ADVANCE Spring 2013

Page 1

Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

Download this issue

Quick link to this issue’s Advertiser’s wall


ADVANCE Spring 2013 Contents Page

Content

1

What’s on? See what events are planned for the near future The Chairman’s comments

2 Pothole plague worst in Scotland 3

Darkness on the edge of town

4

Observer’s Corner - It’s a nightmare for bikers in the day …. but worse at night!

5

When looking might not be seeing

7

Young Driver Support Programme

11

Annual General Meeting

12

Quality of road markings in decline

13

Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary The dangers of fatigue

14 Drink driving: The hidden cost of a humble pint The Secretary Reports 15 Thousands disqualified before reaching driving age 16

Top 10 professions most likely to speed

19

Advertiser’s Wall

© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & 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

YOU MAY THINK OF THESE AS JUST ACCIDENTS but there may have been clues which if acted upon, might have avoided or reduced the consequences of these situations.

A ‘skill for life’ course could help you spot the clues. Why not plan to steer a course for safer driving and riding? Find out more by visiting WWW.IAMDUMFRIES.ORG.UK


Group Committee Members for 2012/13 This magazine was published

Chair, Chief Obs

Graeme McColm

01387 720425

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

Vice Chair

Jamie Wood

01683 300347

For more details of our activities see our web site at:

Secretary

Helen Cameron

07707 035518

www.iamdumfries.org.uk

Treasurer

Russell Wears

01387 263893

Contact the Group Secretary:

Group President: Tommy Jardine

M/c Coordntr Andrew Bird

01387 259500

Car Coordntr Stewart Cameron 01387 264005 Committee

Anne Lind Andy Campbell Bob Sloan Sheena Trail Clint Smith Chris McWhinnie John Parry

07727 913742 07717 798109 07764 349459 01461 204688 07952 751433 07749 105203 07841 202445

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 To e-mail any member of the committee, please in those of the Editor, Group or the the first instance, use the group contact e-mail Institute of Advanced Motorists, to which the Group is affiliated. Reg address: dumfries@groups.org.uk Charity No. SC 023511

For all enquiries call: 07707 035518 or e-mail: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk

What’s on? - check for more details & late changes at www.iamdumfries.org.uk Monday 8 April, 6:30pm. Visit to Aviation Museum, Heathhall, Dumfries numbers required so please let Helen Cameron know that you’ll be coming. Monday 13 May, AGM and Quiz Night Monday 10 June, 6:30pm. Treasue Hunt with a difference - Your first clue: it starts at the car park behind the main Council offices, off Newall Terrace. Meetings: Aberdour Hotel, 16 Newall Terr. DG11LW 7:30pm unless otherwise stated.

Copy date: Latest article submission date for the Autumn13 issue: 8 August 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. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

1


The Chairman’s comments - Graeme McColm Welcome to the Spring edition of Advance. There have been a variety of difficult conditions this winter with either with rain, snow or cold but thankfully spring is here, the nights are getting lighter, so we can all benefit from getting out and about in the evenings. The IMI award - The Institute of the Motor Industry awards have now been introduced countrywide. One group in England and ourselves were the first to take part in this scheme. Earlier this year former racing driver John Cleland offered to reimburse the costs of the IAM course for a number of young motorists in the Borders, once they pass their advanced test. Touring car champion John Cleland said he wanted to cut the number of accidents in the region, which has thousands of miles of difficult rural roads. Allan McNish (local racing driver and director of Crossflags) is also looking at helping out, possibly in conjunction with John Cleland, by assisting young drivers in our region to pass the IAM test. Have a look at page 7 for more information. Over the winter we have had a mixture of evening events, both entertaining and educational, ranging from a night of archery at St Joseph’s College, a talk on first aid procedures, a presentation on household waste prevention and a competitive 10 pin bowling match versus Carlisle group. If you have any ideas for future events or fundraising ideas please mention it to an observer or committee member. Advanced driving and riding is for all and no matter age or ability a ‘Skill for Life’ course is a must. Please remember if you are looking for an alternative gift, you can’t beat a ‘skill for life’ course. Now spring has arrived we hope everybody will be out and about either in the car or by motorbike but remember to stay safe.

Pothole plague worst in Scotland A third of drivers have damaged their vehicle by hitting a pothole in the last two years, according to the AA. A new AA/Populus survey of 22,827 AA members found that damaged road surfaces took the greatest toll on drivers in the north of the UK with Scots (44%) taking the biggest pothole hit by some margin. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

2


Darkness on the edge of town - IAM driving tip Over the past 3 years lights have been switched off on over 120 miles of the UK’s motorways. Here IAM Chief Examiner, Peter Rodger offers advice on driving in the dark, on the motorway. Rodger said: “Driving after the sun goes down offers a rather different experience to driving in daylight. Speed is more difficult to judge, distances can be hard to calculate, facing a wall of headlights can cause distraction and impaired vision, and you are likely to be more tired than usual.” Rodger offers tips to help make your drive as safe and enjoyable as possible: - To improve your view as far as possible, keep your lights and windscreen clean. You should clean the inside of your windscreen as well as the exterior. - Use main beam to maximise the distance which you can see ahead, but when other drivers are approaching, make sure you dip your lights to avoid dazzling the oncoming traffic. - Turn off your interior lights and dim the dashboard if possible – this will cut down on interior reflections on your windows. - Make sure you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear. Stopping distances should be increased during hours of darkness, and even more so if the winter weather has made the roads more slippery. - If you’re feeling tired, caffeine alone is not a fix. Take a break and have a 20 minute nap in a safe location. Opening your window to let some cool fresh air in will also help to perk you up. - Motorway driving can be monotonous, so share the driving if possible. - Look at how traffic in front behaves for clues to possible problems you can’t see yet. You should especially stay on the lookout for brake lights up ahead. - If you break down, pull over on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as you can, pointing your wheels in towards the kerb. Then leave your vehicle and stand behind a crash barrier if there is one. Rodger said: “Currently there are several stretches of motorway in Britain which have no lighting, making the hours of darkness even more challenging. But this shouldn’t put you off driving on the motorway at night. The roads are a lot quieter, making it a suitable time to make continuous progress.” © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

3


It’s a nightmare for bikers in the day but worse at night! Potholes are a danger for all road users and especially for those on two wheels. It’s not just the potholes themselves that cause the danger, there’s the problem of the loose debris, both from the hole in the original road and all too often debris generated by the ineffective repair. If you use the System then potholes and debris are just another hazard to be dealt with. Close observation coupled with anticipation of potential pothole locations (that’s just Potholes for the about anywhere nowadays), should help you devise an effecforeseeable tive riding plan. future Don’t ignore the effect that potholes can have on other road users which could in turn affect you. Cars and bikes in front, or even ‘oncomers’ too, could suddenly brake and swerve. You might even find you get caught out yourself, but at least if you are observing all round you will know if you can deviate your course or speed without affecting others unduly. If you have no option but to ride or drive across a pothole you’ll need to adjust your speed accordingly, before the hole, as hitting it under heavy braking could make things worse. For example the front suspension may become compressed or you could skid on entering the hole, all of which may cause more damage and instability. If you are really caught out you might have to opt to let off the brakes and proceed through the affected area in a straight line as the best course of action. On a bike you will be less insulated from the thump when you hit a pothole Uneven road and there’s likely to be a much bigger effect on the hanremove dendling, so aim to avoid them wherever possible. tures before proceeding

Finally you’ll need to be hyper-vigilant at night, especially on a bike, given that main roads and even motorways are now affected by the plague of potholes.

© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

4


When looking might not be seeing In the last edition we asked - ‘Do you turn a blind eye?’ - where we looked at the issue of blind spots caused by a variety of things such as the optic nerve, window pillars, dirty glass etc. These aren’t the only reason you might fail to spot a hazard or end up in a close shave when another road user ‘comes out of nowhere’. Perhaps you convinced yourself that it must be their fault for not signalling or maybe for going too fast, after all you are not blind are you? Well it might surprise you that you have less than optimum vision much of the time and there are more reasons than just those highlighted in the last edition. The eye via the retina allows you to ‘see’. In a very small area of the retina can be found the Fovea Centralis this enables the sharp focused vision, needed where detail is important, for activities such as reading, driving etc. Such detailed vision (acuity) only results from the small area the fovea points toward, the rest of the image you see is less detailed but nevertheless useful for identifying movement so prompting you to shift the focus of your eyes. Visual acuity at 20 deg to the side of where your gaze is focused typically is only about 10% of what it is at 0 deg i.e. the point you are looking at directly in another words you can only pick up 10% of the detail! The view captured by the fovea only comprises the central 2 deg or so of your vision - that’s maybe about a couple of finger widths held up at arms length. When an object requiring detailed vision covers a larger area than this, for example when reading a book, the eyes have to constantly shift to get the the different areas into sharp focus. There is also another downside to the fovea, it does not perform well in low light. Armed with this knowledge you now know why you have to move your eyes and look directly at something in order to see the full detail. In terms of driving this is the only way of collecting the information necessary to make the right decisions, and arm yourself with effective driving plans, adjusted as necessary

Look straight ahead (LH image) pedestrian in road is in focus but to the sides the view has progressively less detail. Shift focus to the right, cars on RH are in focus but not the pedestrian in road and the cars on left are even less well defined. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

5


to suit the ever changing conditions. Just looking ahead and relying on peripheral vision will not do it - you have to actively seek out hazards especially if you want to minimise the effects of ‘blind spots’. As well as the problem related to lack of detail there’s the problem where the eye fails to detect an object because there is little or no relative movement to be spotted. Effectively the object (a potential hazard) is camouflaged especially if the background has monotonous detail. Light, colour and contrast come into it too as whilst the fovea is good at determining colour it is not so good in poor light so even shifting your focus may not always easily reveal the hazards in certain circumstances. The images below and on the next page attempt to explain this problem:

These images show 2 cars on a collision course. Here is that there is little movement to detect. Each vehicle stays in the same position relative to the other. The silver car stays about 90 deg right of the black one whilst the the black one is always about 30 deg left of the silver car. Just looking ahead in either driver’s case means they are reliant on peripheral vision, good for detecting movement but here there is little relative movement to detect. Things are worse when drivers have other things ahead attracting their attention. When they do spot each other it might be too late!

It is not true to say that you cannot see anything with your peripheral vision, of course you can, but given the limitations can you be sure you would spot smaller road users like pedestrians and cyclists? What if the silver car above were replaced with a motorcycle? To maximise the effectiveness of your vision and minimise the risk to you and other road users try using an full active scanning method which involves not just moving your eyes to shift focus but to also turn your head and even move it sideways/ back/ forward to minimise the effect of blind spots and maximise the detection of movement. The Governments new THINK! campaign aims to remind drivers to look out for motorcyclists - particularly at junctions - and to see the person behind the helmet not just a motorbike. Motorcyclists account for 1% of traffic but 19% of deaths on Britain’s roads. 30 bikers are killed or injured in accidents at junctions every day so make sure you get your observation right. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

6


You may have even less opportunity to see the approaching vehicle on the left if your eye is drawn to activity directly ahead of you and/or there’s poor colour contrast. Sources & further reading: http://think.direct.gov.uk/; www.londoncyclist.co.uk; Group magazines - ADVANCE Spring 2008 - ADVANCE Autumn 2005 see iamdumfries.org.uk

Young Driver Support Programme - source IAM January saw an event to re-launch John Cleland’s Young Driver Support Programme which resulted in 13 young drivers signing up for a ‘skill for life’ course. The event hosted by the racing champion, and supported by IAM Borders, was held at Cleland’s Galashiels Volvo dealership. Young drivers first had a demonstration drive with an IAM observer. They were then given an assessment of their driving abilities both by the observer and also using ‘black box’ technology measuring things like acceleration speeds and cornering methods etc. Cleland said: “If we have the opportunity to cut road deaths, cut government costs due to road accidents and make youngsters safer and more confident drivers for just £139-a-head, to me it’s a no-brainer.” Those who signed up to an IAM course will be reimbursed personally by John Cleland for the full fee, when they pass the advanced test.

John Cleland pictured here

Following the success of this event Cleland is with one of the young drivers committed to expanding the programme to other areas of Scotland. Our Group hope to have it confirmed that the scheme is coming to Dumfries this year. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

7


Call us on 01387 259111 We are a friendly, local practice offering a continuity of case management from our experienced principal Veterinary Surgeon. We offer a wide range of services, using modern diagnostic aids which allow a focused approach to the healthcare of your pet. We also have a special interest in helping beekeepers successfully control Varroa Mite bees@bridgevets.com

Consulting hours: Weekdays 9:00am - 9:30am By Appointment 3:30pm - 6:00pm Open Surgery Saturday 9:00am - 10:30am - Open Surgery 24hour emergency cover

Bridge Veterinary Clinic 51 Glasgow Street, Dumfries, DG2 9AG 01387 259111 info@bridgevets.com www.bridgevets.com

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS get a ‘Skill for Life’ and become an ADVANCED RIDER ADVANCED DRIVER /IAMDumfriesandGallowayCars

/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


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


Unit 3 Downsway Industrial Estate Dumfries DG1 3RS We offer the following services for your motorcycle needs:

·

Fully trained mechanics

· MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Diagnostic testing · Sym warranty contract · Van available for collection/delivery or recovery of your motorcycle

· Parts · Tyres · Accessories · Helmets · Clothing ·

Discounts available for IAM and Curvy Riders

· MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Parts · Accessories · & More

·

We have an outdoor seated area and a relaxing indoor seated area with Sky TV

·

Refreshments available

A701

How to find us d TESCO nwal EXPRESS Ti ns Rd Dow

A7 01

Downsway Garage

75 A wn e To entr C

A75

From the Edinburgh Road roundabout /A75 Dumfries bypass take A701 north. After 0.5 miles take 2nd exit at the roundabout (by Esso/Tesco Express) onto Tinwald Downs Road. In 0.4 miles take left into Downs Way Industrial Est. then first right behind Downsway Garage - we are at the end on the left.

www.dngmotorcycles.com Tel: 01387 320312 email: mucker5uk@yahoo.co.uk


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 13 May 2013 at the Aberdour 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 2013 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 - 08 March 2013. 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) Chair: Graeme McColm - Offering to stand for re election Vice Chair: Jamie Wood - Offering to stand for re election Secretary: Helen Cameron - Offering to stand for re election -unless anyone wishes to do it! 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 B. RETIRING BY ROTATION AND NOT STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION: Sheena Traill C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOT RETIRING & NUMBER OF YEARS REMAINING: Clint Smith (1 yr), Stewart Cameron (1 yr), Anne Lind (1 yr). Bob Sloan (2 yrs), Andrew Bird (2yrs), John Parry (2yrs). Chris McWhinnie has also resigned. 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 2 May 2013. Group Rules and the Minutes of the May 2012 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.


Quality of road markings in decline The Road Safety Marking Association 2012 survey into the quality of road safety markings on the UK’s road network has revealed some unsurprising problems with the state of our road markings. They recorded the condition of road markings (e.g. white lines) over 1030km of motorways, dual and single carriageways in Scotland. They were looking at the retro-reflectivity of these markings which enabled them to judge just how visible they were to road users, especially at night in the wet. The survey revealed 61 per cent of single and dual carriageway road markings are invisible or fall into the warning zone. On some strategic dual carriageways serious problems were found, with for instance, 90 per cent of markings on the M90 between J1 and J12a northbound having failed and a further 9 per cent in the ‘failing’ category. Overall 4 per cent of markings on Scotland’s motorway and dual carriageways needed immediate replacement. The survey also revealed a large number of problem areas across England and Wales. Whilst these results don’t hold any surprises and you might suggest the report has been published by a vested interest, it is probable that not many people would dispute its accuracy. Numerous examples of poor quality white lines are to be found on just about any journey, but what can the road user do to minimise any effects on their safety? What are road markings for anyway? Well they are there to help road users safely navigate the road network by delineating the road and traffic lanes. They serve to inform the driver of the layout of the road, especially in poor weather conditions or at night, and give advanced warning of a variety of hazards (e.g. SLOW marked on the road). Watch out especially at night and in the wet. It is not just a question of you staying on your side of the road but anticipating how others, especially those

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

12


coming towards you, might have their road positioning compromised - to your detriment. Pay particular attention to left hand bends where ‘oncomers’ can frequently be seen cutting the white lines - even when they are in good condition. You might want to make sure you stick to your side of the road especially when negotiating right hand bends - couple this with practised use of the limit points to get your entry speed right and negate the need to cut the corner. It is of course especially difficult in poor weather conditions and made even more difficult at night - add this together with poor road surfaces, pot holes etc and you could have a recipe for danger - but remember there’s no shame in slowing down when in difficult circumstances!

Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary - Graeme McColm There has not been much fresh news to report since the last magazine. As you are all aware the weather hasn’t been great, but thankfully spring is just around the corner (make sure you use the System on approach!). As the nights get lighter and the weather warmer we are looking forward to a number of events in the coming months. The first Sunday runs have started again with the latest on the 3rd of March taking in Portpatrick, the Isle of Whithorn then home via Kirkcudbright and Dalbeattie. It was a great day out with plenty of sunshine. Hopefully we will see more and more of you joining us. If anybody has a good run in mind please mention it as we are always open to ideas. Congratulations to anybody who has ventured out and completed their guidance. Well done!! Over the last few months Andrew Bird and myself (as group ambassadors for the biking section) have attended the Scottish Forum meeting and the regional training team at Tulliallan Police College. The aim of these meetings is to allow the same message to extend across all the different groups. They have been a huge success and we both enjoyed them very much. New associates have been signed up already this year but if you know of anybody who would benefit from a ‘Skill for Life’ course please get in touch. Advanced driving and riding skills are a must for all, irrespective of age or ability. Hopefully the weather will now pick up and we will have some spring sunshine to enjoy and many more skills handed down by our experienced observers. Remember to keep safe. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13


The dangers of fatigue

- source GEM Motoring Assist

Before embarking on a long journey, make sure you familiarise yourself with the risks you may face by being tired at the wheel. There’s a new video out that lasts just a few minutes but could prove a lifesaver in helping you identify the early signs of fatigue during a journey. These early signs can include yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes, restlessness, slow reactions and an inability to maintain a constant speed. Fatigue is reckoned to be the main cause of 20% of motorway crashes. To reduce your chances of being involved get a good night’s sleep before a long journey, try to share the driving, avoid starting a long journey after a full day at work and plan your journey to build in regular breaks. If possible, of course, aim to share the driving. Take a look at the GEM video here: http://www.motoringassist.com/fatigue/

Drink driving: The hidden cost of a humble pint - source gov.uk A £50,000 pint of beer was unveiled in March as part of the government’s THINK! ‘Consequences’ campaign on TV and radio. The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculated that the personal financial cost of drink-driving could be between £20,000 and £50,000. The calculation reflected fines, legal costs, additional insurance costs and possible job losses. The costly pint, housed in a protective glass case and surrounded by security guards, was revealed in London by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond. The IAM’s calculation gave a maximum cost of £50,800 made up as follows: ● £5,000, the maximum fine (source: DfT) ● £4,800 in legal fees, the industry average charged by solicitors for a not guilty plea at trial (sourced by IAM) ● £8,000, the increase in insurance fees based on the average premium for a young man aged between 20 and 24 calculated over an 11-year period, the amount of time a drink driving conviction remains on your driving licence (source: moneysupermarket.com) ● £33,000 in lost earnings, based on a period of 15-months, the mean driving disqualification after conviction, for someone earning the average full-time salary of £26,500 (sources: ONS and DVLA) © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

14


The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron 2012-13 has been a quiet year with fewer associates under guidance than normal. The committee have tried various events to promote advanced driving and riding but the climate both meteorological and economical was against us. Over the winter months we have had just a few associates on ‘skill for life’ courses but hopefully with spring just around the corner we will see an increase in activity both for car and bike sections. We hope to be carrying out a big promotion with IAM House and a local dealership for young drivers under 25years. This will follow a similar format to an event which took place in the Borders in January 2013 (see P7 for details). If the event does takes place then we would greatly appreciate the support of all observers and members as it will be a big undertaking for your committee. We have had very good events so far this year and all members who have attended have enjoyed themselves. It is very disappointing when only a handful of members turn out and speakers have travelled a distance and given up their time to address us. The AGM in May is an ideal opportunity to air your views on the running of the group, the committee welcome your input and would appreciate a good turnout. If you have any questions to be raised or suggestions for events then please let us know. New blood is always welcome on the committee just put yourself forward to me and help make a difference.

Thousands disqualified before reaching driving age Auto Express have uncovered that a total of 5,333 individuals under 17 – the legal age at which you can start driving in the UK – have been given driving bans since 2009! Secretary of State for Justice, Jeremy Wright commented: “Young people who are convicted of driving offences will be subject to penalty points and disqualification even if they’re not yet old enough to hold a driving licence.” More alarmingly, however, the bans for under-age convicts come into force from the date of sentencing, rather than from the date at which the driver can legally get behind the wheel. This means that a significant proportion of the total number of offenders slapped with a driving disqualification can theoretically serve their punishment and start learning to drive at the same time as their peers. The breakdown of the 5,333 disqualified includes five 11-year-olds, 41 12 year-olds, 164 13-year-olds, 578 14-year-olds, 1,420 15-year-olds and 3,125 16-year-olds. Source: MSN/ Auto Express © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

15


Top 10 professions most likely to speed Operations directors, surgeons and sales directors are the drivers most likely to have been caught speeding – and students are among the least likely, a new survey has revealed. MoneySupermarket has analysed 14 million car insurance quotes run over the past year and discovered the professions most likely to have points on their licence because of speeding. It seems professions such as MDs, directors, chief executives and barristers have the speediest people amongst their ranks. Clearly, highpressure positions means every minute counts – which is perhaps why so many are going over the limit. MoneySupermarket insurance expert Kevin Pratt said people are living up to stereotypes. “Our data shows that professionals in high paid jobs driving fast, powerful cars are more likely to be caught speeding than the average family car, or a car with a smaller engine. “Your profession can say a lot about you: the type of car you drive, your age and very often your gender.” However, more sympathy will perhaps be given to speeding medical professionals such as surgeons and hospital consultants: both also featured in the top 10 and it’s easy to understand why. At the other end of the scale sit café workers, building society clerks and, yes, students: they are among the least likely drivers to have been caught speeding. The survey comes as MoneySupermarket reveals that 7 in 10 of ALL driving convictions are for speeding. In the gender split, 9.2% of men have a speeding conviction: a full 3% more than women. It’s 40-49 year olds who are most likely to have a conviction, followed by people in their 30s and then 50-64 year olds. Younger drivers are LEAST likely to have a conviction for speeding, with male drivers aged 20-24 having a conviction rate of 7.2%, and females a 4.4% rate… The top 10 professions registering a conviction for speeding were: 1) Operations director, 2) Surgeon, 3) Sales director, 4) MD, 5) Chartered surveyor, 6) Chief executive, 7) Commissioned officer, 8) Financial adviser, 9) Hospital consultant, 10) Barrister Source: motoring research.com/ moneysupermarket.com © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

16


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


Crossflags 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 Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists www.crossflags.co.uk


ADVANCE Spring 2013: ADVERTISER’S WALL Call us on 01387 259111

Crossflags York House, Annan Road, Dumfries

A friendly, local practice offering a wide range of services and a focused approach to the healthcare of pets. We also have special interest in control of Varroa Mite Bridge Veterinary Clinic 51 Glasgow Street, Dumfries, DG2 9AG 01387 259111 www.bridgevets.com

6B Catherinefield Ind Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries DG1 3PQ Air Con ~Diesel Tuning ~Servicing ~Repairs Diagnostics ~Exhausts~Tyres ~Motorhomes MOT testing for classes 3,4,5 & 7

Tel: 01387 267473

Fuels, MACE stores and more

Back to cover

Wigtown Road Services Wigtown Road, Newton Stewart, DG8 6JZ Tel: 01671 403157 Benmar Garage Station Rd, Moffat, DG10 9EL Tel: 01683 220010

Why not plan to steer a course for safer driving and riding? Visit:

WWW.IAMDUMFRIES.ORG.UK

Tel: 01387 320312

MOTOR ENGINEERS

St. Michael’s Services St. Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QD Tel: 01387 254304

YOU MAY THINK OF THESE AS JUST ACCIDENTS A ‘skill for life’ course could help you spot the clues. that might help you avoid these situations.

Downsway Ind. Est. Dumfries (rear of Downsway Garage) MOT’s·Servicing Repairs·Parts·Tyres Collection/delivery·Recovery ·Accessories·Helmets Clothing·Sym warranty ·Discounts for IAM and Curvy Riders ·Outdoor & indoor seating areas·Sky TV ·Refreshments available

JOHN F. BLACK

Fuels, MACE store and more

ADVANCED DRIVING & RIDING - IT’S A SKILL FOR LIFE

Become an advanced RIDER DRIVER

Interested in improving your skills? We can help, why not find out more? Visit our web site, e-mail or call us on 07707 035518 - see page 1

D & G ADV MOTORISTS & M/CYCLISTS Reg Charity in Scotland - SC 023511


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.