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
6B Catherinefield Ind Est Heathhall Dumfries DG1 3PQ
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:
Assoc Coordntr Peter Dodds
01387 261523
dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk
M/c Coordntr Phil Sayers
01848331994
For more details of our activities see our web site at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk
News Dist.
Christine Donaldson 01576 202805
Magazine comments and contributions to:
Events
Stewart Cameron 01387 264005
editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk
Committee
Andy Campbell 07717 798109 Neil Martynink 07725 941180 Maureen Hewitt 07734 662526 Andrew Bird 01387 259500 To e-mail any member of the committee, please in the first instance, use the group contact e-mail address: dumfries@groups.org.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
What’s on? - check for details & late changes at www.iamdumfries.org.uk 19 April - Visit to SAFETY CAMERA PARTNERSHIP - this will be a ‘live’ on site visit. This event must start at 7 pm sharp so don’t be late - see web site for details of the location. 10 May - AGM & QUIZ 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 especially to those readers who are undergoing or have completed a ‘Skill for Life’ driving or riding course. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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A Message From The President – Tommy Jardine As we come to the end of another Group year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the hard working volunteers who give up their valuable spare time to make this one of the most successful and respected Groups in Scotland. Our committed band of Motorcycle and Car Observers are at the forefront of making our roads a safer place to ride and drive. I am very proud of the work our Committee and Observers carry out in order to further the cause of Advanced Driving across the region. On this subject I’d like to invite the readers of this magazine to help with the continuing work of the Group and consider becoming an Observer or serving on the Committee. We are always in need of fresh new members, especially young members. Our AGM will be held on 10 May 2010 at The Dalston Hotel, Dumfries, so if you are interested nomination forms are available from the Group Secretary Helen Cameron - see Page 1 for contact details - forms should be completed and returned by 9:00 a.m. 03 May 2010. We want to build on the past successes and “drive” the Group forward into the next decade, you can help us achieve our goals, please get in touch. The Group has been well supported by regular sponsors who recognise the value of the work we do and ultimately the lives that are saved through advanced driving skills. It is these sponsors who make the publication of this magazine possible and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for their continued support. Never one to miss an opportunity, I would ask that if you have any ideas with regard to potential sponsors, please get in touch and either myself or a member of the Committee will be happy to make contact. In the current economic climate, I am fully aware of the close scrutiny that drivers & riders give their expenditure, in particular to their car or motor cycle insurance. Being a member of IAM brings substantial savings with regard to vehicle insurance, I would recommend an IAM Surety quote at your next renewal date, see the Advanced Driving magazine or have a look at www.iamsurety.com. Finally, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this and perhaps consider getting in touch to help in this team effort for safer driving and riding across Dumfries & Galloway. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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The Chairman’s comments - Graeme McColm Welcome to the Spring Edition of our Advance magazine. This winter has been fairly quiet, due mainly to the appalling weather we have been experiencing over the past few months. This hasn’t prevented new Associates gaining a pass in their Advanced Test - see the list of test passes in the Secretary’s report on page 15 - congratulations to all. Our Race Night on the 22 January 2009 was a success with around 40 people in attendance. All, with Phil Sayers being his usual uproarious self, once again enjoyed this annual event at the Dalston Hotel. We made upwards of £500 but more about that later when we have got the final figure. Hopefully we will be able to hold a similar event next year. On the 8 February 2010, Russell Wears gave a talk on a potential town traffic management strategy, this was very enlightening and it looks like we are all going to have accept some significant changes to our methods and routes of travel, within the town, over the coming years. The visit to the Fire Station was another excellent and informative meeting see elsewhere in this magazine for more details about this. The April meeting promises to be another cracking event - please note it will not be held on the usual second Monday of the month but instead on April 19 at 7 p.m. sharp so don’t be late. You’ll need to check our web site for details of the location for the event - we’ll post the info as soon as we get it. We’ll be getting the chance to see the Safety Camera van at work on the A75, on a ‘live’ operation. We’ll also get the chance to try out the SCP driving simulator and see the presentation facilities used by the SCP at events and shows etc. Hopefully the weather will be better in the near future and with the clocks having gone back last month the lighter nights are here, allowing more time for both drivers and riders to practise their skills. Take care to all and safe driving.
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
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Raining? “I could have taken the Test in a canoe” My decision to undertake the IAM Skills for Life course was prompted by my wish to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor. The ADI test is not exactly the same as the IAM test, but is similar enough as to make no odds. I just thought that, if I took the IAM test first, it would give me a head start. I now know that this was a wise decision. The first observed drive revealed that, while my driving skills were not too bad, they were a far cry from IAM/ADI standard. That being said, my Observer assured me that the basics were there and, with sustained application, I should reach IAM test standard without too much trouble. As the weeks passed I felt that I was not really improving; there just seemed so much to remember. And then there was observation! I quickly realised that this was the single most important aspect of Advanced Driving, but also that part of driving at which I was weakest. This did not do a lot for my confidence, but I was determined to persevere. I am very glad that I did. Although I found it quite difficult at times to fit in enough driving practice, I did what I could. Slowly but surely the pieces of the jigsaw fitted together and my confidence started to return. As for the test, I was informed in advance that there would be more than one other person in the car with me; the Examiner was to be observed by no less a person than IAM’s Chief Examiner for Scotland. No pressure, then! On the day itself the weather could not have been worse. It had already been raining on and off for weeks, but on this particular day I could have taken the test in a canoe. I met the test Examiner and the Chief Examiner in a car park in Dumfries with the rain still hammering down. It remained pretty much like that throughout the test. Nevertheless, I kept my cool and just made the best of it. To my surprise, I felt remarkably relaxed, despite the weather conditions and the presence of the ‘Chief’ in the back seat; to be honest, I forgot he was there! By the end of the test we were back at the car park where the Examiner wasted no time in informing me that I had passed. He briefly discussed the errors I had made during the drive and I was surprised how few there seemed to be. Now that I am a member of IAM I am determined not only to maintain my standard of driving but to improve upon it. The opportunity to develop my driving skills in this way has been great for me; I would thoroughly recommend the IAM Skills For Life programme to anyone considering it. Kevin Costigane © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Safer Parking Scheme - Reducing crime Sources: The AA / Park Mark Around 20% of all car crimes occur in car parks. Home Office research has shown that car park crime can be reduced by up to 80% by implementing appropriate design changes and management practices. To improve safety in car parks the Safer Parking Scheme was launched in 2004. The Safer Parking status, Park Mark®, is awarded to parking facilities that have met the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the police. The Scheme is an ACPO initiative supported by the Home Office and Scottish Executive and managed by the British Parking Association (BPA). If you are travelling to a new area you might want to find a Safer Parking Scheme car park by looking for the Park Mark logo or by checking this web site www.parkmark.co.uk. If you feel safe and secure in a car park then a thief probably won't. On the other hand, if you don't feel safe the thief probably will, so don't park there.
Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary - Graeme McColm This winter has been the quietest on record for bikers across the region. The poor weather and road conditions have played a huge part. I myself had not been out for about two months due to various commitments. The other Observers have kept the ball rolling and I am pleased to say they managed to get Associates up to test level with a few passing over the winter. Well done to all for your endless support and commitment to safer riding. We are always keen to enrol more Associates so if you know anybody who would benefit from a “Skills for Life” course please encourage them to sign up. On Sunday 7 March we set out on our first monthly ride-out of the season. The sun was shining and although a little cold first thing the day brightened and was enjoyed by all. Around a dozen of us headed up to Samye Ling, stopping off for a coffee before returning via Langholm, Longtown, Gretna & Thornhill. This year our annual over night ride-out will once again be held in September, destination to be agreed. Please contact Phil Sayers if you wish to be considered. Participants will be chosen on a first come first served basis so get your name down early if you want to go. The clocks have gone back and we are now in British Summer Time (!) so let’s hope the weather allows us to take advantage of the lighter nights. Enjoy the better weather and happy and safe biking! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Fancy a Track day? - Stuart Eckersley Hi folks, anybody out there fancy a track day on their bike? Well this short article will hopefully inspire you to book one rather than sit there wishing your life away. The first and most important point about a track day is that is exactly what it is, a track day and not a race day! It’s a chance to partially explore the potential performance of your bike without the risks that are normally associated with riding on the road. Be under no illusions, accidents do happen, as I know only too well, but are in general of your own making. Right, warnings out of the way, how do you book and what happens? First decide on a venue you fancy. I’ve tried a few and particularly like Oulton Park, in Cheshire. Why? Well it’s not the fastest circuit but it is quite technical and probably resembles riding on real roads more than most. I love it and go back year after year. Once you’ve decided, you need to book it. Here comes the technical bit (for me anyway). Go on-line and pop into your search engine ‘UK bike track days’. Most of the event organisers give you a list of various locations and you just chose the one you fancy. Most will ask you details of your machine, experience and if you’ve done any tracks days before. I would definitely advise anybody who hasn’t done one before to opt for the novice group. Generally there are three groups, novice, intermediates and experienced. Forget the experienced group, some of these people are full-on racers, as for the intermediates, these are pretty quick too. Some who haven’t been before opt for this group because they ride quickly on the road. This is not the road, BE WARNED. Opt for the novices and if you are quick, you will be moved up a group. You’ve booked, paid and you turn up for your day. The morning will start with booking on. You’ll need your driving licence and will need to sign a disclaimer. Next comes the prep talk from various officials, for things such as the meaning of the various flags, the importance of warming your tyres (two or even three laps to get them warmed - especially if it’s cool), what to do in the event of leaving the circuit etc. They also explain about overtaking, undertaking, last lap cooling down and exiting the circuit after a session. The number of sessions for the day is normally four in the morning and three in the afternoon, each one lasting about 20 minutes providing everybody behaves themselves. Safety is paramount and is taken extremely seriously and stupid overtaking etc is hit on very hard. Commit a second offence and you are usually escorted from the circuit! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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OK, what can you take to a track day in the way of machinery? Any road going bike that’s in good mechanical order. It doesn’t have to be a race rep. It could be a street bike like my Aprilia Tuono or a Supermoto or even a “Charlie McGregor” BMW. Do take the panniers off though! Tyres are always checked, as are noise levels. Last year at Oulton Park the limit was 104 dB. Once through scrutineering, it’s back to the pits until you’re called to the holding area. It’s the big moment, nerves and adrenaline are flowing and bladder control is extremely important. The board goes out “warm your tyres” and off you go, usually behind a travelling marshal for a couple of “sighting laps” and then back in to the pits. That’s the worst bit over. Everybody has to do the sighting laps, so it’s not just you. It just helps you settle in and see where the circuit goes. Out for your first session proper. Take your time and learn the circuit and don’t forget to get the tyres warm. A couple of years back, one person on a brand new bike binned it without completing one full lap. Bike beyond fixing then and there, he went home; all because he didn’t warm his tyres. As the day goes on, your confidence will grow to lean at angles you only dreamed of. Some will get the knee down, some it might take a couple of visits. The problem is it does become addictive. So, if this has wetted your appetite and you fancy a go, get out and do it. I will be returning to Oulton Park on the 5 May this year and anyone is welcome to come. The event is organised by Focused Events who I’ve been with many times and they are a good professional setup. This year it costs £165. You will have to find your own way there and back and I would advise anybody to trailer their bike as the day is very tiring, believe it or not. The first time I went, I rode down, did the day and then rode home. Shattering. The other reason, God forbid, is just in case you bin it. If you want any further info or just a chat, give me a call in the evenings on 01461 700578 - Stuart Eckersley
Keeping members informed From time to time we send out news via e-mail 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
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Table-top rally results - Jim Hunter Here are the results of the two table-top rallies held at the February meeting: Rally 1 1st The Old Farts 15/16 2nd Nameless 15/16 (second as they took a longer time) 3rd Cryptics 14/16 4th Thinking 14/16 (again slower) 5th Team Trouble 13/16 Rally 2 1st The Old Farts 18/19 2nd Team Trouble 17/19 3rd Nameless 16/19 4th= Thinking 15/19 4th= Crytics 15/19 (both teams took 24 minutes) I think 'The Old Farts' need split up for the next event or they will get fat on all the lollies they get to eat by winning! You know who you are!
New labelling system for tyres A new law agreed last year will see EU countries introducing legislation to require all new tyres on sale in Europe from November 2012 to be classified and labelled for fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise performance. The new labelling system which will have similarities to the energy rating labels on domestic electrical appliances will apply to all tyres for cars, light and heavy duty vehicles but not bikes. The tyre label will use classes ranging from best-performance (green “A” class) to worst (red “G” class). Besides indicating how much the tyre affects the car's fuel efficiency, it will also give information about its performance in wet conditions and its Image by Applied Information Group, London external rolling noise in decibels.
Nectar card scheme Remember you can help the Group funds when you make purchases at St Michael’s Services, just ask the staff for the points to be added to the Group’s nectar card when you pay for your fuel. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Visit to Dumfries Fire Station The March meeting was well supported with over 20 members attending the Dumfries Fire Station. If you did not manage to make it you missed a great visit. We got to see a wide selection of the equipment used by the Brigade together with a detailed explanation of how they deal with Road Traffic Collisions. We also got to see excerpts of the CHOICES presentation given to schools, throughout the region. This Group Members getting informed about Brigade equipment and how it is used has the aim of making young and inexperienced drivers aware of their risks, when out on the roads. It featured several hard hitting photos and videos highlighting the consequences resulting from poor choices and errors made by road users.
ADVANCED DRIVING OR RIDING - what’s different about it?
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. 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 - it’s a ‘Skill for Life’ DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC 023511
© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Property and Estate Agency Wills and Estates Ind e p e nd e nt F i na nci a l Advice
Commercial Practice Family Law www.braidwoods.com 1 Charlotte Street, Dumfries DG1 2AG Telephone: (01387) 257272 E-mail: info@braidwoods.com
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 manc e , l e s s pol l ut 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
Annual General Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by order of the Group Committee that the Annual General Meeting of “Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists” will be held at 19:30 on Monday 10 May 2010 at Dalston House Hotel, Dumfries, to enable the Trustees of the Group (Registered Charity No. SC 023511) to present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010 for approval by the Group Members and to conduct an election. Issued by: Secretary: Helen Cameron; Contact: 07707 035518; Group No 6071; e-mail: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk - 15 March 2010. All Members, Associates and Friends are invited to attend but only Fully Paid Up Members of the IAM and of the Group may vote. A Member entitled to vote at the General Meeting may appoint a proxy to vote in his stead. A proxy need not be a Full Member of the Group. CURRENT OFFICERS: All Officers retire annually but offer themselves for re-election. (Group Rule 3.4) Chairperson: Graeme McColm - Offering to stand for re election Vice Chairman: Jamie Wood - Offering to stand for re election Secretary: Helen Cameron - Offering to stand for re election Treasurer: Russell Wears - Offering to stand for re election COMMITTEE MEMBERS: One third of the Committee (excluding Officers) must retire annually and may offer themselves for re election. (Group Rule 3.4) A. RETIRING BY ROTATION AND STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION: Andy Campbell - Eligible for re-election. B. RETIRING BY ROTATION AND NOT STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION: Peter Dodds C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOT RETIRING & NUMBER OF YEARS REMAINING: Stewart Cameron (1 year), Phil Sayers (1 year), Neil Martynink (1 year), Anne Lind (1 year), Maureen Hewitt (2 years), Andrew Bird (2 years), Christine Donaldson (2 years) NOTE: The total number of Committee Members including the Officers must not exceed twenty. See the Nomination Form (available from the Secretary) for details, which must be returned by 9 am 3 May 2010. Group Rules and the Minutes of the May 2009 AGM are available on the Group web site or may be requested, from the Secretary, at least seven days in advance of the date for the AGM. IMPORTANT The Group belongs to its Members and it will benefit from your input at the AGM and/or your participation on the committee, if you are able to help. Any full Member of the group wishing to help the group by volunteering to be a member of the committee should let the Secretary know in advance of the date for return of nomination papers so that a Nomination Form can be raised. 13
Careful observation worn like a seat belt - David Potter Like many drivers, I was aware of the “Advanced Driving” test, but hadn’t given it much thought. I had been driving without incident since the early seventies, and on the whole, thoroughly enjoyed driving. But in the last few years, I had been finding that driving seemed more of a chore than a pleasure, and I was becoming grumpy and intolerant on the road. Not a good combination. I discussed the situation with my wife, after one particularly deep sigh from the passenger seat, and decided to look into the IAM, with the promise of funding via a birthday present. So I made enquiries through the Dumfries branch, arranged associate membership, and was contacted by my “Observer”. The demonstration drive was interesting, and I have to admit I thought, “but I drive like this anyway, more or less”. Then came the first observed drive, and the feedback, and the uncomfortable revelation that my driving wasn’t perfect after all! Over the next few weeks, with infinite patience and great skill, my Observer observed, commented, guided and praised until “The System” slowly dawned, came together, made sense. Right speed, right position, right gear, right frame of mind. Careful observation worn like a seat belt. Searching for the perfect gear change, the precise steering movement, finesse in everything. Learning to predict traffic behaviour like a motoring psychic. When I successfully completed the test, I was really pleased, and knew I had achieved something important. But of course this was still near the bottom of the learning curve. This is without doubt one of the best decisions I have made, and has not only improved my driving, but also my attitude in the driving seat. In a paradoxical way, greater awareness of the sometimes strange and irrational behaviour of others can actually result in a more tolerant attitude. And certainly greater insight into one’s own driving makes for a safer and more relaxed experience.
The Spring is sprung, The grass is riz, I wonder how my driving is? Visit: www.iamdumfries.org.uk for ways to find out © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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I enjoy driving again, and am told that being a passenger with me is now a far better experience than it was before. But I do miss my Observer’s insightful feedback – when I sometimes lapse into the old ways, and it does and will happen, then the invaluable lessons he taught me are there to sort it out, and I get back into the System. The IAM has such an enormous contribution to make to road safety and driving pleasure. I would recommend the experience I have had to everyone.
Watchwords for the road Drive safely - it is not only cars that can be recalled by their maker! A happy driver is one who can enjoy the scenery when they get lost! When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane!
The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron The clocks change soon and this is when our IAM activity increases. We have had a good year with new Associates joining us throughout the year. Our group meetings have had excellent speakers and it is good to report that a lot of new faces have been attending. Why not give it a try? As always, this is a reminder that everyone receiving the magazine is a member of the Group and your input is important, therefore any feedback or suggestions are always gratefully received. We did not manage to hold either the usual 10 pin bowling competition or a quiz night with the Carlisle Group during the past Group year but hopefully this will be remedied in the coming autumn. Peter Dodds, the Associate Co-ordinator is leaving the committee after two 3 year terms and I would like to thank him for all the support he has given the Group in that time. The Group are hoping to man the IAM mobile display unit in the month of June in different parts of the region and would like names of anyone who can help with this for an hour or so. Please get in touch with myself or anyone on the Committee if you have a couple of hours to spare. Congratulations to new members who have recently passed their IAM test. Associate
Observer
Associate
Observer
Elise Waddell
Peter Dodds
Trevor Bone
M/cTeam
Ann Johnstone
Anne Lind
Rob Woodford
M/cTeam
Katie Morton
M/cTeam
This could be you!
& this could be you!
© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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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.
Driving in the dark on rural roads The Highway Code (Rule 126) says that you should drive at a speed that will allow you to ‘stop well within the distance you can see to be clear’ i.e. within the Limit Point. The Limit Point is formed by bends, brows and maybe trees hanging over a rising road and the like. The Rule applies whenever you drive be it day or night and it follows that there can be significant implications when driving, in the dark, on unlit roads, where the Limit Point is the furthest throw of your headlights. Many or most vehicles are fitted with headlight adjusters, usually in the form of a knob or lever on the dashboard, but do drivers make good use of them? The maximum throw of dipped beam headlights may vary slightly between different vehicles. Among other things it is dependant on the height of the headlight above the road surface. Theoretically if your dipped headlights are adjusted to the maximum throw, in accordance with the Vehicles Lighting Regulations, they could light up the road to a point as far as 60m away. This is dependant on ensuring that the headlight adjuster within the car, if you have one, is set correctly for the conditions. It may have been set low when your vehicle was fully loaded but has it been adjusted now that it is just you, the driver, in the vehicle? At 60mph you are moving at 26.8 metres/second which if an obstruction were spotted 60 metres ahead means you have only around 2 ¼ seconds to react and stop! According to the Highway Code you need 73m to react and stop. Although in a modern, well maintained vehicle, you may well be able to stop more quickly and avoid the obstruction this would also be dependant on excellent observation, fast reactions and a good dry road surface, something which is often not the case on a rural road. You may have noticed that some drivers take a long time to put their lights on full beam after passing an oncomer. By delaying using main beam by say 5 seconds at 60 mph means that they have travelled 134 metres with unnecessarily restricted vision! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Both white sticks in the verge can be seen although the one 60m away is just about at the limit of the throw of the headlights. Rather than taking the view that you should use your dipped headlights but then use full beam, if there is no one in sight who might be dazzled, perhaps a better way is to take the view that full beam should be used at all times except when another road user could be adversely affected by them. In this way as soon as an oncomer has passed the ‘normal full beam state’ is re-established. To maintain maximum vision you should not dip too early. On a right-hand bend delay dipping until you round the corner, but just before you face the oncomers, or if you pass the only oncomer on the bend you may not have to dip at all. Left hand bends will require you to dip if there are oncomers but even if not you may get more illumination by dipping anyway since the headlight beam has a further throw to the nearside. Finally on illuminated roads you will often see drivers happy to stick with low beam but they could still use main beam, to help illuminate the shadows, and so maximise observation - as long as it doesn’t affect other road users.
Bad times on the hard shoulder Department of Transport figures show that in the past 15 years over 2050 men have been killed or injured on a hard shoulder after breaking down. This compares with just under 770 women in the same period. Part of this discrepancy can be accounted for by more male drivers using these roads but this only accounts for around 20% of the difference. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 17
It seems that the male ego may be responsible for the higher death and injury rate because men have a higher belief in their skills and ability to fix the problem hence they are more likely to put themselves in danger and maybe ignore safety rules. Women on the other hand are generally probably much more realistic about their technical abilities and the dangers of working on a motorway hard shoulder. Don’t forget that the Highway Code gives advice about breakdowns in general (see Rules 274) and specifically about Motorways (Rules 275) where amongst the various pieces of advice you are told “do not to put yourself in danger by attempting even simple repairs”. Perhaps now might be a good time to review what the Highway Code says. Making sure your breakdown insurance is up to date will help you call in the experts if you do suffer a breakdown. Daytime use of headlights - source The AA There had been much discussion over whether cars across Europe should have their headlights on all the time when the engine was running – many countries introduced local rules while the European commission considered possible pan-European rules and compulsory technical standards for new cars. By 2006 12 countries required drivers to drive with their headlights on all year round including Sweden since 1977, Iceland, Latvia, Macedonia and Norway since around 1980, Denmark since 1990 and Romania, Slovenia and parts of Portugal since 1998. Four countries – Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic – required this in the winter only while Hungary and Italy required daytime running lights outside built up areas. The UK never introduced a daytime running light rule. Benefits of Daytime Running Lights (DRL) - Those in favour of daytime running lights claimed a potentially significant reduction in road deaths and serious injuries while those against objected to the constant glare of headlights and voiced concern that motorcycle riders may become less conspicuous if everyone else's lights were on at the same time as their's. There was some concern over increased fuel costs too. In 2006 the European Commission published the results of research into the effectiveness, costs and benefits of introducing Daytime Running Lights. This report suggested that a substantial number of casualties could be prevented across the EU and showed a positive benefit to cost ratio when the costs of fitting lamps and the environmental cost of running them was considered. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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A Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned study of the Commission's research confirmed that there would be a net reduction in accidents from compulsory fitting of DRL but cast doubt as to whether the benefits would outweigh the costs. This UK report did however conclude that dedicated DRLs could be designed to improve the visibility of cars in dim light without reducing the conspicuity of motorcyclists. It said that the use of dedicated, low intensity DRLs would be of benefit without having a negative effect on motorcycle visibility (here some bikers may disagree). Legal Directive - In September 2008 the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Directive that will introduce dedicated daytime running lights on all new types of passenger cars and small delivery vans from February 2011 onwards. Trucks and buses will follow from August 2012 onwards. There will be no requirement to retro-fit daytime running lights to existing cars and no Europe-wide requirement for drivers of cars without dedicated daytime running lights to drive with headlights on during the day. Where fitted, dedicated daytime running lights will switch on automatically when the engine is started. Effects on fuel consumption - We expect future designs of DRL to be similar to current examples such as the Audi S4 which can be seen on our roads today. This consists of a row of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) which only consume a fraction of the electricity taken by a normal headlight. Use of dedicated DRLs instead of driving with headlights or sidelights on will also mean that tail lights and instrument lights are not illuminated during the day. The alternator is driven by the engine and spins all the time but it doesn't always consume the same amount of power from the engine. When the electrical load on the alternator increases more power is required to turn it and so fuel consumption is increased. Whereas headlamps consume 110 watts of power dedicated DRL LEDs might consume only 5-10 watts so putting negligible load on the alternator.
Potholes: a ‘hole’ lot of trouble, says IAM With potholes estimated to cost motorists £320 million every year, more potholes than ever have appeared this year (and continue to appear) following the cold winter weather. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 19
Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, said: “Potholes form and get worse after icy spells as water gets into small cracks in the roads, expanding as it freezes and forcing the tarmac apart. For this reason, roads will increasingly start to show signs of damage as the weather warms up.” “As well as worrying about your vehicle, with potholes being a major cause of suspension failure, drivers should be particularly conscious of cyclists and motorcyclists trying to get past a pothole and give them a wide berth. They are entitled to a wobble and would appreciate not having a motorist attempting to overtake just as they avoid a hole in the road,” added Mr Greig. More pothole advice from the IAM: · Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front so that you can see the road surface before you drive or ride on it. · If you do hit a pothole accidentally, make a point of checking your tyres once you’ve stopped. Check the inner as well as the outer tyre wall, which may have been damaged as a result. · Avoid suddenly pulling out to avoid a hole – you might discover that there is a motorcyclist trying to get past you, or encounter an oncoming vehicle. · Bikers and cyclists need to look well ahead and change direction early so they have time to deal with the holes, and so that their movements don’t cause surprise to other road users. · Potholes tend to reappear in the same place again and again as previous repairs fail - remember where you saw one and expect it to be there again. · Be extra vigilant on roads with lots of lorries and also around bus stops. Extra pressure is put on the road surface wherever heavy vehicles stop, start or turn. “Always make a point of reporting a pothole to the local authority as an early repair could prevent a future accident.” Mr Greig added. 20
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