Advanceautumn15web by D & G Grp of Adv Motorists & Motorcyclists

Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

JOHN F. BLACK MOTOR ENGINEERS

~Air Con ~Diesel Tuning ~Servicing ~Repairs ~Diagnostics ~Exhausts ~Tyres ~Motorhomes ~MOT testing for classes 3,4,5 & 7

Tel: 01387 267473

6B Catherinefield Ind Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries DG1 3PQ

The weather is changing, are your skills up to the more challenging conditions that autumn and winter may bring?

see page 8 to find out how we may be able to help

This magazine was published by:

Group Committee Members for 2015/16 Chair, Chief Obs

Graeme McColm

01387 720425

Vice Chair

Jamie Wood

07759 260621

Secretary

Helen Cameron

07707 035518

Treasurer

Russell Wears

01387 263893

M/c Coordntr Andrew Bird

07919 128305

Car Coordntr Stewart Cameron 01387 264005 Committee

Andy Campbell Cris Bardsley Neil Martyniuk Clint Smith Chris Wilson Derek Hunter

07717 798109 01387 850234 07725 941780 07952 751433 07935 381722 07455 084784

To e-mail any member of the committee, please in the first instance, use the group contact e-mail address: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk

Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists. For more details of our activities see our web site at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk Contact the Group Secretary: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk

Facebook: Dumfries & Galloway IAM (Motorcycles) Group Magazine 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 Institute of Advanced Motorists, to which the Group is affiliated. Reg Charity No. SC 023511

Copy date: Latest article submission date for the Winter 15 issue: 13 November 2015

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on?: check out events at www.iamdumfries.org.uk 14 September: Driving simulator and Scalextric fun night 12 October: Table-top Rally, details to be confirmed 9 November: Vehicle fuels with Jamie Wood Venue for meetings: Aberdour Hotel, 16 Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG11LW starting 7:30 pm except where otherwise stated.

For membership and all other enquiries call: 07707 035518 or e-mail: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk Photography notice: Occasionally we may take photos during meetings, guidance sessions or at other events in order to promote the Group and its activities. Photos may be reproduced in our web sites, our magazine or through other promotions. If you wish to withhold your permission for your image to be used please contact the Group Secretary. ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

A message from the Chairman Summer! What summer! Fingers crossed we get some sunshine over the next couple of months. On Sunday 7 June, Steven McColm organised a run to Portpatrick, the event was well attended with over 10 members taking part in the ride out. Luckily the weather was good for a change and everyone had a good day. June 8 saw the annual group Treasure Hunt, for both cars and bikes. Lesley and I decided not to take part this year, thought we would give others a chance! On a personal note I would like to introduce the latest member of the McColm family. My grandson, Harris William McColm was born on the 30 July. A future group member? We are always on the lookout for new associate members so please recommend us to your friends and family, as everybody could benefit from a “Skill for Life “ course no matter how much or little experience they may have. Our bike and car courses not only make people safer but also, as more people review and improve their skills, so the roads become safer for all. Our Safer Wheels project has highlighted the fact that although most older drivers have demonstrated a reasonable standard on the road very few drivers have had any driving review or training since passing their test, often 40, 50 or more years ago. There’s no better time to get involved in improving your skills. The new syllabus is coming together, details of the first three events can be found in this magazine. Please check the next issue for further events, details should also be on our web site together with any necessary late changes to the syllabus. See you there. Thanks again to all who have helped. Hopefully we will still have a couple of months of sunshine left before winter sets in so lets get out and about and enjoy ourselves. Safe driving.

Safer Wheels 50+ - update Our car observers have been busy over the summer having carried out 40+ assessment drives for the Safer Wheels 50+ project. As reported in the last issue these driving assessments are free to the over fifty’s. Most of whom seem happy to receive feedback and tips at the end of their driving assessment.

Enter SC No. below

Enter charity name below

Dumfries and Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

This is a copy of the OSCR approved accounts

SC023511

Receipts and payments accounts For the period from

Period start date Month

Day 1

April

Day to 4204

Year 2014

Period end date Month

Mar

Year 2015

Section A Statement of receipts and payments Unrestricted funds to nearest £

Restricted funds

Expendable endowment funds

Permanent endowment funds

Total funds current period

Total funds last period

to nearest £

Curling donation Donations

970

Legacies

970

Grants

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

742

747

1,089

504

2,806

2,226

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

Proceeds from sale of investments

A1 Sub total

2,806

A2 Receipts from asset & investment sales

A2 Sub total

Total receipts

2,806

2,226

A3 Payments Expenses for fundraising activities

Gross trading payments

Investment management costs

2,238

2,035

Audit / independent examination

Preparation of annual accounts

Legal costs

Other

Payments relating directly to charitable activities Grants and donations Governance costs:

A3 Sub total

1,423

1,448

815

2,263

Skill for Life payments received

2,100 error

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

1,310

3,389

4,699

Purchase of investments

A4 Sub total

1,310

3,389

4,699

Total payments

2,758

4,204

6,962

2,100

Net receipts / (payments)

(4,204)

(4,156)

126

A5 Transfers to / (from) funds

Surplus / (deficit) for year 48

(4,204)

(4,156)

126

How technology helps improve fuel economy of your vehicle We all know that your vehicle’s efficiency is maintained by regular servicing, including keeping your tyres are at the right pressure but also fuel efficiency is significantly affected by your manner of driving. But did you know that the technology embedded in modern vehicles is on your side to help maximise fuel economy and reduce pollution? Legislation and competition have affected vehicle design and driven significant in-roads into improved fuel economy. This is because the fuel management system of a modern vehicle, petrol, lpg or diesel, has a major influence on the miles per gallon achievable. Now old habits such as ‘coasting’ some drivers employed in the expectation of achieving more mpg have the opposite effect - it can use more fuel. The design of a fuel management system is increasingly sophisticated but does vary in design and complexity, dependant on the vehicle. Essentially it monitors numerous sensors such as air/fuel/exhaust/coolant temperatures, throttle opening, air density, fuel/oil pressures, engine rpm, and speed to name but a few. The results of the sensors are used by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to determine, for example, elements such as the optimum fuel/air ratio to achieve the best performance/economy, whether accelerating or cruising. Additionally adjusting the air/fuel ration to optimum means the catalytic converter can reduce exhaust emissions most efficiently. The ECU also controls the Stop/Start function and the idle speed for instance, automatically raising it when there is a lot of load, such as when the lights or air conditioning are switched on. At its simplest a system can be said to run in four modes: idle, acceleration, lean cruise and over-run. Although in reality there can be said to be many more modes as the system essentially morphs between modes. Idle mode is self explanatory, the fuel used will depend on whether the engine is cold or up to operating temperature. Acceleration mode: with a wide opening of the throttle the fuel mixture may be enriched, reducing economy but increasing performance. Lean cruise mode: this mode is activated when there is a light load on the engine and the vehicle is cruising above a certain speed such as on a motorway. For a petrol engine, for instance the fuel/air ratio is reduced by a small margin so it runs a little leaner, the ECU makes other adjustments too to ensure the engine continues to run smoothly. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Overrun mode is when engine power is not required to drive the vehicle forward e.g. deceleration, in this mode no fuel is injected in engine. This mode also kicks in when accelerating as you go through the process of changing gear. When changing to a higher gear as soon as your foot comes off the accelerator the ECU switches from acceleration to overrun mode and cuts the fuel supply completely. Fuel supply is restored once the new gear is selected/ accelerator depressed again or when the revs drop to tick-over speed. Of course if you just take your foot off the gas without changing gear you also enter overrun mode - the engine is still turning, driven by the car’s wheels and the momentum of the vehicle but you are not burning any fuel at all. If you relax the throttle and keep the clutch depressed for an extended period the engine revs will drop of course (they’re no longer driven by the car’s wheels) until the ECU determines your engine is at idle revs and at that point it will reintroduce fuel to maintain idle (aka tickover) whether the vehicle is now stationary or still moving. If you were slowing for some hazard say a junction and you decided to go down through the gears i.e. 5-4-3-2 on approach, rather than just slowing in the gear you are already in, you would likely use more fuel. This is because once the vehicle speed has reduced the ECU is more likely to have to reintroduce fuel to prevent the vehicle engine rpm dropping below idle speed, as you change gear. Obviously keeping the clutch depressed when driving is coasting (and not legal) but in a modern vehicle the engine is kept running at idle rather than staying in the overrun mode and hence uses more fuel. The insides of an ECU

So as they say ‘brakes for slowing, gears for going’ - staying in gear really can use less fuel.

Be a smooth operator when riding in traffic IAM riding tip The IAM’s head of riding standards Peter Rodger has been looking at how motorcyclists can filter through congested traffic safely. Filtering through stationary or slow-moving traffic is not illegal – but motorcyclists must make sure they overtake without putting other road-users at risk. Make sure you concentrate on everything around you and use your peripheral vision to monitor changes in traffic before overtaking. If you see something © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

moving unexpectedly in your peripheral vision, slow down if necessary and only overtake when it is safe to do so. Hazards are more likely to be concealed behind parked vehicles – anticipate these risks by looking as far ahead as possible and travel at a safe speed. The earlier you identify a hazard the quicker you can react to the situation and think about your manoeuvre. Avoid overtaking when you are approaching a set of traffic lights. If you do, the driver you are overtaking will be forced to apply their brakes suddenly and may react angrily. The same applies for overtaking a long vehicle – you probably won’t be able to get in front of it before the lights change red so hold back. Look out for any tall vehicles such as lorries and buses that may obstruct road signs. If you’re taking an unfamiliar route and need to follow the signs don’t simply overtake because you can. Stay back until you can see the sign and position yourself in the correct lane as instructed. You should not filter through traffic at speeds above 15-20 mph as vehicles above this speed can change direction quickly with little or no warning, forcing you to swerve and lose control. As a rule of thumb you should not filter through traffic which is moving at more than 20 mph. If you do filter, don't ride more than 10-15 mph above the speed of the traffic around you. Make sure there is enough space available for you to overtake, allowing for sufficient distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Avoid overtaking if you’re riding through a single carriageway road with oncoming traffic as there will be little or no space to manoeuvre. Look out for any road signs that allow motorcyclists to use a bus lane. Although stretches of a bus lane maybe empty this is not an opportunity for you to speed up. Beware of any junctions and side roads that allow vehicles to make a turn using the bus lane. Give yourself enough time to react by riding at a safe speed and by increasing the distance between you and other traffic at all times. Always be courteous to other road users, don’t tailgate and don’t get impatient or aggressive simply because you want to get to your destination. Be patient and filter through traffic bearing in mind other road users’ safety. Peter said: “Riders need to be aware that drivers can’t react as fast as you can on a light and nimble bike. Allow for the fact a car is less manoeuvrable and don’t weave in and out of traffic. The more unpredictable your moves are, the greater chance there is of a collision”. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

The tight overtake A not uncommon problem is the tight ‘overtaker’. The one who tends to cut in tightly as soon as the driver’s head passes the front of the car being overtaken. At that point maybe they think that their overtake is completed, so just pull back in, or maybe they don’t think at all, or maybe they are texting - the reasons could be too numerous to mention. But do they realise that the gap between vehicles is shared safety space? The Highway Code says a minimum 2 sec gap between vehicles (Rule 126) should be maintained and that when overtaking you should ‘move back as soon as you can but do not cut in’ (Rule 163). The problem does not just occur on single carriageway roads such as shown in the photo below but also on motorways and dual carriageways where it is not uncommon not only for an ‘overtaker’ to cut in but also to slow down once having pulled back in. So what can you do? Well at the end of the day it should be safety that is paramount, so annoying though it may be, you should keep in mind the safe gap and this might even mean that you have to slow down. Obviously relative speeds play a part here so if the vehicle overtaking you were say travelling much faster than you the separation gap would open up very quickly.

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. 7

Abbey Motorcycles Website www.abbeymotorcycles.co.uk

Unit 5, Newton Ind Est, Irongray Rd, Dumfries, DG2 0JE Telephone 01387 721272. Email abbeymotorcycles@btconnect.com Abbey Motorcycles is a friendly professional motorcycle workshop highly experienced in motorcycle repairs, servicing and MOT preparation. Abbey Motorcycles supply tyres, spare parts & service items for almost any make of Motorcycles; we are a Michelin tyre stockist and supply fit and balance all makes of tyres at competitive prices. Abbey Motorcycles is just off the A76, on the outskirts of Dumfries ½ mile from the Dumfries by-pass. Business hours: 8am to 6pm Mon to Fri, Sat 9am to 4pm.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Invite you to get a ‘Skill for Life’ and become an ADVANCED DRIVER /IAMDumfriesandGalloway-

ADVANCED RIDER /groups/dgiam

We have helped hundreds of people hone their abilities to make their driving or riding more skillful, more enjoyable and safer. Our passion is to help you improve your driving and riding standards leaving you with the ability to make good progress whilst maintaining the highest standards of skill, safety and responsibility... it really is a ‘skill for life’. Interested in improving your skills? Get in touch, find out more. Visit our web site, e-mail or call us on 07707 035518 - see page 1 for our contact details. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC 023511

Driving offences in Scotland Source: The Herald Scotland Bad driving hotspots have been revealed region by region throughout Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway does not fare well, in fact it has the second highest rate of traffic offences per 10,000 people just one point behind Glasgow which takes the top spot.

New powers to deal with speeding The Lord Advocate has agreed to Police Scotland using Formal Adult Warnings, in a 6 month trial, for speeding offences in certain circumstances - where the case would not ordinarily be reported for consideration of prosecution. It is believed that the early use of formal warnings for drivers who are just over the legal limit could be more effective than existing informal warnings. Although traffic officers will still have discretion to adopt the disposal they see as most fitting, a driver who already has a formal warning on his record may be more likely to be fined than one who did not. ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

B R A I D W O O D S SOLICITORS

Property and Estate Agency Wills and Estates Commercial Practice Family Law

www.braidwoods.com 1 Charlotte Street, Dumfries DG1 2AG Telephone: (01387) 257272 E-mail: info@braidwoods.com

We are looking to hear from you if you want to explore the possibility of becoming a car observer - no experience necessary other than having passed a car advanced test. We also want to hear from you if you are already a car observer and wish to update your skills in line with the latest IAM standards. Give us a call on 07707 035518 and we will get back to you with the details, or have a chat with Stewart Cameron or Graham Watson at one of our monthly meetings to find out how to join an observer course. Observing is a great way to help others and keep on top of your skills

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try this at home! Source: twitter - Glos Road Pol A driver spotted towing a car with a van strapped to the boot and was stopped by police in Gloucester this July. The motorist had removed the front wheels, doors and engine from the van to lighten the load before hoisting it into the rear of a grey hatchback. He then lashed the two vehicles together with one blue strap and set off towing the combo. The man was stopped by police officers who posted the pictures on the force's Twitter account. ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary

- Graeme McColm

What can I say about the weather this year! Did we have one? I think we can all agree it has been one of the worst summers weather-wise for a number of years, poor for car drivers but even worse for us in the bike community. Let’s hope that September brings us some sunshine. Wednesday 24 June saw Andrew Bird and myself attend a radio assessors exam. I am happy to say we both passed. Since then we have assessed an IAM member from Elgin who we’re glad to say passed. Sat 11 July was the D & G charity bike run in aid of Nith Inshore Lifeboat and Canine Defence. The ride out was well attended and culminated in a BBQ at the Lifeboat Station. Harris William McColm, born 30 July will perhaps become a future club member? While we wait, hopefully once things settle down, Steven will be able to organise and run the Sunday events before the weather deteriorates too much. We have been continuing with advanced guidance courses over the summer but I always encourage more people to get involved, so please recommend what we do to others. If you know someone who would benefit from a “Skill for Life” course (bike or car) now is the time to suggest they sign up. If every member signed up just one person we could double the club and make the roads in Dumfries & Galloway safer. Please enjoy what’s left of this rainy summer and hopefully we will be lucky enough to have a good autumn. Stay safe.

Hidden by the vehicle behind In certain circumstances it seems there could be a hazard if the vehicle travelling behind were to be equipped with daylight running lights (DRL) and your vehicle was not. This could make them more visible than you to drivers ahead who might, for instance, be looking to exit a side road. It may be possible that they see, and their eyes are drawn to, the DRLs of the vehicle behind but fail to see you, since you could present as less conspicuous. This is an extension of the similar problem related to bikes being less visible when in front of another vehicle. In poor visibility this is less likely since you would already have your lights on. In a less clear cut situation the ambient lighting might be reduced to the stage where you are considering the value of lights or not. Here you could be potentially at risk, so the best policy would be to make your vehicle more conspicuous by turning on your dipped headlights. After all it only takes one!! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Driving in autumn - weather, leaves and deer Autumn brings new driving dangers, especially those related to the weather and longer nights. More rain (as opposed to the prolonged dry weather of the summer!!!), low sun, mist and fog, a bit of frost - add to these less daylight and falling leaves then these make for more challenges to your daily drive. If you consider the three types of hazard then all can be affected to a greater extend by the changing weather: 1) Physical features - including the surface, e.g. distressed surface may collect water or leaves hiding defects or markings. 2) Other road users - e.g. others may swerve to avoid puddles or suffer poor visibility etc. 3) Weather conditions - mist, fog, low sun etc and the effect of weather on the road surface e.g. standing water, ice, leaves, spray etc. So what can you do to reduce the increased risks? Being aware and using advanced driving skills should be all you need. The key of course is general awareness of likely conditions before you set out (being prepared) together with the results of your observations, consequent anticipation and planning. As far as your vehicle is concerned keeping the windows clean inside and outside is very important to maximise your view in times of poor visibility or when encountering cold/ wet spells or when the sun is low. Make sure wiper blades are in good condition too. It goes without saying that you should check your lights but also recognise others may have defective lights or even some may not have them on at all, especially vulnerable ones like cyclists. Other vulnerable road users are children, particularly those heading to or from school, when conditions are not as bright as they are in summer. While on the subject of other road users remember that October and November is the rutting season for deer and a greater risk of a collision can be expected, there is a similar spike in May and June - the time of year when young deer disperse from their breeding areas. ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Statistics suggest that between 40,000 and 74,000 deer are killed in vehicle collisions each year in the UK. These accidents kill car occupants too, as well as injuring hundreds (10-20 human fatalities and up to 700 human injuries annually) causing ÂŁ11 million of damage to vehicles. The worst times of day for deer incidents are around sunrise and between sunset and midnight. Edmund King, AA president, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drivers should be extra vigilant where there are deer warning signs and slow down. Many additional accidents are caused by the tendency of drivers to over-react and swerve excessively." Sources concerning deer safety: The Deer Initiative & The AA. Tips for dealing with deer at: http://www.theaa.com/public_affairs/news/deer-collisions.html

The Secretary reports - Helen Cameron The start of our new session is fast approaching and I look forward to a varied programme of monthly meetings. At the time of print all the events are not yet finalised but the first 3 months are at the front of this magazine. The new syllabus will hopefully be published and circulated along with renewal notices in September but please keep checking the web site for up to date information. The first meeting is to be on Monday 14 September - 7.30 pm, at the the Aberdour Hotel. The committee works very hard on your behalf to include interesting and varied subjects and would appreciate the support on the evenings. It can be embarrassing if we bring a speaker along and there are only half a dozen people present. I would like to thank all those who do attend and we always have a good evening. Any suggestions for speakers are always welcome. Congratulations to Jonathon Wears who passed his car test in the summer, also to David McKie and Kenneth Kirkpatrick who both passed their bike test. Our car observers have been working through driving assessments for the Stewartry Safer Wheels 50+ initiative which has proved to be very much appreciated by the participants, to date we have completed over 40. We will be taking a stand at the Moffat Show on the 29 August so if any member is willing to do a couple of hours then please let a committee member know. Hopefully this magazine will be out before then. By talking to the public at these events we are able to enrol new associates to our group. Hope to see lots of you at the September meeting.

Travelling by bus? Apparently some believe that it is safer to ride in the lower deck of a doubledecker bus as the top deck has no driver! ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13

The three types of distracted driving Distracted driving can be defined as: ‘Insufficient attention to the roadway and traffic because of some competing activity’. The definition can be further divided into three types of distraction; visual, manual and cognitive. Visual distraction involves taking one's eyes off the road, while manual distraction involves taking one's hands off the wheel. Cognitive distraction occurs when an individual's focus is not directly on the act of driving and his/her mind wanders. Distractions influenced by the advancement of technology, especially text messaging or Source: Lancashire Fire and Rescue talking on the phone, can require a combination of visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, thus making these types of distractions particularly dangerous.

Membership Renewal It’s that time of the year again when membership subscriptions are due. Again we have held the annual fee at £10 which is a small sum and good value for all that the Group has to offer. Everyone needs to complete a Membership (Renewal) Form which will be sent out or can be downloaded from the group web site. Please complete this form even if you are paying by standing order as this ensures we have the latest details for you - often people change their phone number/address and/or e-mail address and this can make it difficult for us to keep track of members and ensure that we can communicate effectively. If you have already completed a standing order form in the past then your payment will occur automatically on 16 November - thank you. If not then please consider doing so this year, it greatly helps with the group accounting. Please check your bank statements if you are unsure whether or not you have created a standing order already to avoid paying twice! The standing order form (and membership renewal form) will be available to download from the group web site. If you prefer other methods of payment then © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

please do so but avoid sending cash through the post. The Treasurer, Russell Wears attends most group meetings and usually has copies of the forms with him if you want to pay him directly. If you signed the Gift Aid declaration on the membership form last year you don’t need to do it again but if you signed it some time ago or now wish to Gift Aid membership then please sign the declaration so our records are up to date.

Diesels - why wait for the glow plug to heat before starting? The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is one modern innovation which helps reduce air pollution by emitting cleaner exhaust gasses. In cold weather all diesels need a while to reach optimum operating temperature and achieve efficient clean combustion. Whilst in the past a diesel was hard to start if the glow plugs were not allowed to complete their heat up phase nowadays many cars will start instantly even if you do not wait for the glow plug light to extinguish. It is all to easy therefore to ignore the glow plug light and just turn the key straight away. This can lead to increased pollution, increased fuel consumption and premature failure of the DPF. Increasingly diesel engines are equipped with three-phase glow plugs which operate in: pre-heating, heating during starting and post-heating modes. This means the glow plug not only heats prior to and during the starting phase, but also for up to 3 minutes after starting. This protects the environment by reducing pollutants by up to 40% whilst the engine warms up, it also provides protection for the engine and DPF. So the recommendation is to wait for the glow plug light to extinguish before cranking the engine, although many modern diesels will not allow the engine to crank until the plugs have heated up.

'Black box' in car alerts insurers and saves young driver’s life Source: The Independant

Kunal Dutta of the Independent wrote: Max Charles, 20, would not be alive today if not for the tracker installed in his car. “Black box” technology fitted inside a vehicle to help young drivers pay lower car insurance has been credited for saving the life of a 20-year-old student, after it sent out an alert that he had been involved in a serious accident. Max Charles was left in a potentially fatal semi-coma in his mangled car after it crashed into a tree. He is thought to have fallen asleep at the wheel of his Vauxhall Corsa at around 4am and veered off a quiet Surrey road. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 15

The time of the incident meant there were no witnesses or passing cars. Instead it was the small box installed by in his car by his insurance company that registered the collision and lead to them contacting emergency services. Telematics, or black box insurance, is growing in popularity and involves the insurance company installing in-car tracking equipment to monitor driving behaviour such as speed, and what time of day the car is driven. The data is used to calculate insurance premiums – the better the driving, the lower the premium. Mr Charles’s insurance company was established to help careful drivers get more for their money. But it also has a mechanism installed that can detect when the impact of a crash exceeds a certain threshold, at which point the emergency services are alerted. Using the technology, the police were able to track Mr Charles’ precise whereabouts. Mr Charles said: “The officer that first found me said that had the black box not alerted them to my situation, I almost certainly wouldn’t have been found until later that morning. I definitely would not have been alive.” Mr Charles who spent two and a half weeks in hospital said: “Before the crash I had been deeply sceptical of such technology. I hated the way it watches how you drive, the speed, the times of your journeys and where you are. It all felt like you were being monitored constantly – and everyone, even my dad, had eyes on me. Now I cannot stress how that privacy is worth sacrificing.”

Smart Motorways Those of you who travel south are increasingly likely to come across ‘smart motorways’ as new ones are being introduced across the network. Smart motorways use innovative technology to actively control traffic flows and improve journey times. By varying speed limits and using the hard shoulder as an extra lane during busy times, they help drivers avoid having to brake or be at a standstill so that they get to where they need to be on time. You can get a handy guide on how to deal with them if you go to this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/444983 /S150152_Smart_motorways_Interactive_ezine.pdf © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

St. Michael’s Services St. Michael’s Street Dumfries, DG1 2QD Tel: 01387 254304 ~ BP ultimate fuels & BP Autogas ~ Car wash ~ Jet wash ~ MACE convenience store ~ Nectar Points ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members

mor e pe r f or ma nc e , le s s pollut ion

Wigtown Road Services Wigtown Road Newton Stewart, DG8 6JZ Tel: 01671 403157 ~ BP ultimate fuels & BP Autogas ~ Jet wash ~ Snack bar/ coffee machine ~ Large Mace convenience shop ~ Air/Screenwash/Vacuum/fragrance machine ~ Nectar Points ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members

Benmar Garage Station Road Moffat, DG10 9EL Tel: 01683 220010 ~ Esso Energy and Energy Supreme Fuels ~ Jet wash ~ Mace convenience shop ~ Air/Screenwash/Vacuum ~ Cash point ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members

At Crossflags we strive to create the best customer experience in the area. Please come and see us when you are considering your next vehicle purchase. York House, Annan Road, Dumfries DG1 3AW 01387 253473 Fax: 01387 253472 www.crossflags.co.uk