for ESC but it will be there to help should there be unforeseen or unavoidable consequences. Sources: www.chooseesc.eu, www.thatcham.org, www.dft.gov.uk

Accelerate hard to save fuel?! Dr Steve Cousins of Axon Automotive claimed a couple of years ago to have proof that putting your foot down hard on the accelerator can actually be more fuel efficient than driving more conservatively! The key to saving fuel, he said, is to accelerate hard until the engine reaches 2000 rpm, move up a gear, then put your foot down until you reach 2000 rpm again. It’s all to do with internal friction. Put simply, with your right foot down on the accelerator, the engine is working at its most efficient, he said. Above 2000 rpm the benefits diminish and you start using more fuel, not less. Brain to right foot: In tests carried out in a Citroën C1, his driving floor and hold! technique proved 8.5% more efficient than the “eco-safe driving” style promoted by the Department for Transport. The government’s official driving method encourages drivers to save fuel by light use of the accelerator pedal. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 7

In reality it may just prove that there is no one answer to suit all vehicles or situations, and probably the best fuel economy can be gained by knowing your own vehicle and keeping the engine revs in the ‘power band’ where it is likely to be operating most efficiently. Source: www.timesonline.co.uk

Two out of three people couldn’t save a life Research shows that the majority of us don’t feel we could save a life in an emergency, with a quarter saying we’d helplessly do nothing while a life is on the line. And those of us who would attempt first aid, our efforts are likely to be in vain as in many cases we would administer the wrong procedure. Leading First Aid charity St John Ambulance has launched a hard-hitting campaign depicting 5 common scenarios in which first aid could have been the difference between a life lost and a life saved. It has been offering a free pocket-sized guide featuring first aid skills that can help in these lifethreatening situation. These free pocket guides have been available through their web site and you probably still can get your hands on a copy at: www.sja.org.uk

Notes from the car Examiner A very useful meeting was held with our new car Examiner, Jim Loy, earlier in the year where he highlighted some of the particular elements he is looking for in a SfL candidate when undergoing a test: Ÿ The drive should to be NATURAL, PROGRESSIVE with ‘SPARKLE’. Ÿ Candidates should ordinarily only brake once for a hazard. Ÿ He would like candidates to talk through the complete System at a hazard, at least once on the test. Ÿ Block changes should be used where appropriate when going down the gears. Ÿ Indicators should not be used if not necessary. Ÿ Commentary should be continuous and include far, middle, and near distance observations as well as the mirrors. Ÿ Commentary should be prioritised, for example talk about warning signs as you approach not once you have passed them. Ÿ He would like candidates to have, and demonstrate an understanding of LIMIT POINTS. These points, of course, are in addition to being able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of the skills and techniques which go together to make a competent advanced driver. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

ADVANCED DRIVING OR RIDING - why not join us?

Dumfries and Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists cater for both drivers and motorcyclists. We advocate using the ‘Planned System of Driving or Riding’. Just because you don’t use our System doesn’t necessarily make you an unsafe driver or rider. What our method gives you is a means of driving or riding in a consistently safe and systematic way which leaves nothing to chance. Our method will not help you drive or ride through a hazard, say a bend, at the fastest possible physical speed but when perfected it should help you progress through it at the fastest speed consistent with maintaining stability and maximising safety. Advanced drivers and riders don’t travel at a snail’s pace waiting for hazards to arrive, instead they are often able to make much better progress through use of polished observation skills, allowing them to take advantage of overtaking opportunities and to anticipate the actions of others, so steering away from potential trouble. It does not matter if you have recently passed your DSA test or have years of experience under your belt we can help you maximise your safety and enjoyment on the road whether you have two or four wheels. We help people hone their road skills and become more confident and decisive when out on the road. If you’re interested in improving your skills we can help you, why not find out more? E-mail or call the Secretary (07707 035518), or visit our web site (see page 1) - it’s a ‘Skill for Life’.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC 023511

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Some thoughts after the Advanced Test - Tony Goadby It’s now 61 years since my original L-Test and 4 months since I passed my Advanced Test. About time, you might say! Somehow, life seemed to get in the way of doing the latter sooner. Getting involved with the whole IAM process has given rise to some thoughts which I hope other members may find interesting. The first thought, which occurred early in the ‘observed run’ phase was that the IAM System teaches you to drive like a professional. Not a phrase I’ve heard used in this context, but once I compared it to my own profession, flying, the similarity between that, and the IAM’s methodical, disciplined and consistently ‘on the ball’ approach struck me quite forcibly. Having not long ago come to the end of a 54- year flying career, it was refreshing to find myself back in an environment with similar standards. One reason that similarity is important can be summed up in the saying sometimes heard in the flying world: ‘Every regulation and all guidance is the result of an accident’. To continue with the aviation analogy, pilot training begins with theory: everything from Principles of Flight to meteorology to radio theory, then on to the basic handling of the aeroplane up to going solo and finally to ‘wings’ standard. But besides all this clear-cut instruction is a rather less tangible subject called Airmanship, which is at least as important as any other. Hard for a novice to grasp and put into practice initially, it comes into its own as flying hours and experience build up. Countless things come under this heading, from something as basic as keeping a good lookout for other aircraft, to keeping to a safe altitude when crossing high ground when you can’t see it, knowing the limitations of your aircraft, to making proper allowances for icing, or bad weather where you are planning to land. A very long time ago a colleague gave me as his definition of airmanship: ‘applied common sense’. I think that is as good a description now as it was then, and I think it applies equally well on the road as a definition of ‘Roadcraft’. This leads on to my second thought, that everything the Skills for Life course drives home, such as anticipating potential hazards, excellent observation, the ability to stop in the distance you can see to be clear (or half that distance on a single-track road), the ‘what if?’ kind of thinking, any number of things under this heading have the same ‘applied common sense’ running right through them. In a world where the opposite of common sense is applied to so much we see happening around us, I find this both refreshing and liberating, and it is a major reason why the IAM system of driving is so effective. The Test itself was a memorable event; I greatly appreciate the hard work put in by Graham, my Observer, to prepare me (there was much to be improved), © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

and the dedicated efforts of other club officials. I’ve always enjoyed driving, but now find it much more satisfying, and am aware of being a safer, more observant, considerate, tolerant and efficient driver. I’ve also been surprised to find that long journeys now seem much shorter – due to enhanced concentration, I suppose. How to keep up to standard once the Test is over? Nothing helps concentration like good night’s sleep, and making a habit of leaving all your problems, stresses and urgent thoughts outside the car for the period of your drive helps too. Should boredom start to set in on a long drive, doing a commentary for a while can bring you back into line. Having an occasional read of the Good Books (Highway Code etc.) helps too. These are useful in the short term, but in the long term the answer must be periodic checks of driving ability. Once a pilot has all his qualifications and is let loose in the real world, he or she then begins a lifetime of periodic checking. Every airline pilot has three flying checks to pass every year to ensure the required standards are maintained, most of which are done on simulators in which every kind of situation or emergency can be programmed. Even a private pilot flying the simplest of aircraft in fair weather only, has to have a flying check every two years. In an airline with a good training ethos, these checks can take the form of a couple of hours of enjoyable refresher training, not dominated by the fear of failure or ‘testitis’ on the part of the candidate. Because of my experience of the effectiveness of these routine checks, and with the knowledge of how far my own driving had slipped over all those years since my first driving test, I’m a firm believer that all drivers, and driving standards generally, would benefit hugely from a similar, though obviously less rigorous system of periodic driver checking. I look forward to taking IAM Driving Assessments at intervals in the future. Membership Renewal - Russell Wears, Treasurer Just a short reminder that membership subscriptions are due on or before the 16 November. It is again £10 which is a small sum in return for everything the Group has to offer. Everyone needs to complete a ‘Membership (Renewal) Form’ (enclosed with this newsletter) so we can properly record how many members we have and how the Group is progressing. If you completed a standing order form last year then your payment will occur automatically on 16 November. If not, please consider doing so this year, it greatly helps the accounting. A standing order form is available to download © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

from our web site. If you prefer other methods of payment then please do so but avoid sending cash through the post. Further blank forms are available on our web site. I attend most Group events and will have copies of the forms with me as well a receipt book for those who prefer to pay by cash. If you also signed the Gift Aid declaration on the membership form last year you don't need to do so again. If it is some years since you signed the declaration or you now wish to Gift Aid your membership then please sign the declaration so our records are up to date.

The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron Our new annual programme of events is about to start, so I want to encourage all full Members and Associates to come along and support the Group. We have a varied syllabus, and I’m sure there is something for everyone; I look forward to seeing both new and old faces. I made mention in the last magazine of our plans to hold promotional events in different parts of the region, and I am pleased to tell you that the various locations visited (see Chairman’s piece) have been very successful in raising the profile of the Group. They have enabled us to show the public how our Group contribute towards road safety. We have also been to several annual shows where we have also signed up some new Associates. I would like to thank all Members who have helped with these events and ask you to get in touch if you can spare an hour or to to help out with future events. Congratulations to those who have recently passed the IAM test: Karen Martyniuk, Elaine Paterson, Russell Wears (Obs: M/c team), Craig Dyson (Obs: Peter Dodds), Kristopher Ruddick (Obs: Sheena Traill), Greg Gibson (Obs: Stewart Cameron) I am trying to organise the annual 10 pin bowling challenge against Carlisle Group and hope to be able to announce a date by our first meeting in September; so if you are not able to come along on that evening and wish to participate, then please let me know - we need plenty of support.

Keeping members informed The Group sends out news via e-mail including reminders about monthly meetings to keep you, the Members, up to date on what is happening. If you want to be kept informed, please ensure we have an up to date e-mail address for you, and importantly, please set up your e-mail to ensure that mail from: ' arthursplace20@btinternet.com ' is not swept up by over zealous e-mail filters. If you are concerned that we may not have an up to date e-mail address for you, please e-mail Christine Donaldson at the above address so she can arrange to get you on the list. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

O B S E R V E R’ S C O R N E R

This section is intended to help when considering the best course of action. It is up to every driver to actively assess each scenario.

Responsibility = Response Ability Getting a licence to drive comes with the requirement to act responsibly. However only you, the driver or rider, has the power to act responsibly. Responsibility is something which can be taken and acted upon but not something you can be made to do - you have to be motivated to do it for yourself. When you are driving or riding it is you who is in charge of how you control your vehicle, you are responsible for your actions. To be safe and effective you need to recognise this and take responsibility; although of course you can’t control other road users, nor are you directly responsible for many other outside factors. You are however, accountable for your response to events outside your direct control, including how you respond to the actions of others, even if they have made errors of judgement. Exactly how you respond to a situation is your choice, you decide how to react and how the actions of others are going to affect you. Of course there may be occasions where things happen so quickly you may feel you have no time to make a choice. Imagine a scenario where a car pulls right in front of you in lane 1, heading for an off ramp. Maybe the car then slows sharply well before the exit so further inconveniencing you. What would be your response? You could choose to get angry, use your horn and lights and maybe hand gestures, or might you accelerate hard and overtake in What would you do? what may not the most measured way? You may just hang back and deal with the situation calmly. In any event the choice is yours, but if you have ‘response - ability’ you will be more able to respond effectively so that your choice is the right one to maximise your safety, and that of other road users in the vicinity. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

It is much easier to respond in the best way if you are on top of your game and using advanced techniques such as observation, anticipation and positioning. If you are attentive and aware of what is going on you can gain early information, which gives you more time to plan and deal effectively with the circumstances, including the actions of others. In this way there is much less chance of things happening ‘suddenly’ and without warning. It is quite easy to drive whilst being inattentive and unaware - you are in ‘automatic pilot’ mode where your actions are effectively non-conscious. In this circumstance you may be able to function relatively well providing nothing goes wrong to upset the ‘status quo’ of your drive. But when things do go wrong, your ability to make the right decision is compromised. Things which can affect your ability to maintain alertness and hence cause you to drift into ‘automatic pilot’ are: tiredness, thirst and hunger, stress and your mental state, amongst others. A second attribute needed to maximise your ‘response-ability’ is to avoid the desire to blame others for events (even if it was not your fault). If you can see past this and take responsibility for your own actions following an event, you are better able to make an effective plan. The act of blaming others tends to lead to less effective decisions. By blaming others for a particular circumstance, you are effectively telling yourself it is not your fault, someone else is responsible. This in turn is like telling yourself there was nothing you could do, someone else was to blame. You lose the impetus to get on and make the best decision and so lose control, which can lead to more stress and a poorer performance. Better to be in control and take responsibility for dealing with the consequences of a situation - there may be time for analysis later, if necessary. Being able to respond effectively in any particular circumstance depends on many factors, not just the few mentioned above. The key to maximising your ‘response ability’ revolves around honing and maintaining your advanced driving and riding skills, enabling you to be best placed to deal with any eventuality.

Is GPS accurate? A frequently asked question is; “which is the more accurate my car speedometer or my GPS equipment (e.g. Satnav)?” Well firstly you should understand that by Law your speedometer is not allowed to over-read, it must be spot on or over-read by up to 10%. In reality this means that speedometers are often optimistic and hence register a slightly higher figure than the speed that the vehicle is actually moving at. Satnav, along with an ever growing number of devices, uses GPS technology and essentially takes a fix of your vehicle’s position. In optimum weather conditions, on a flat, straight open road with no overhanging trees or adjacent © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 17

tall buildings the satnav reading is likely to be more accurate. Essentially satnav measures your distance, and hence speed, as the crow flies. It won’t necessarily take into account the full effects of hills and twisty sections of road. It does depend however on many more factors, such as the interval the built in software records the ‘satellite fixes’, and the method and rate the software calculates your position and hence your speed. Your location in the world will determine the number of satellites that your satnav can ‘see’, and hence the potential accuracy of the device could also be affected. The bottom line is that you should treat your satnav speed readout with scepticism even if you appear to be driving in the optimum conditions.

60mph

GPS speedo and compass

Older driver refresher courses benefit all, says IAM The IAM has welcomed the new RAC report on older drivers which finds that 84% of drivers aged 70 or over acknowledge the value of a refresher driving course. Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: “With ever-growing numbers of older drivers looking to stay safe and maintain independence, it is encouraging to see that there is a high degree of support for refresher courses. Older drivers have most of their crashes on high speed roads, particularly on slip roads and at junctions and roundabouts. Updating their skills to deal with these hazards and helping them to stay mobile for as long as possible should be the key aim of refresher courses. The IAM provides a Drive Check 55 refresher course which specifically addresses these issues. The IAM does not support compulsory retesting or medicals as we believe they will force many perfectly safe drivers to give up driving too early. This loss of mobility makes them a far greater financial burden on society and less able to access services and support. GPs need more training and information to help them advise patients on giving up driving and refresher courses.” Did you know that the IAM has already called for a wide debate on how we will deal with more older drivers on our roads? Over the next 30 years the number of male drivers over 70 on the roads will double, and the number of women drivers will treble. By raising the issue now we can have the right structure in place to deliver the refresher courses that older drivers want without putting in place a restrictive and expensive new licensing regime. IAM research in 2005 found that seven out of ten older drivers would like refresher courses to include a brush-up on driving on busy motorways. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Are you Ready to GoSMART Dumfries? In a rural region like Dumfries and Galloway, using a car to get from A to B is sometimes the quickest, cheapest and only viable option. However, in Dumfries 68% of journeys are under 5 miles in length and Dumfries has a network of cycle and walking paths and bus services, making sustainable travel the ideal choice. What is GoSMART? GoSMART is a new initiative developed in Dumfries to encourage the residents of Dumfries to travel sustainably, to meet the challenges of reducing congestion, local air pollution and carbon emissions. Dumfries has been chosen as one of seven ‘sustainable travel demonstration communities’ projects across Scotland to showcase the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Initiative. GoSMART Dumfries is funded by the Scottish Government, SWestrans, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the European Structural Funds of the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland 2007 – 2013 Programme. GoSMART Dumfries consists of various schemes aiming to make sustainable travel modes more appealing and accessible. The measures include bus interchange improvements in the town centre, and bike-hire points, allowing users to hire a bicycle for short periods at a small or no cost. GoSMART is also developing Park and Choose sites on the periphery of Dumfries, allowing drivers to switch to walking, cycling or using the bus to travel into the town centre. More details on the measures can be found on the GoSMART website. What are the benefits? The benefits of travelling sustainably are endless. If you choose to get active by cycling or walking, this contributes to the 30 minutes of recommended physical activity per day. Walking and cycling can easily be fitted into your daily routine, allowing you to feel more refreshed when you get to your destination. It’s a great way to de-stress after a hard day at work! By travelling sustainably you will help to reduce the number of vehicles travelling in and around Dumfries, cutting down on congestion. Cars alone create nearly half of our total transport emissions, and making a small change to cut your car use can make a big difference to local air pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions. Travelling sustainably can also save you money, if you walk or cycle to © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 19

work every day you would soon see the economic benefit of spending less money filling up your car. Travelling by public transport saves money parking at your destination and allows you to use your time for work or pleasure. If you live out of Dumfries lift sharing can save money, you could save up to £860 per year if you travel 20 miles every day by car sharing. Join the GoSMART Travel Club Travelling sustainably can be easily fitted into your daily routine. Why not challenge yourself to bike, bus, walk or share one day a week? If you live close to Dumfries town centre, why not think about cycling or walking to your destination and leave the car at home? Or if you live out of the town centre, why not register on DGTripshare.com to search for other people in your local area to share your journey with?

If you’re interested in joining the GoSMART Travel club, log onto www.gosmartdumfries.co.uk to find out where the next GoSMART Dumfries event will be held. We’ll be giving away some free incentives to help you challenge yourselves to GoSMART.

Facebook Just a reminder that the Motorcycle Section have a presence on Facebook now with over 50 members – just search for Dumfries & Galloway IAM (Motorcycles) Group on Facebook.

Finished reading? Please pass it on Personal recommendations from members are an important way of recruiting new members, please pass on this magazine to anyone you think may be interested. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

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