The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning people to be aware of the changes that will take effect today as the paper counterpart for the driving licence is scrapped. As was the case with the abolition of the paper tax disc last October, the IAM fear many people are still confused or unaware of the implications of the scrapping of the paper counterpart today. The counterpart was … [Read more...]
Government must make road traffic policing a priority
The Institute of Advanced Motorists is urging the new government to increase its efforts in promoting road safety by giving targeted enforcement a higher priority. With the yet-to-be-revealed figures for 2014 shaping up to show an increase in deaths and injuries on UK roads, the IAM believe the new government must make road traffic policing a core priority function for police forces and … [Read more...]
Drivers tapping into danger with new technology, says road safety body
The Institute of Advanced Motorists has warned that car manufacturers are building high-tech distractions into their new vehicles and have made interiors so comfortable they are being turned into living rooms. The warning came from IAM chief executive officer Sarah Sillars, who said efforts to reduce distraction factors for motorists are being undone by the relentless pace of technology and … [Read more...]
Smart motorways: need to educate motorists
As SMART motorways reach their first birthday in the UK today, the Institute of Advanced Motorists has expressed concern that widespread confusion still exists amongst motorway users on how best to use them. SMART motorways were officially introduced this time last year to replace Managed Motorways as the solution to the nation’s congested motorways but concerns have been raised over their … [Read more...]
Seasonal advice on motorway safety
With the holiday season in swing and families undertaking longer journeys, the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ chief examiner, Peter Rodger, is advising drivers on how to handle a breakdown on the motorway. Six out of ten deaths on motorways involve a stationary vehicle so breaking down is a very high risk. Here are Peter’s seven tips to guide you through the process. 1. Always be … [Read more...]
IAM backs drive to find Britain’s best young talent
The search is on for the country’s best young driver – but the catch is they have to be aged under 17 The Young Driver Challenge 2015 launches this week and is backed by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). It offers 11-16 year olds the chance to show their skills behind the wheel of a car. The challenge took place for the first time in 2014, with hundreds of entries from around the … [Read more...]
Driving test hits 80 today
The driving test hits 80 today, and one road safety group says it needs overhauling to keep it appropriate to situations. The Institute of Advanced Motorists wants a comprehensive overhaul to keep it relevant to today’s driving landscape and to the problems faced by young people on the road. The Road Traffic Act was passed in 1934; the legislation that paved the way for compulsory driving … [Read more...]
Worries expressed over driverless cars
The AA acknowledges that the Select Committee report Motoring of the Future poses many pertinent questions about the future of motoring but the AA maintains that neither the report nor Government yet has the vision to answer those questions. Edmund King, AA president, said, “The report rightly points to potential problems of a transition period on the roads. There is a potential nightmare … [Read more...]
UK Governent cuts are killing more people on the road
Government policies have led to a rise in those killed or seriously injured on UK roads, says a leading road safety organisation. The IAM said years of Government cutbacks and the resulting drop in visible policing has led to the increase in figures. Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said, “It is disappointing that after many years of solid falls in the numbers of people … [Read more...]
Seat belts anniversary marked by fatal complacency
The Institute of Advanced Motorists is warning that despite 50 years of seat belt laws, far too many drivers and passengers are still putting themselves and others in great danger by not wearing seat belts. The first seat belt law came into force in January 1965, which saw all new cars in the UK required to have seat belt anchorage points on the outer front seats – and paved the way for … [Read more...]