June 2012
The Institute of Advanced Motorists Group briefing welcome
Welcome to Insight, the monthly newsletter produced for IAM groups and their members. Are drivers and riders becoming safer?
Earlier this month the Ministry of Justice issued figures that showed that the total number of magistrates’ court proceedings for motoring offences fell from one million in 2010 to 888,000 in 2011, down 12.6 per cent. The findings also show that the number of people facing prosecution in magistrates’ courts fell from 630,900 in 2010 to 566,800 in 2011, down 10 per cent. Do these figures mean that we are becoming a nation of safer drivers, or is it that there are more drivers simply not getting caught? The expansion of awareness courses for offences like speeding could well be having an impact on these figures – more people are opting for courses rather than points, which results in
Are drivers and riders becoming safer?
The IAM Around British Isles Bike Ride 2012
fewer offences. It’s a good example of how training and skills are the best way to improve driver and rider safety. The trick for all of us involved with the IAM is to encourage people to invest in driver training before they are caught speeding or fined for a motoring offence.
dangerous driving fell from 282 in 2010 to 201 in 2011, down nearly 30 per cent. The government needs to explain the reasons for such a dramatic fall, so we can be sure the numbers are falling for the right reasons. It could be that more bad and dangerous drivers are simply getting away with it.
But while we fully support increasing and improving courses for some driving offences, including speeding, we need to know why fewer drivers are being prosecuted for the more serious offences. The number of people facing prosecution for causing death by
Simon Best Chief executive ceo@iam.org.uk
French breathalyser reminder
Selling points for Skill for Life
An evaluation of advanced driving
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012
www.iam.org.uk Insight June 2012
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June 2012 The IAM Around British Isles Bike Ride 2012 Our charity bike tour is now making its way around the UK, raising awareness of road safety, and money for the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA). On Friday 22nd in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, the IAM, Quay Vipers Motorcycle Club and the team from IAM Surety will attempt to set a world record for the most makes and models of bikes in a parade at the same time. You can register up until the day, or just come down to enjoy the action from 7pm. There is still plenty of time to donate to the AAA too. The ride finishes on Sunday 24th at the Bikefest 2012 event in Shropshire, where the riders will arrive in the main arena at 12.45pm.
French breathalyser reminder
An evaluation of advanced driving
For anyone travelling to France this summer, remember that you need to carry a breathalyser kit in your car or on your bike, with two disposable breathalysers. The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, lower than in the UK. These kits must carry the NF mark to be accepted by French police, and are now available to buy from our online shop.
The IAM’s new evaluation of advanced driving shows that 90 per cent of the people who took their advanced test reported a greater awareness of other road users. Ninety-one per cent reported a lasting positive impact on their awareness of potential hazards and difficult driving conditions. Men are more likely than women to say they have become more responsible and tolerant, and that they drove less fast. Women were more likely to say their driving had become more decisive and confident, and reported that the effects on their driving style lasted longer. The report and press release will be published this week.
Selling points for Skill for Life You already know the benefits of advanced driving and riding, and now the research supports it, but when talking to others it can sometimes be difficult to summarise what’s in it for them. Bear in mind our top six tips on why it’s worth getting a Skill for Life:
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012
The IAM will once again have a stand at Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from the 28th June to the 1st July. If you’re going to the show this year, pop along and visit the team on stand 277, next to the Land Rover driving experience.
1. Stress-free travel. Advanced training makes you a more tolerant, confident road user, and more aware of potential hazards. 2. Fuel efficiency. Advanced driving and riding saves you fuel through improved anticipation. 3. Lower insurance premiums via IAM Surety. 4. Free RAC cover with new Skill for Life purchases. 5. Opportunities to carry on improving your driving and riding. 6. You’ll get the chance to be part of a local IAM group.
For more information on Insight, please contact the IAM press office, email: press office@iam.org.uk phone: 020 8996 9777 iam.org.uk Insight June 2012
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