A page of general information and things that may be of interest.
IAM Press Release (3rd February 2010)
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON: HOW TO DEAL WITH A STUCK ACCELERATOR
As Toyota recalls millions of its cars due to accelerator problems, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) today offers advice to drivers on what to do in event of an engineering malfunction.
Stephen Mead, IAM Assistant Chief Examiner, said: "Keep calm – surprisingly the perception of the average driver with a stuck accelerator is that they can’t brake either, but this is a misconception brought on by panic.
Press the brake firmly, then the clutch, disengaging the power. In an automatic, drivers should brake, wait for a reaction from the vehicle and then put the car into neutral. You can still steer too, so a stuck accelerator isn’t actually the disaster it sounds", added Mr Mead.
"Look for somewhere to stop safely, indicate and make the manoeuvre as you would under normal
circumstances. There will be loud revving in the background and you will probably be in a state of shock, but if you remain calm you can avoid serious danger".
Mr Mead offered this advice for owners of car models subject to recall: "Do look into getting a recall as soon as possible. Surprisingly few people actually approach manufacturers for recalls, which means the vehicles get sold on with the fault going unknown".
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IAM Press Release (18th January 2010)
OLDER DRIVERS ARE SAFEST
Drivers over 70 are no more likely to cause crashes than any other driver, and are considerably safer than younger drivers, according to a report published today by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).
Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: "The report contradicts the common assumption that older drivers are a danger on the roads. Just eight per cent of drivers are over 70 and they are involved in around four per cent of injury crashes. But 15 per cent of drivers are in their teens and 20s and they are involved in 34 per cent of injury crashes".
Older people rely heavily on their cars, and the ability to drive gives many older people better mobility and access to more activities. Men in their seventies make more trips as car drivers than men in their late teens and 20s.
Mr Greig added: "The IAM recommends that, rather than seeking to prevent older people from driving, we need to make them aware of the risks they face, and offer them driving assessments to help them cope with these risks".
Greg Lewis of Age Concern/Help the Aged said: "We believe that where drivers wish to continue behind the wheel beyond the age of 70, only convincing reasons should prevent them from doing so".
Mr Lewis added: "An elderly person’s risk of being killed or suffering a serious injury as a result of a road crash is between two and five times greater than that of a younger person because of their increased physical frailty".
Other key findings:
- In the next 20 years the number of male drivers over 70 will double, female drivers will treble.
- Drivers over 70 are safer on bends and overtaking than 50 year olds, but are more at risk at roundabouts, junctions and slip roads on high speed roads.
- In some traffic situations, older drivers are less likely to be in a crash because they tend to adopt a more careful and restrained driving style.
- No particular age was identified where there is sudden increase in crash involvement.
- Older drivers self regulate and take fewer trips on motorways, in poor light or wet weather, or at peak times.
- Drivers over 85 are four times more likely to have caused a crash than to have been an innocent victim of one.
- Crashes in which older women are to blame peak about five years earlier than those for older men.
"The IAM strongly believes that there is no case for compulsory retesting of older drivers at an arbitrary age.
More research is needed on the best age to renew driving licences and there needs to be a wider debate on the introduction of restricted licensing," said Mr Greig.
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IAM Press Release (8th January 2010)
DIGITAL DASHBOARDS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD
The internet dashboard, or "infotainment system" is the next in-car device that could cause a major distraction to drivers, says the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).
Intel and Google are both looking into interactive dashboards, including 10-inch screens above the gearstick which will show 3D maps, web pages and even videos. Other similar systems are being previewed at trade shows.
Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: "If drivers were tempted to use the internet or watch videos on the move, the results could be deadly.
If it’s not acceptable to read a novel while driving, how can it be acceptable to read a multimedia display?
Just how much information can a car driver absorb and still drive responsibly?
There is a fine line between providing useful extra information and causing a dangerous distraction. This system appears to cross that line" Mr Rodger added.
"Viewing things like restaurant reviews and venue information online while driving should be illegal, and it should be an offence to buy, sell, fit and transmit information for this particular use.
The systems are not designed to be used on the move, but not all systems will be impossible to use while driving. One car manufacturer’s version, due out this autumn, bears the notice: “Please only use the online services when traffic conditions allow you to do so safely".
"It should be made clear that the system should only be used when the vehicle is parked", Mr Rodger commented.
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IAM Press Release (19th November 2009)
FLOOD ADVICE FOR DRIVERS
With more flooding predicted, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has today issued advice to drivers.
IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: "If the journey is unavoidable, motorists should
take extra precautions when dealing with severe surface conditions. Torrential rain brings
with it visibility problems as the car mists up in seconds".
Advice for motorists considering driving in flood conditions:
- Don't go in if the water’s obviously too deep or flowing too quickly: consider an alternative route.
- If you have to drive through water try to drive in the highest section of the road and don’t set off if a vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction. Leave time and space for each other, so you don’t swamp other drivers.
- Drive only fast enough to create a small bow wave in front of the vehicle - driving at speed may be dangerous to other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Keep going once you have started - make sure you have a clear run, put the car into first gear, keep the revs high and set off. Don’t go in if you can’t see a way out on the other side.
- Do not take your foot even slightly off the accelerator, as this will allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe. As you go through the water, slip the clutch if you can. After you come out, dry brakes gently before you need them - the best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds.
- At the other side, keep moving and continue to rev the engine to clear any water from the exhaust.
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