The official newsletter of Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists
Group Committee Members for 2006/07 Group President: Tommy Jardine Chair & Group Alan Jones Chief Observer
Vice chair,
Graeme McColm
Chief obs m/c
Secretary
Helen Cameron
Treasurer
Allan Graham
Publicity & Events
Scott Anderson Russell Wears
Minute Sec
Anne Lind
Associate coordinator
Peter Dodds
M/c coordntr
Andrew Bird Christine Donaldson Charlie Allman Nicol Milne John Donaldson lan Dalrymple
News Distribution Committee
07707 035518
To e-mail any member of the committee, please in the first instance, use the group contact e-mail address: dumfries@goups.org.uk
This magazine was published by the Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists. More details of our activities can be found on our web site at: www.iam.org.uk/groups/ dumfries Contact the Group Secretary: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk
Newsletter comments and contributions to: editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter 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. .......Registered Charity No. SC 023511
What’s on? (check latest news at: www.iam.org.uk/groups/dumfries) Monday 11 December 2006 Visit to Police HQ, Cornwall Mount Hear about police driving & what makes a good police car, inspect their cars and bikes. 7:30 pm Thurs 28 December 2006 Presentation to young drivers, Dalston House Hotel (Names to Group Secretary please by 15 December - see page 8) Monday 8 January 2007 Ambulance Talk at Dalston House Hotel Hear what Ambulance crews do when they attend a road crash Monday 12 February Group Event, Dalston House Hotel see web site for details Tuesday 20 February 10 Pin Bowling v Carlisle Group at Carlisle (names to Group Secretary please - see page 8/9} Monday 12 March Group Event at Dalston House Hotel see web site for details Tuesday 13 March 3 Way Quiz v Carlisle & Westmorland Grps at Penrith (names to Group Secretary please - see page 8/9) Monday 16 April Garage visit Lloyd Volvo Carlisle 7:00 pm Events at the Dalston House Hotel, 5 Laurieknowe, Dumfries commence 7:30 pm 1
Group Membership tops one hundred Seen here is Alan Jones presenting Jenny James, our 100th Member, with her pass certificate. This represents an important landmark for the Group as three years ago we had just 50 Members. Holding the poster are Andrew Bird (left); Chairman of the Scottish Groups Motorcycle Forum and Graeme McColm; Group Chief Observer, Motorcycles.
Message from the chair - Alan Jones Welcome to the Winter Newsletter. In the Autumn Newsletter I said that by the time you read this Newsletter we hoped that our Membership would reach 100. I’m delighted to tell you that not only did we reach this special number, we exceeded it, and we have since gone on to reach an outstanding 126 Members, as of 11 November 2006. By the time we reach the end of this year I am hopeful that we will reach 140 Members which then makes our next objective of 200 Members within our reach for 2007, some 2 years ahead of where we thought we might be last year. We continue to make good progress with our young Associates. Since our AGM in May we have achieved 37 Test passes, 19 motorists and 18 motorcyclists, and of this number 17 have been young Associates. We have a further 25 young Associates under training and the remainder of the 60 young people allocated free places will begin their training in 2007. We have made applications to several bodies to seek further funding for young people in 2007 so as to continue to encourage recruitment from this sector, which is most at risk from road traffic accidents. As I say in most of our Newsletters, the work we do in the community is achieved by the commitment of our Observers, and here I just want to add my thanks to them for all the work they do for the Group. I am pleased to say too that our Observer numbers are once more on the increase, both on the bike side and also on the driving side. For the first time we now have some of our young Associates who have recently passed their Test, both for bikes and cars, wanting to train to become Observers. We look forward to them taking their place alongside our more experienced Observers in coaching their peer group to become better, safer, drivers and riders. As I have said a number of times in the past, it’s never too late, and if you would like to think about training 2
to become an Observer then please make your wishes known. You will get a lot out of coaching others and you will become a better, more skilful driver or rider as a result. The growth of the Group depends not only on coaching more Associates, but also retaining our existing Members. Annual subscriptions were due in September and for those Members who have not already done so I would like to encourage you to continue to give us your support. Your committee have deliberately kept the cost of membership as low as possible and I hope you feel you are receiving value for money and that this Newsletter you are reading is good value, not only for the articles on road safety but also as a means of maintaining contact with your Group. Finally, let me wish you and your family best wishes for Christmas and I look forward to meeting you at our meetings in the New Year. Together, let’s make 2007 an even more successful year than 2006.
Road Safety Competition winner Congratulations to Robert Richmond of Dumfries who submitted the best entry for the Autumn 2006 ‘spot the hazards’ competition based on the photo shown here on the right. Entrants had to visit our web site: www.iam.org.uk/groups/dumfries where a larger version of the competition picture could be found. Contestants were required to study the picture, list all the driving and riding hazards present and complete a tiebreaker.
Carnage on our Roads It is unusual for us to comment on road traffic accidents, but the tragic collision, which occurred on the A75 just outside Dumfries on Sunday 5 November, in which three young people died and one was seriously injured, deserves some comment from us. I will not go into the details of this accident but the comment I wish to make is that while the number of killed and seriously injured (KSI) on our roads is falling, the number of KSIs amongst young people is rising alarmingly. In an excellent report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) entitled ‘Young Drivers: Road Safety and the Cost of Motoring’, the summary tells us that while the overall number of deaths on British roads fell by 8% in 2004, fatalities among 16-19 year old drivers or passengers rose over the same period by 12.3%. It goes on to say that in 2003, more than 2 out of every 1000 male full driving licence holders aged 17-20 were killed or seriously injured on 3
UK roads. As if predicting this particular accident, it also says that their accidents vary from typical road traffic accidents as they are more likely to have accidents: at weekends, in the evening, with friends, when driving too quickly, when in competition with other road users or when negotiating bends. The ABI’s report concludes that if society wishes to reduce the number of accidents involving young drivers, it must tackle the underlying reasons that make many young drivers dangerous. Becoming a safer driver involves three elements: vehicle handling skills; road awareness and a sensible attitude to the road. Young drivers lack awareness of road hazards and often possess poor attitudes to the road. These poor attitudes encourage young drivers to drive in a risky way which, when combined with driving error results in road accidents. So where do we feature in this sad situation? Well I’m pleased to say that your Group has recognised the special danger which young drivers find themselves facing, and this is the reason we have put so much effort this year into securing funding to coach 60 of these young people free of charge. We are part way through this exercise and we are hopeful that we can secure more funding next year, and the year after. However, we also recognise that this in itself is not enough to prevent further horrific accidents like this one. We need to do more but we cannot do it alone. We need more funding and we need more Observers. We need to think of other ways to expand our influence and get our message across to young drivers. I want to ask you for your input into what more you think we can do.
Information for Associates Those of you waiting to start a course should make sure you have read, at the very least, Chapters 1 - 3 of “How to be an Advanced Driver” and the Highway Code as preparation before your first observed drive. You will be given the opportunity to arrange a mutually convenient time for your first Observed Drive. Please ensure that your car is suitably prepared with clean windows and has sufficient fuel in it! You will need to show your driving documents to your Observer at the first drive otherwise you can’t take the course, this simply is a requirement of our Insurers. We only have very limited resources, so please remember that you are expected to make every effort to arrange drives at regular intervals and to take the Progress Drive as soon as your Observer advises that you should do so. If you have any questions about the arrangements for observed drives or preparation for the test, please call the Associates Coordinator Peter Dodds. 4
Please remember that Associate membership expires after one year and will not normally be extended except in extenuating circumstances. When you have had a Progress Drive (aka Mock Test) with one of our Senior Observers, please submit your test ready application promptly if you are recommended so to do. The Examiner, on receipt of your application, will contact you to arrange a Test date. When your Test date has been fixed it is important that you let your Observer know the date. Immediately after the Test please also let your Observer know the outcome (the Examiner doesn’t tell us). Do come to the Group Meeting to be presented with your certificate - it makes a fitting end to all the fun and effort that you’ve put into achieving it.
Do you want to keep your skills up to standard? Here’s a simple message - don’t presume that because you once passed the IAM test, you are still an Advanced Motorist. One of the dangers of becoming an Advanced Motorist is that it is all too easy to lapse into bad habits, but we all need to work at it, keep practising and continually hone our skills. One of the reasons for many Advanced Drivers training to become Observers is to maintain and improve on their standards by passing on advanced standards to others. Observers, of course, have to be able to demonstrate the necessary skills to their Associates. If you can make a couple of hours a week free, for just a few weeks of the year, you could help someone else to become safer and get up to Test standard. This will help raise your own standards too. Observing is carried out to suit the times you are available, which could be evenings or weekends. To find out more, e-mail or call Alan Jones or speak to him at a meeting. Even if Observing is not for you, don’t forget refresher drives are available to Group members, so please feel free to take advantage of this. There is no fail or pass, just an objective view from an Observer. These drives are free of charge so what have you got to lose?
Trouble in the back Every year people in the front of cars are killed by an unbelted rear seat passenger being thrown forward into them. Statistics are not definitive on this problem but it is estimated that up to 15 front seat occupants are killed each year through this cause, with many more injured. Whilst adult passengers may be responsible in law for failing to wear a seat belt, it could be the front seat passengers who pay the penalty in the event of a collision. As a driver you would be well advised to ensure all passengers have put on their seat belts before you set off, and if they won’t put on a belt then don’t move off - it might not be worth the risk. 5
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Group Plans Your Group’s success in growth and influence in local road safety matters has not come about by accident. Instead it is happening because, like any good organisation, we have a plan which we are following with great determination. Let me share with you the current plan your committee is working to, and which is monitored on a regular basis. While we may not be successful with every one of these actions let me assure you that it will not be for the want of trying. If you can think of other actions you believe we should be following the committee will be pleased to hear from you. 1. Continuing to raise our profile and public awareness -Have the IAM advert played on local radio, and funded by IAM HQ. -Plastic holders full of Skill for Life forms in garages and elsewhere where cars, bikes and their drivers and riders congregate. -Promote our new DVD, “What happens on an IAM skill for Life Driving Course” and make this freely available to Associates. -Encourage Members to buy polo shirts with the DGGAMM logo. -Give T-shirts to young Members on passing their Test to promote, “Let’s make it cool to be skilful.” -Drive initiative to get Roadcraft Skills part of the schools Citizenship training. 2. Funding -Continuing to look for funding so that we can recruit young drivers and riders free of charge next year and beyond. -Follow through funding routes with Scotland’s First Minister. 3. Delivering Results -Increase the number of Observer and Senior Observers. -Successfully get 60 young drivers and riders together with the normal number of older Associates, to Test standard and through the Test. -Become the largest Group in Scotland for Test applications. -Ensure we are not constrained in the number of Associates taking their Test due to the availability of Examiners. -Make a submission to Scotland’s Transport Strategy. -Bike section to make a Demonstration Ride DVD. -Introduce at least 1 young Observer to the car and bike sections. 4. Membership -Seek ways of retaining and engaging our existing Members. -Consider introducing a Group Membership card with benefits. -Understand Members expectations. -Offer Members an opportunity to maintain their advanced skills. -Social events for Members and Committee. -Continue to recruit young people as Associates and ultimately to Observer status. 7
Unmarked Police car behind? What should you do if an unmarked Police car comes up behind with lights flashing indicating you to stop? Rule 89 of the Highway Code applies here which in turn refers to the Road Traffic Act, 1988. This states that you MUST stop for a Police Officer in uniform, (irrespective of whether or not an unmarked car is being used). You may proceed to the first safe place to stop, but indicate that you’ve seen them, drive at a sensible pace and don’t accelerate away and they should just follow you. At night you may feel safer stopping in a well light public place such as a filling station, if there is one nearby. If you have any doubt that it is the Police behind you, phone 999 or 112 to verify that it is a Police car, and/or keeping your doors locked and windows closed ask for a warrant card to be produced, again you can verify that these details are genuine. Police recognise that drivers, especially lone females or young people, may be concerned in such situations so will be happy to produce their warrant cards.
The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron We have had a very busy time this summer and it has been very rewarding to achieve 24 passes since our autumn newsletter. Our success has been due to the hard work of all our Observers and Associates and it is great to be part of such a successful group. Congratulations to drivers: Joy Carruthers, Sarah Dee, Craig Johnstone, Julie McColm, William McCulloch, Callum Ruddick, Emma Smart, David Howard, Scott Wilson, Gregor Wilson, Steven Templeton, Victoria Ferguson and Gary Head who all passed their car test. Congratulations as well to John Black, Robert Morrison, Donna McCloskey, Kris Little, Dave Moffat, Thomas Murray, Marcus Pickering, John Graham, Robert Clingan, Andy Campbell, Andrew Black, Alistair Carson and Christian Addison who successfully passed their motorcycle test. The committee has decided to have a Christmas social night this year at the Dalston House Hotel on Thursday 28 December. We would like to congratulate our young drivers and motorcyclists and present them with their ‘Cool to be Skilful’ tee shirts. We’d like as many members there as possible and I would be grateful if you could let me know before the 15 December if you would like to come along. The plans are in the process of being finalised so if you are interested then please keep the date free and we will inform you of the final arrangements. You can let me know by e-mail or phone - see page 1. The usual ten pin bowling and three way quiz have not happened this year but don’t despair we have arranged them for early 2007. The 10 pin bowling will 8
take place on 20 February at Carlisle and the quiz on 13 March. These events are open to all so if you would like to come please just let me know beforehand so I can make the necessary arrangements e.g. book enough bowling lanes etc. As both these events are outside our area we will car share as usual. Please do come along to either or both events; in case you are wondering they are not meant to be overly competitive but just a bit of fun - the more the merrier! You will see elsewhere in this edition that we are developing our own range of tee shirts. If you’d like to buy one, I will bring them along to future meetings so that you can see them for yourselves. Also Observers have black polo shirts with red or green IAM logos which are now available to all members for £10.
Have your say In the next few weeks we will be sending out a questionnaire to all members. The purpose is to let you have your say about the Group and express your views about events in the future. It will also give you the opportunity to update your e-mail details, which in turn will help us to keep you informed about what’s happening. If you should mislay your questionnaire it will be available for download on the group web site. (www.iamdumfries.f9.c0.uk/page34.html)
What’s going on? Study the scene below: vehicles in lane 1 are travelling at 55mph, other traffic is moving at 65 - 70mph. It is 5pm on a week day so the road is busy, you are heading south from Glasgow. There is continuous traffic in lane 1 behind with many lorries bunched close together. Lanes 2 and 3 are also fairly busy and you have been making progress past the congested traffic in lane 1.
What particular hazard are you concerned about? Thinking about the System how might you plan to deal with this situation - taking into account what you can see, what you can’t see and what you anticipate may happen? Why not discuss your thoughts with others or your Observer. Have a look on page 13 if you want some clues to start you thinking about the situation. 9
Spot the differences Can you spot what is in the lower picture but not in the top one? Simply list the differences and e-mail it to the Group Secretary by 9 February, alternatively hand your entry in at the January meeting. The sender of the entry drawn from all correct entries on 12 February 2007 will receive their choice of 2 Group DVDs (as listed on the Group web site). Competition open to any UK resident.
10
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Maybe you have not already completed an Advanced Driving or Riding course or perhaps you know someone who might benefit from such a course. In either case we can help.
in C O N T R OL
Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists exists to promote road safety and the improvement of driving and riding standards to motorists and motorcyclists throughout Dumfries and Galloway through the provision of driving and riding courses. So whether you are a newly qualified driver or rider, or have had many years of experience on the road, why not find out more? Contact the Secretary (07707 035518), or visit our web site (see P1) to find out how we can help you to help yourself - it’s a ‘Skill for Life’.
Testing road to success - Will McCullough As soon as I heard that I had been accepted onto the ‘Skill for Life’ programme, I was initially nervous because I didn’t know quite what to expect. Very soon after being accepted I had my first drive with my Observer, in this he explained the basis of the system of driving which should be used. During this drive I became aware of how many bad habits I had developed; ranging from the common crossing of arms on the steering wheel, to the rather more concerning lack of mirror checks and general observation. However I soon realised that by following a simple planned system, I could approach any hazard in the same way. This allows the driver to react to the hazard in his own time, rather than be forced into a rushed reaction by the hazard. I found that applying new concepts like the system, and new techniques such as sustained-rev gear changes, made my driving much more enjoyable. In every observed drive I was being coached to drive in a much safer way and I quickly decided that this was a far better way of driving. The type of safe driving coached by IAM is not checking mirrors all the time and driving excessively slowly; it is how to handle a car safely at all speeds and in all 12
environments. In fact one of the things my coach was most keen for me to do was to drive faster and make more progress. When the time came for my test, I was both apprehensive and excited, however the Examiner’s attitude immediately put me at ease. The test was a drive that lasted about an hour and half and all that was required was that I drive the way I had been coached. I actually enjoyed the test and was pleased that my driving was up to the required standard. “The ‘Skill for Life’ programme has led to me being a safer and more confident driver and I would thoroughly recommend it to people my age; it allows you to be a safer driver without making driving any less enjoyable.”
Membership renewal reminder If you haven’t renewed your membership yet please do so as soon as possible. If you can’t lay your hands on the renewal form you can download one from our web site (see P1), alternatively call Allan Graham or Helen Cameron.
What’s going on? .... Clues - see page 9 Maybe consider some of these points:- Is the vehicle in lane 1 legal? Is agricultural machinery exempt from lighting & number plates? What is the speed limit for a towing vehicle? Are tyres on agricultural machinery designed for use at speed? Could any debris fall off? What’s happening behind?
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Frequently asked questions How long does it take to prepare for the test? Simply it varies from person to person, but we encourage a fixed length course where you aim to be up to standard after 6 observed drives. This depends on how committed you are and how much you practice between observed runs. I’ve received the Skill for Life pack I applied for from IAM. What happens next? Since you selected Dumfries & Galloway as your local group, your details have been passed to our Secretary and the Associate Coordinator. The Associate Coordinator will have put you on the waiting list. When an Observer becomes available, your contact details will be passed to him or her. He or she will call you to arrange a convenient time and place for you to start the series of weekly (approx) drives needed to prepare for the test. The waiting list varies and can be from 6 weeks to several months at busy periods. I’ve passed the test what happens next? It is up to you but if you continue to strive to drive safely, seek further information and practise what you have learnt, your driving is likely to become more assured. If you want to take your driving further consider becoming an Observer for the Group. The act of observing will further raise your standards. Alternatively after a year or two you could take an assessment with the IAM or through the Group (free of charge) to check your skills are still up to standard. As well as attending the group events (see P1) you may wish to help in the running of the Group. There are many and varied ways you could help the Group perform its functions and you don’t have to be an Observer to get involved. Speak to someone on the committee to find out more. I have received notification from the Group inviting me to renew my membership, but my IAM membership is still valid! What does this mean? There are two tiers to membership, national and local. 1. The national organisation (the IAM): it provides the Examiners, administration, overall support, oversees the tests and distributes ‘Advanced Driving’ magazine. 2 Local: affiliated groups such as Dumfries & Galloway Group that organise observed drives, test preparation and social nights - you will be presented with your pass certificate at one of these social nights. The fee that you paid with your original application covered three elements: 1. A fee paid to IAM. This covered the Examiner’s fee and the course book etc. 2. Membership of the IAM for one year dating from the date of your test pass. 3. Associate membership of Dumfries & Galloway Group for one year dating from our receipt of your application. This covered the costs of local administration. All Group officers (inc Observers) are unpaid volunteers. Once you have passed your test you become eligible for Full Membership, which is due in the Autumn each year. When you receive this renewal it is because this third element has now been reached. We hope that Associates will continue as Full Members of our Group after they have passed the test, attending the meetings, maybe joining the admin team, becoming Observers or just supporting the group through their membership. 14
Think Once, Think Twice......THINK BIKE IAM Driving Tip No. 5 Ask most drivers if they feel safe in their car, and the answer is invariably yes. We are surrounded by metal, with all the latest technology built in to safeguard us if the worst happens. Add the heater on icy days and our favourite CD and that sense of complacency is complete. Has that “safe” vehicle lulled us into a false sense of security? We should really drive as though that airbag was a metal spike, pointing out of the wheel at our chest. Then we would have a sense of vulnerability - which is how most motorcyclists feel, with good reason. The first three-year review of the Government's casualty reduction targets (in 2003) confirmed that motorcyclists continue to be disproportionately represented in casualty statistics. In fact, at that time biker casualty figures were the only ones going in the wrong direction. Despite a welcome drop in overall casualties in 2004 (compared to 2003) bikers - who represent just one per cent of road users - still accounted for 17% of fatalities. With 585 bikers killed and 6,063 seriously injured in 2004, there is no room for complacency - and bringing the figures down is a top priority for the DfT’s THINK! campaign. But the most recent figures show that 73 per cent of all crashes involving a two-wheeled motor vehicle also involved a car. The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is a 'right of way violation'. Data gathered by police investigators shows the majority of these incidents occur at T-junctions and it is usually the motorist - rather than the biker - who is at fault. There is a phrase used to sum these up: “Sorry Mate, I didn’t See You”. These SMIDSY crashes happen despite the fact the motorcyclist should be in clear view. Always take a second look at junctions before you pull out. Be aware of the so-called “A” posts on your vehicle. They divide the windscreen from the side window and can conceal an oncoming bike, although they are only narrow. That bike may or may not have its headlight on. But it is not as big as, or the same shape as, a bus or a car, and so it is very easy to miss it at first glance. As the old slogan used to put it: Think Once, Think Twice, Think Bike. 15
Essential reminders for car Associates When working towards achieving the standard of the Advanced Driving Test remember these key points: 1. Your car should be safe and roadworthy, a quick check is all it takes to make sure. The glass should be clean (including lights) and your view free of obstructions/ distractions such as unnecessary stickers and dangling objects. .
2. Practise your starting and stopping drills. You should be able to carry these out quickly and efficiently without being reminded by your Observer. 3. Read and understand the Highway Code. Make sure you understand the meaning of road signs and markings; drive accordingly. 4. Read “How To Be An Advanced Driver” and your Associate Handbook. It can be a difficult subject, so ask your Observer to clarify any elements you don’t fully understand. 5. Study “The Planned System Of Driving” and try to put it into practise at all times, not just on an observed drive. 6. Maintain a safe following distance and consider your position at all times. 7. Don’t ‘snowplough’ (i.e. stare at what is just in front)! Practise raising your observation skills, use a full active scanning method; don’t just adopt a fixed look ahead. Look in the far, middle and near distance, in front, to the rear and sides. Prioritise the most important hazards. 8. Develop a smooth steering style and hold the steering wheel in the correct position. Use pull/push not push/pull. 9. Don’t slow down by taking a lower gear; brake first then change gear, if necessary. Brakes are for slowing and gears are for going. 10. Develop finesse, take pride in raising your standards and controlling your vehicle as near as you can to perfection. 12. Obey the rules of the road including the speed limit. Remember no journey is so urgent or important that you can’t afford the time to do it safely. 13. Practise advanced skills at all times while you are driving, not just on observed drives. The more you can do to master advanced techniques on your own the more time your Observer will have to pass on his/her expertise. 14. The Examiner is looking for a safe drive, one where you see all the hazards and react to them. A drive which is Safe, Systematic, Smooth, with appropriate use of speed, within the limits, and one where your drive shows Sparkle. This means a progressive, polished drive, your vehicle always in the right place, at the right speed, in the right gear and always driven so you can stop safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear. 15. DVDs and help sheets are available to assist you - see the Group web site. 16
Cool to be skilful Our President, Tommy Jardine, has suggested we make it "cool to be skilful" in order to encourage more young people to join the IAM's ‘Skill for Life’ programme. In furtherance of this aim the committee charged Senior Observer, Ryan Fingland to come up with a suitable logo. We have now taken this logo, and the equivalent companion one for bikes and have had them embossed onto black T-shirts. We plan to give each young person one of these T-shirts when they pass the Advanced Test and to make them aware that they are now part of a small but growing elite group. We will explain to them what message the logo intends to convey at a presentation ceremony for the first group of young people to have passed, over the Christmas period. Other IAM Groups in Scotland have seen our T-shirt, they like the idea so it looks like Dumfries may be starting a trend when it comes to encouraging and recognising that young people are an important part of our catchment. For IAM Members who unfortunately cannot be classed as young people the T-shirts are available for sale from Helen Cameron at £10.
Speed limits - planning for safety ...... and a clean licence Pay attention to your driving, use a commentary (even just in your head) to maintain concentration, build in speed checks within your commentary. Recognise it is easy to exceed the limit if you lose concentration. Observe, when you see a built up area in the distance assume that there will be a 30mph limit unless the signs say otherwise. Plan for a new speed limit as soon as you recognise there may be a change, assume lamp posts mean 30 mph, unless signs say otherwise. Speed limits are a maximum, not a target. Watch for speed limit signs PLAN to slow to the limit by the time you reach it, PLAN to take an appropriate gear after you have slowed. Where the limit is 30mph 3rd gear is likely to be the best for safety and speed control. 20’s plenty in high risk areas especially when children are about - 20mph might even be too fast. Recognise and resist what makes you speed - keeping up with others, overtaking, being tailgated etc. 17
OBSERVERS CORNER
This section is intended to help when considering the best course of action. It is up to every driver to actively assess each scenario.
Respect The Weather: Dealing With The White Stuff The IAM has some specific points of advice on preparing for and driving in winter conditions: In really bad conditions, start by asking yourself if your journey is really necessary and/or can it be delayed until conditions improve? Clean your windscreen and windows (low sun on cold winter days can be dazzling and prevent you from seeing changes in road conditions and other hazards), check screen washers are not blocked and that screen wash is topped up and contains solution to prevent freezing. Avoid using very hot water to clear frozen window glass, as it could break the glass and will re-freeze more quickly. Ensure that head, tail and brake lights are all working and keep lenses clear and free from snow or salt. Ensure tyres are in good condition and properly inflated. Carry the following in your vehicle: warm coat, reflective jacket, torch, tow rope, mobile phone, ice scraper. Look out for ‘frost hollows’ and icy patches, particularly in shadowed areas on country roads. Remember that in cold weather, bridges tend to freeze over first (as they have cold air above and below them). As a general rule, select the highest gear for moving off, to avoid wheel spin, and keep the engine revs low. Keep your speed down in adverse weather, increase safety gaps with other vehicles, steer, brake, accelerate and change gear more gently and gradually. If your vehicle skids, try to identify the cause (acceleration, braking, steering or inappropriate speed) and remove it – decelerate gently and de-clutch if ap- Clean all the glass - it’s propriate. time well spent. 19
How Not To Skid (IAM Driving Tip No. 6) If you are still scraping ice from your windscreen in the morning, the potential danger of ice on the road remains. Ice (and wet weather) makes driving particularly hazardous and many drivers are still caught out at this time of year because they fail to “read the road”. Bends, hills and parked vehicles are all suddenly more difficult to negotiate. What causes a skid? Many people blame poor road conditions, but that isn’t true; a skid is almost always the result of a driver’s actions. If you have ever been in a skid, you will probably remember that you were either changing speed or direction - or both - just before you started skidding. You have a limited amount of tyre grip available and your vehicle will skid when one or more of the tyres loses normal grip on the road. Using the brakes, accelerator and steering applies a force that can cause a skid if it overcomes the force that keeps the tyres gripped on the road surface. It takes much less force to break the grip of the tyres on a slippery road surface. The forces that can break the grip of tyres on the road and cause a skid are: - excessive speed for the conditions - coarse steering combined with a speed that isn’t in itself excessive - braking suddenly or harshly, coarse gear changes or heavy acceleration Minimise the risk of skidding by taking note of the road and weather conditions. Motorcyclists do this automatically, but car drivers tend to just scrape the windscreen and then set off without acknowledging that the road surface This single vehicle incident, of unknown cause, hapmay be less than pened in heavy rain on a motorway. If you do skid this is perfect in places. the sort of scenario you may find yourself involved in the consequences may be much worse in heavier traffic. When the roads are slippery, use the controls – brakes, steering, and accelerator gently, to avoid skidding: it’s far easier to avoid a skid than correct one. If you do start to skid, your first action should be to remove the cause. If excessive speed is the cause (it’s the most common one) take your foot off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction of the skid until the tyres regain their grip, then steer back onto your intended course. In wet (or icy) conditions, get into the habit of at least doubling your normal following distance (but even more on icy roads). 20
The System in action approaching a bend - or not? Do you know how to use the System on approach to a bend? How do you read the clues and how do you assess the severity of the curve? If you don’t do so effectively sooner or later you may find yourself in a dangerous situation. There are always a number of clues available as you approach a bend which may help you to work out the road layout ahead. Such things as signs, markings, the line of hedges, trees or fences, telegraph poles, streetlights, buildings, glimpses of the road and vehicles ahead etc. The road surface may also have clues such as signs of wear, skid marks, worn lines and the like. You can assess the severity of a bend and so effectively regulate your speed by considering the “limit point”. The limit point is the furthest point ahead where you are able to see the road surface, for a bend this is normally the point where the left and right hand sides of the road appear to meet, or the crest of a rise such as a brow or bridge. In a dip this point may be controlled by overhanging trees. Importantly at night it is the furthest throw of your lights. At all times, whenever you drive, you should remember the safe stopping rule i.e. be able to stop safely and comfortably, on your side of the road, in the distance you can see to be clear (or half the distance you can see to be clear on a single track road). If the limit point is moving nearer (and it will do as you approach) ask yourself if you can stop in accordance with the rule. On approach, reduce speed as necessary, maintaining the safe stopping distance in front until the “limit point” begins to move with you i.e. it is matched with your speed. Dependant on the severity of the bend as you get close to or move around it your view opens up. The above only deals with the physical hazard(s) relating to a bend or brow etc your speed will also be determined by other hazards present. You should not only take into account what you can see but also what you can’t see, and what you may reasonably expect to happen. That way you are being systematic, fully preparing yourself for all eventualities, and leaving nothing to chance. Remember the SYSTEM; and use it effectively. Information: Take, Use and Give. Look for and assess all the hazards. Plan your approach. Position - consider your position on approach, can I get a better view? Position for Safety, then Vision and Stability. Speed - Do I need to slow? If so do it before you get to the bend. Gear - Now I’ve finished slowing is my gear appropriate? If not change to the new gear before you get to the bend (if you were in 5th gear a change into 4th before you started your approach to the bend may well be appropriate). Acceleration - Apply gently, as you move around the bend, to counteract speed lost through friction. See next page for more 21
System on Approach or not? continued System - Constantly look for, assess and re-assess Information. There’s a junction, bend and a brow and a warning sign. Act on the Information - Plan approach. Consider Position. Can car stop comfortably in the distance seen to be clear? Speed: slow down as necessary. Clue: centre line is worn by vehicles crossing it! Poor view into (and out of) junction, signs, loose gravel on outside of bend, telegraph pole, big drop into field (unguarded). Gear? - Then round bend.
Alternative approach - observe warning sign and early clues but don’t react to them, maintain maximum progress. Information spot junction and bend, no time to plan. Position - aim to stay on tarmac. Speed too fast so maximum braking, hit lines and loose gravel. Observe sign for cemetery to left! But wheels locked so no steering. See 3 metre drop into field with rocks below. World goes into Slow Motion. Short silence, big noise then silence again.
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Coasting and Brake/Gear Overlap (BGOL) Some Associates seem to think that if they press the clutch whilst braking they are either guilty of BGOL and/or coasting. Commonly this difficulty arises when approaching hazards requiring a significant drop in speed such as at roundabouts/junctions. This can lead to a ragged approach to the hazard because the engine complains as the road speed drops. Let’s be clear that this is neither good for the vehicle nor the safety of the drive. Use of the System is not meant to be overly pedantic, some amount of theoretical BGOL is acceptable. Drivers should press the clutch when the engine tells him or her it is needed even if they are braking. A practical interpretation of the System would be not to avoid depressing the clutch but to avoid changing gear while braking. Obviously you judge the approaching hazard and once you have slowed, change down into the relevant gear required to get you through the hazard. Changing down from 4th automatically to say 3rd would be deemed to be in contravention of the System and inevitably picked up by an Examiner. To clarify matters further coasting as defined in the Highway Code does indeed mean travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. Referring to the DSA Official Theory Test for car drivers however confirms that “You’ll coast a little every time you change gear. This can’t be avoided, but it should be kept to a minimum”. So as long as you minimise the time the clutch is depressed (i.e. ensure you time the depression of the clutch to the point the vehicle requires it rather than doing it too soon) this action is fine. Most cars will happily take 4th gear down to almost single mph figures with accurate attention to clutch control. Only when almost or actually stopping should you need to dip the clutch right to the floor. Skilful clutch control will allow you to just take the ‘edge’ off the clutch rather than fully disengaging it as you slow, so further reducing the point where the car would otherwise surge and complain: the clutch is still partially engaged so you are not coasting. If you use a sustained rev gear change, which is an art in itself, then there are usually no problems - if for no other reason than your right foot has to come
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off the brake and be placed on the accelerator. This means you change gear only after you have finished braking i.e. no BGOL. Why does proper use of the System require you to minimise or avoid BGOL? Well it allows you to keep both hands on the wheel while slowing down with improved steering control. It allows you to have the right foot available for the accelerator to match engine speed to road speed before re-engaging the drive in the new gear. It also lets you complete your braking early with an extra margin of safety and simplifies the use of the controls so you are not doing too many things at once. To carry it out efficiently it requires you to hone your observation and planning skills which can only be a good thing.
Move Over for Bikers - IAM Driving Tip No. 27 The joys of motorcycling - including more predictable journey times - have encouraged a recent revival in biking, especially in urban areas. But commuters on two wheels have to cope with a host of hazards - not least, car drivers who for various reasons fail to see the motorcycle coming towards them. This problem is particularly acute at junctions and that is why it is the subject of an advertising campaign. “Sorry mate I didn’t see you” is for too many bikers the last words they hear before they are put in the ambulance. Don’t forget to check carefully at junctions when you are emerging. There are other things that drivers can do to ease the passage of motorcycles, particularly in heavy congestion, that in turn will mean a safer journey for everybody. If you are stuck in dense traffic, keep checking your mirrors for bikes. These days they nearly all have their headlight on to make them easier to see. If the biker is trying to “filter” - make his way through the traffic by riding slowly between stationary vehicles, or riding on the white line in the middle of the road - make a point of creating space for them if you can do so in safety. By pulling over slightly, to one side or the other, you can make the difference between letting the biker past, or adding to the congestion. Remember to check all your mirrors first: you don’t want to compromise the bicycle making its way along the nearside in order to allow passage to a biker. Never be tempted to vent your frustration with the traffic by getting in the way of a motorcycle on purpose. You won’t go any faster and you are just contributing to a collision which of course will add to congestion rather than alleviate it. 24
Summary of recent IAM Fact Sheets
Helmet warmer
These are aimed at helping you become a safer driver/rider and enjoy your time on the road more. You can download them from www.iam.org.uk or speak to Helen. No.
Subject
21/001 Safety Cameras 20/001 Successful Towing Techniques 19/001 Driving Attitudes 18/001 Emergency Vehicles 17/001 Sharing the Road with Cyclists Bikers - why not prepare for the colder 16/001 Use of Gears & Adv Driving weather with one of these handy helmet 15/001 Driver Fatigue 14/001 Driving in Wet Weather
warmers?
Cattle Grids for Villages
The RAC foundation suggest that cattle grids should be built in small villages to 12/001 Scooter Riders should be styl- slow traffic down. These should replace ish but SAFE conventional methods of slowing traffic, 11/001 Personal Safety on the Road such as chicanes and ‘build outs’. 13/001 The 'School Run'
The object of these proposals is to reduce the clutter of signs which spoil the beauty of the countryside. At the same time they believe that such measures would improve safety for drivers. IAM Driving Tips - each week in 2006 the IAM have published a driving tip, a few have been reproduced in our magazine; to view them all go to: www.iam.org.uk Recent IAM News Releases all available at: www.iam.org.uk Five Time TT Champion Dunlop Helps IAM Launch New Bike Scheme
Oct 06
Bolton IAM Group Wins Road Safety Award
Oct 06
Nottingham IAM Motorcycle Group Wins Road Safety Award
Oct 06
Mid-Wales IAM Group Wins Road Safety Award
Oct 06
Mansell Presents Top Road Safety Award
Oct 06
Drivers With "Joined Up Thinking" Do Better
Sep 06
IAM backs bid by London Mayor
Sep 06 25