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
What’s wrong with these UK signs?
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E
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We all know our road signs but there’s something wrong with each one of these. Can you see what’s wrong? The answers are in the ‘Highway Code’ or ‘Know Your Traffic Signs’ which you can find by searching www.direct.gov.uk/
This magazine was published by:
Group Committee Members for 2013/14 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
Anne Lind Andy Campbell Bob Sloan Neil Martyniuk Clint Smith John Parry
07727 913742 07717 798109 07764 349459 07725 941180 07952 751433 07841 202445
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 Autumn 14 issue: 08 August
What’s on?: check for late changes at www.iamdumfries.org.uk Monday 14 April - Garage visit: Yet to be confirmed but see web site for time/ venue. Monday 12 May - AGM - see separate AGM Notice. Monday 9 June - Treasure Hunt in and around Dumfries for both cars and bikes. 6.30pm – 7.00pm set off from the Council car park at Newall Terrace. Returning to the Five Arches pub, Annan Rd around 2½ hours later. Meetings: Aberdour Hotel, 16 Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG11LW Meetings start at 7:30 pm unless 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. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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A message from the Chairman Welcome to the Spring edition of Advance. I hope by the time you are reading this, the worst of this winter’s weather will be behind us, and we can start looking forward to long, warm summer days and dry, clean roads. Allowing us to enjoy the journey whether its on 2, 3, or 4 wheels. Whilst we may not have had snow and ice as in previous years, the incessant wind and rain of the past few months have tested our skills just as much. The presentation last autumn about winter tyres, was a timely reminder of the need for us to take every advantage we can get to keep ourselves safe and in control, when the temperature falls and conditions get tricky. As ever we are always looking to recruit new associates, and spring is the perfect time to introduce the IAM and all it has to offer to anyone not lucky enough to have had the benefit of advanced driving or riding tuition. So if you know anyone who rides a motorcycle try to get them to come and see what we do, and how it will benefit them. And we all know a car, van driver or 3 who could benefit from a Skill for Life course, whether a new driver or experienced, all can gain improvement. As in previous years we will be attending various shows and local events with our gazebo and pamphlets, to meet the public and try to raise the profile of the IAM in D&G. We are always in need of volunteers to staff the stand so please let us know if you are willing to help out, even if its just a couple of hours, no experience necessary, the more the merrier. There are still a couple of social events coming up, so keep an eye on the syllabus and the website for what’s on, also facebook for the motorcycle section news, such as for ride-outs and other upcoming events. Good vehicle maintenance is just as important during the summer as it is in the winter, so don’t forget the simple things, like fluid levels, which keep the engine running as it should, and tyre tread & pressures which as well as keeping you safer can help reduce fuel consumption. Remember too, that other road users around you are probably not advanced motorists so we have to anticipate their mistakes. Keep safe and enjoy the summer ahead.
More new technology finds its way into all cars Did you know that from November 2012, all new models of passenger cars in the EU had to be equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)? Also from November 2014, all new passenger cars must be equipped with a TPMS. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Properly inflated tyres have benefits for road safety because the dynamic behavior of a pneumatic tire is closely connected to its inflation pressure. Key factors like braking distance and lateral stability require the inflation pressures to be adjusted and kept as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Extreme under-inflation can even lead to thermal and mechanical overload caused by overheating and subsequent, sudden destruction of the tyre. The EU reports that an average under-inflation of 40 kPa (0.4 bar or 5.8 psi) increase of fuel consumption by 2% and decreases tire life by 25%. The EU concludes that tire under-inflation today is responsible for over 20 million litres of unnecessarily-burned fuel, dumping over 2 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, and for 200 million tires being prematurely wasted worldwide. There are two types of TPMS, direct and indirect. The former has sensors inside the wheel or attached to the outside of the valve whilst the later uses the ABS and other sensors to check speed of rotation and changes in rolling circumference of each wheel.
Personal Experience – Skill for Life Course
- Alan Pendlington
Last week at the age of 74, and 57 years after passing my first driving test, I took and passed the IAM advanced driving test. I am very pleased with myself and my wife and friends may well find me totally insufferable for the next few days, but who cares! Why did I put myself through this? Well, in common with most other car drivers I considered myself to be quite good. Also, in my own mind, I’m not 74 but around mid 40’s, and I drove accordingly. I realised that this might be unwise, and I felt that I should check my abilities, and possibly learn techniques which would enable me to drive safely, progressively and confidently within my limits. The Skill for Life course was amazingly good value. The observation drives were excellent, informative, insightful and always encouraging and helpful. Each drive lasted around one and a half hours so was a good test of concentration. This was a joint effort, it would have been impossible without the enthusiasm, advice and expertise of my Observer (Senior), Stewart Cameron. The final Progress Drive with another Observer, was like the real test and his report was thorough and extremely helpful. What was it like? I was encouraged on the first observation drive to be assured that there was hope. I was not too bad. However I was mortified to discover that Stewart immediately picked up on two things that my wife (of all people!) had mentioned many times before, lane discipline on roundabouts and occasional late braking. I learned start up procedures, IPSGA (ominously entitled ‘The Method’ – sounds like something in Maths education), limit points, precise adherence to speed limits (two or three MPH over, and woe betide © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
you), look well ahead and to the side, use mirrors, mirrors, mirrors...., make progress, the ‘two second’ rule and dozens of other things, all very important. Of course I already did all these things... I thought; at least enough to keep me safe. But when someone is watching every move it’s amazing what you discover you don’t do. Finally, test day arrived! The examin- Alan Pendlington receives his certificate er Martin Grassom was careful to put from Stewart Cameron me at my ease, although it was a little daunting to find that he himself was being observed by a colleague in the back seat! One person watching my every move was bad enough but two!!? Once the test was underway, I had plenty of other things to occupy my mind, not the least was the hailstorm as we pulled away. February is not a good month for a driving test! I passed. Advanced driving keeps the important things in mind until they become automatic and you are a much better driver. I was never a nervous driver, but it is amazing how much extra confidence the course has given me. It also re-awakened the sense of sheer enjoyment and pride that I used to get from driving. I would recommend it to anyone, at any age.
MOBILE PHONES - source EU: Digital Agenda for Europe In an emergency you can call 999 or 112. 112 has been operational across the entire EU since December 2008 so this is handy to know if you are travelling across Europe. It is not possible to call 112 without a SIM card. 112 calls are answered on average within 5 seconds. In addition to English, the calls can be answered in 170 languages with the help of interpreters Although all EU states say they can handle 112 calls at least in English. What is good to know if you need the emergency services and you are in an unfamiliar area then by using 112 from a mobile the operator can detect the location of the caller within 2 seconds. Disabled people can contact 112 via SMS (requires pre-registration) or text relay using the access code 18000. Apparently recent data showed only 10% of UK citizens know they can dial it to contact the police, fire brigade or the medical services at home or when travelling in the EU. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Time to get the bike out? Use IAM’s "spring clean" check list Dave Shenton, IAM Motorcycle Manager writes (abridged): The nights are drawing out, the weather’s perking up and spring is on the way. For a lot of riders that means just one thing, it is time to get back on the road. But as you fire up your bike for the first time, it is also easy to overlook one or two things. Like the fact that you haven’t actually been riding for a few months now, and however skilled a rider you are, that inevitably means you’re not going to be as sharp or ‘dialled in’ as you were at the end of last season. It is important you give yourself time to re-adjust to riding and most of all to be safe. Here are some tips that might help: Take the time to re-familiarise yourself with the bike’s controls. You may find that after a few months off the road, the way you sit on the bike has changed. If you’re going to be riding a new or different bike this year it is especially important to give yourself time to adjust to the machine and its controls. You’ve probably been driving a car during the winter. Its just worth reminding yourself that you are more vulnerable on a bike. Find a car park or similar quiet area where you can do some slow riding to get a feel for things again. Try a few gentle figures of eight for instance and practice your braking too so you get a feel for the lever again. Don’t make your first ride a big one. You need time to get your riding fitness back. Start with a easy run of half an hour or so then build it up over a couple of weeks. Allow yourself several rides to get back to last year’s standard. Do the first couple of runs on your own. It gives you time to get back into riding at your own pace. Group riding is great fun, but its also more challenging. At first try to avoid roads you are familiar with or drive along everyday in the car. Stick to main roads to begin with and work your way up to the twisties. Consider doing riding training or an assessment course. The IAM offers courses and a RideCheck. See www.iam.org.uk/ridecheck/ridecheck.html Don’t be tempted to take a pillion on your first run. If you have a regular pillion, they’ll need time to ease back into the art of being a pillion. Sit down with the Highway Code, the IAM’s ‘How to be a better rider’ or ‘Motorcycle Roadcraft’. Remember that although the weather is improving there are still plenty of hazards. Its still possible to find frosty patches of road early in the morning and dazzling, low sunlight, can still be a problem at this time of year. Our advice is to take things gradually. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Bike Check: 1 Make sure all your lights work properly and that the lenses are not damaged. 2 Check your tyres. Make sure they have plenty of tread. 1mm across 75% of the width is the legal minimum. You’re probably best to change them at 2mm. 3 If your bike has been standing on its tyres (rather than paddock stands) make sure they have not gone out of shape. 4 Check the suspension moves smoothly with no leaks from fork or shock seals. 5 Check the main stand and side stand work properly and move back to the fully returned position when not in use. 6 Make sure all fluid levels are correct, including engine oil and brakes. 7 Lube your chain and check it is adjusted correctly. 8 Check brake and clutch levers for smooth action. Lube cables if necessary. 9 Test the throttle operates smoothly and springs back to the idle position. 10 Check the battery is fully charged and your alarm works, if you have one. Kit check: Helmet - Give it a good clean, make sure it still fits. Check for damage to the shell, strap or visor/visor mechanism. If you’re using a new lid then check your field of vision when you put it on; it may be different to your old helmet. Clothing - Make sure your boots, gloves and leathers or textile suit are clean and free from damage. And check they still fit! Pop them on and jump on the bike just to be sure before you head off. Waterproofs -You would be well advised to make sure you have some. The weather can change suddenly at this time of year. And no-one wants to be caught in the pouring rain hundreds of miles from home.
When it might be cheaper to park on the street! Moneywise tells of a strange insurance phenomenon: it could be cheaper to park on the street than in a driveway or garage. Martin Scampion, from Rustington, West Sussex, says: "I noticed the policy said the car was parked on the road, so I rang to say it was parked on the drive. It upped the premium by £37." Apparently this apparent strange situation can come about as a result of the claims history in a particular post code. If one area has more claims involving garaged cars then street parked vehicles will be cheaper. Insurers say one reason is that key thefts are more likely if the burglar knows which car belongs to which house. One thing is for sure, as ever, it pays to shop around. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Is your car like a dog? Is your car like a dog, does it pine when left alone, do you try to leave it alongside another for company? Have you noticed, even when there are plenty of empty spaces in a car park, people will tend to all park together? However when drivers insist in parking right next to each other, even when there is no need to, then the greater becomes the likelihood of contact between vehicles. Do you carefully consider in which space to park or do you leave it in the first space you come across? Maybe you park furthest away from the supermarket entrance, in an empty section, in order to minimise the risk of damage from other drivers who may have a more cavalier attitude to opening their doors? If you are one of the latter types of driver have you noticed that when you get back there may now be a car parked close alongside your vehicle (or maybe one on each side) when there are dozens of empty spaces around you? Spaces can be very tight so it might be worth thinking about leaving your car on the end of a row. That way you will potentially only be under attack from from one side. You might also consider adjusting your position within a bay to give the adjacent driver more room to open their door. The cost of minor parking damage totals millions of pounds annually in the UK so how about trying to reduce the Parking across 3 bays won’t necessarily risk of car park damage by buying a protect you from damage as others may narrower car? Well with the general tendency towards wider vehicles you try to squeeze in close to you! may well have difficulty in finding one!
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. Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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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 Invite you to get a ‘Skill for Life’ and become an ADVANCED DRIVER /IAMDumfriesandGallowayCars
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
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 offer the following services for your motorcycle needs:
·
Fully trained mechanics
· MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Diagnostic testing · Van available for collection/delivery or recovery of your motorcycle
· Parts · Tyres · Accessories · Helmets · Clothing · MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Parts · Accessories · & More
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Discounts available for IAM and Curvy Riders
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We have an outdoor seated area and a relaxing indoor seated area with Sky TV
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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 Downsway Industrial Est. then first right behind Downsway Garage - we are at the end on the left.
www.dngmotorcycles.com Tel: 01387 320312 mucker5uk@yahoo.co.uk
Shift that gear Many associates use cars fitted with gear shift indicator lights and for many that’s the only type of vehicle they know. The fitment of this technology is increasingly prevalent but placing too much reliance on it and concentrating on the indicator then changing gear up/down accordingly does not necessarily make for the best or safest driving experience. The aim, of course, is to improve the fuel consumption and reduce engine emissions. Depending on the level of sophistication of the system, fitted to a particular model, the gear-shift indicator could continuously monitor data from the vehicle including engine revs, road speed, gear selected and throttle position to calculate optimum gear change timing. It might also take into account the road gradient, vehicle load and individual driving style. However relying on the gear shift indicator system does not always result in the smoothest or safest journey or even the the most fuel efficient journey. One problem seems to be that often the indicator advises an ‘up-change’ at very low revs which results in a very inflexible drive with little power available should you need to make progress and get away from danger. The systems also generally can’t see if little Johnny is about to step off the kerb, if there is a steep hill approaching or the traffic lights are changing etc (OK if you have got the money maybe there are options to help you in these respects). Some associates have been observed following the light religiously and for instance changing up a gear at 12-1400 rpm in accordance with the indicator light, something which is not always appropriate for the conditions. Like many things to ensure the drive is not compromised the equipment should be used as a guide to gear-changing, when appropriate, and not as a mandatory requirement. Perhaps it should be just used to remind you to check you are in the right gear, from time to time rather than to be constantly monitored so allowing you to keep your eyes on the road until you can safely afford a glance at the instruments. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Can you always be in control? - ed The System requires you to raise your observation and constantly review your driving plan in the light of your observations - but will that always get you out of trouble or may you sometimes be in the ‘lap of the gods’? Take the rather indistinct images here (sorry but very dark and rainy day). A lorry comes into view from behind trees, you can only judge its speed once out in the open but by then it is already at the bend and obviously going very fast. There is probably a closing speed in excess of 100 mph. You see now it is starting to run wide and scrabbling for grip as it comes around the bend and you know it won’t get extra grip whilst running on the white line. You may ask (probably in retrospect) was the problem caused by excess speed or driver inattention or a combination of both, how wide could it have run, could it have jackknifed? What are the options for your driving plan, bearing in mind you may only have a couple of seconds to adjust your plan? If you slow or stop and the lorry does not make it you could be a sitting duck. Where is your escape route? Well to the left there is a very narrow verge, a ditch and a hedge and you might not be able to get far enough away, or might bounce back onto the road if you can’t lose enough speed. What is happening behind? It also begs the question ‘could you react quickly enough’ or do you need to take any action at all? In reality there was virtually no action which could be taken other than to keep left and pray as the 3 clips spanned a total time of no more than 3 seconds! The recorded speed of the camera car was 54 mph. The System is supposed to give you time to react but sometimes circumstances might not give as much time as you would like, especially given that, in this case, the camera car had to deal with an awkward cross roads just before the first frame demanding vision to both left and right. Perhaps the most important part is to at least recognise that there was a potential problem and analyse what happened and review if there could have been a different and safer method of approach to the problem. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Fell asleep at wheel - from The Evening News July 9 1939 Car Ran Into Crowd: Banned Man Allowed to Drive Home How a motorist fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a crowd of workers waiting outside a factory was described at High Wycombe police court to-day when David Scott Moncrieff, of Lancaster-mews was fined £10 for careless driving and disqualified for a month. It was stated that Moncrieff, who pleaded guilty to careless driving, had been up all night and had fallen asleep while passing a crowd of workers out-side Marsh Mill at High Wycombe. Several of the men were injured. The magistrates allowed Moncrieff to drive his car home before the disqualification took effect.!!!! On the same subject: Breaking
snooze - IAM motoring tip
In February this year the IAM’s Peter Rodger, Britain’s top advanced driver, offered the following tip on the subject of combating fatigue. · Plan your journey to include a stop at least once every two hours. · Where possible, share the driving with another driver. · Make sure you drink enough fluids. · Don’t plan to travel late at night if you can avoid it. The overnight hours are particularly hard if you are tired. · Don’t ignore warning signs of fatigue. If you feel drowsy, stop at the next motorway service area, get out of the car and walk around. · In extreme cases, have a caffeine drink and sleep for 20 minutes while it takes effect. You can only do this once in a journey; it won’t have the same effect if you do it again. IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Motorways are our safest roads - but they are monotonous. If you’re embarking on a long journey, get a good rest and use this advice to help make sure you’re alert throughout.”
Skill for Life - my experiences – Chris Wilson I had been passed my driving test for just over a year before starting the advanced driving course (Skill for Life) and still had a lot of learning to do. I had completed the pass plus course but didn’t feel it had improved my driving and taught me as much as I wanted. This is when I decided to become an advanced driver. On the first drive I was very nervous as I thought my driving was going to be judged but my nerves were all for no reason. Rather than you being told how to drive better you are guided on how the observer feels you could improve. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13
This makes the whole experience relaxing and enjoyable. At first the techniques shown to me seemed very difficult, as it is a completely new way of driving, but already they are now second nature to me. As each drive went by I could see massive improvements every time. The test. Again, is much more relaxed that your actual driving test, the examiner makes you feel at ease before starting. After the first 10 minutes I forgot I was being examined and just imagined I was on another drive with my observer. Overall the experience has been very enjoyable and also very rewarding. I now feel I am a much better and safer driver following the completion of the course and would urge everybody to complete it as well.
Chris Wilson (left) is presented with his certificate by Stewart Cameron
Just what do do indicators mean? We all know that when we observe a vehicle with its indicator flashing the only thing we can be sure of is that the bulb is working. Without other evidence it does not tell us for sure that the driver intends turning in the direction indicated. But in the same way just because you are using your indicators (hopefully to indicate your intentions), it does not mean that other road users will take any notice of them. For instance on a motorway when you indicate to move ? ? from lane 1 to an empty lane 2, in order to overtake a slower lorry, don’t assume your indication will be acted upon by other drivers (or other similar scenarios, such as pictured here). Before you indicate/move out you must ensure it is safe to do so by checking and monitoring lane 3 (and 4, +5etc). Another driver might be heading from the lanes further out back into lane 2 (maybe heading for an exit) but driving on ‘autopilot’ or believe they take precedence over you so expect that you should wait and give way. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron Another year has flown by and we are entering the busy spell for new members and Associates. We have had a quiet winter but things are beginning to pick up now so we need to get our observers motivated and any members wishing to take on observer training should let me know. It is greatly appreciated that we have a good core of dedicated members to help keep the group afloat but there is always room for new faces. We have had a busy winter with good speakers. Unfortunately the numbers at meetings have been disappointing but each month there are different faces so we just have to try to get them all there at the same time to swell our numbers. Hopefully we will have a garage visit in April, watch the web site for details, as yet we have not been able to finalise the arrangements in time for this magazine. We have had a quiet spell over the winter but we have still managed to put forward some candidates to the Examiners. I would like to congratulate our new members on passing their IAM car test: Christopher Wilson and Alan Pendlington (Obs Stewart Cameron).
What if there’s a fire when driving? - source www.fireservice.co.uk Every year in the UK, over 100,000 cars which equates to nearly 300 a day go up in flames and around 100 people die annually as a result. Around 65% of these fires are started deliberately to cover criminal activity, to make a fraudulent insurance claim or as an act of vandalism. One in 12 reported stolen vehicles will be burnt out. Some 35% of car fires are accidental so what should you do if you smell or see smoke coming from your car? ● ● ● ● ●
Pull over and stop (if you can where the fire is less likely to spread) Switch off the engine. Release bonnet (if the fire is under the bonnet) but Do Not Open Get everyone out of the vehicle. Get far away from the vehicle and stay away. Keep onlookers away. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 15
● Dial 112 or 999 and call the fire brigade. ● Warn oncoming traffic, if safe to do so. ● If, and only if, you believe it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire with a dry powder or foam extinguisher. If the fire is in the engine compartment, do not open the bonnet but aim the extinguisher through the radiator grille or under the edge of the bonnet. Use with caution and if in doubt, don’t attempt to tackle the fire. Modern car interiors are largely composed of polymers, plastics and other synthetic materials – all of which are particularly flammable. The smoke and fumes from the outbreak of fire are highly toxic and can be deadly, if inhaled. Never use water on an engine fire – it can short out wiring and spread burning petrol with disastrous effect.
Training drivers to have the insight to avoid emergency situations, not the skills to overcome emergency situations The International Road Federation has endorsed a paper which shows that training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills to regain control in emergency situations should not be included in basic driver education nor in post-test driver training programmes. The learned skills from such training programmes erode quickly, and the noted training programmes result in more risk taking due to driver over confidence. Basic driver education and post-test driver training should be aimed at improving the calibration skills of both learner drivers and novice drivers. Well-calibrated drivers can detect latent hazards in traffic situations, do not underestimate the likelihood that these hazards will cause adverse effects (i.e. they are aware of the risks), and do not over estimate their own skills (i.e. they are aware of their own limitations). View the full paper at: http://www.irfnews.org/
CRASH card update The Winter 2013 edition of this magazine had an article on the subject of free CRASH cards for bikers - that’s the scheme for motorcyclists to place a CRASH card inside their crash helmet as a medic alert. The news now is that the millionth CRASH Card has been produced, distribution of these free medical alerts and motorcycle rider advice cards was achieved by the work of groups in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, The Isle of Man, Sweden, Finland, Romania, Portugal and the USA. Over half a million of the cards are in circulation in the UK © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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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 12 May 2014 at the Aberdour Hotel, Dumfries, to enable the Trustees of the Group (Registered CharityNo. SC 023511) to present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2014 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 - 18 March 2014. 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. Chair: Vice Chair: Secretary: Treasurer:
Graeme McColm - offering to stand for re-election Jamie Wood -offering to stand for re-election Helen Cameron – offering to stand for re-election 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: Stewart Cameron B. RETIRING BY ROTATION AND NOT STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION: Anne Lind, John Parry C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOT RETIRING & NUMBER OF YEARS REMAINING: Bob Sloan (1yr), Andrew Bird (1yr), Clint Smith (1yr). Andy Campbell (2 yrs) Neil Martynuik (2yrs). 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 2014. Group Rules and the Minutes of the May 2013 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.
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mor e pe r f or ma nc e , le s s pollut ion
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