Driving Safety and You......

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Are you "too laid back"?


One of the most important aspects of driving a modern vehicle is achieving a perfect driving position every time you get behind the wheel.

This is especially important if you share the driving: using somebody else’s settings for the mirrors and seats can quickly leave you tired and at needless risk of a nagging muscular pain as you find yourself “straining”.

Good seat positioning may sound boring, but it takes literally seconds, and will keep you comfortable and more alert on longer journeys.It’s also the position adopted by racing drivers, especially rally and touring car drivers.

- Sit in the car with the base of you spine in the back of the seat to prevent back problems.

- Hold the wheel at ten to two or quarter to three – keep your thumbs vertical

- Can you adjust the steering wheel for improved control?

- Make sure your arms are slightly bent

- Legs should also be slightly bent when your feet are on the pedals

- The back of the seat should be fairly upright, giving you a good view of the road ahead, and of course mirrors (rear and door) display and dials

- Ensure the head restraints are adjusted so they align with the top of your head.

Being “too laid back” compromises vision and car control.It shows a lack of interest in your driving and makes you more likely to doze off on a long journey.Thousands of accidents and near misses are caused by drivers giving in to the effects of fatigue.

On the other hand, if you position yourself too close to the wheel, as well as looking slightly strange, you will have less car control, poor reaction times and – in the event of a crash – you will be hit by the airbag cover exploding out at more than 200mph instead of cushioned by it as it deflates – which is what it is designed to do for you.



Taken from the I.A.M.

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You Little Belter!


It wasn’t until 1983 that it became compulsory for front seat passengers to use seatbelts, and road safety campaigners have marked the 25th anniversary of this important law.

Right from the start, compliance rates were high for front seat drivers, with over nine out of ten drivers and front seat passengers using their belts.

Yet when the law was extended to include rear seat passengers in 1991, the take up wasn’t nearly as good – and even now, more than a third of adults still decline to “belt up in the back”.

Technically, if your rear seat passenger is over the age of 14, it is their own responsibility to ensure they put the belt on.

Why they choose to ignore the belt is a bit of a mystery; perhaps teenagers think it doesn’t look “cool” to put on the seat belt. Or they think “we’re not going far, I won’t bother”, only pulling on the harness if they are preparing for a long motorway journey.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has a very creative TV ad that shows graphically the impact of a teenager not wearing his belt when his mum is involved in a crash – he flies forward and kills her. Yet rear seat belt compliance is still an issue, particularly among young adults.

When children stop using their booster seats, and start to “clunk click” for themselves, that’s a good idea to check the condition of the seat belt itself. If it is frayed or worn at all, it should be replaced. Give the belt a sharp tug to check that the inertia reel is still effective.

Then start to build into your “cockpit drill” (the safety checks you do before you actually drive off) a look behind to check that your rear seat passengers have actually put their belts on. You will probably find that this is done best by glancing around rather than peering awkwardly in the rear view mirror.

If your passengers (of any age) argue that it is their choice whether or not to wear the seat belt, you will find that your counter argument – that it’s your choice whether or not to start the car! – is pretty effective too.





Taken from the I.A.M.

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Give and take


Being prepared mentally for what may happen next when you are on the road, rather than relying on reactions to sort out a problem when it has already arisen, is a key factor in safe driving and riding.

By doing that you can also be prepared for what other road users around you might get wrong. Be ready to keep things safe by what you do to allow for them.

A bit of give and take goes a long way.

This is the opposite of the "blame culture".Instead of mentally complaining because "that white van man just cut me up", have a think about what you were doing before hand and what you could have done, if anything, in a different way to prevent that near miss happening.

The IAM researched this approach with Brunel University two years ago. Using two control groups of drivers, plus a third coached to IAM standards, Brunel were able to evaluate the difference this approach made.

Those drivers who were prepared to see themselves as part of the potential hazard were less likely to be involved in a crash or a near miss than the drivers who just "blamed" other road users around them.

Being alert to the possible mistakes of others may feel like a low priority when you are under pressure, or on a bad Monday morning perhaps. It's easier to expect others to do what they should do, all the time.

But there is no such thing as the perfect driver.Do your bit by allowing for their errors. And, if that feel too onerous, think about this: haven’t you, at some stage when you were driving made an error which someone else then made safe? Be honest - we all have.

So make a point of helping out the other road users who might do the same for you.



Taken from the I.A.M.

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Kids in cars: the ultimate distraction


In an ideal world, we would all give our driving 100 per cent of our concentration, 100 per cent of the time. But of course that doesn’t happen.

Driving experts acknowledge that internal distractions can be every bit as dangerous as the external distractions. Both are compounded by drivers simply letting their concentration slip, to the point when they are on “auto pilot”.

But what is the greatest single distraction that drivers have to deal with?

Well, surprisingly, according to a survey by a manufacturer this month, the number one distraction in the car is passengers – specifically, the kids in the back.

If you are planning a journey with young children, you do have to be organized. And that goes beyond simply packing the boot with all their stuff, and strapping them in.

Take on board the needs of your young passengers before you start Plenty of food and especially drink are key, and if it’s a long journey put more stops in than you would allow for adult passengers. When you stop for a break, find somewhere that the kids can “let off steam” while you stretch your legs

Have a plastic bag (without holes) handy, but out of reach of the children themselves, to cope with travel sickness.

Then when you are back on the road, deploy toys and books, or electronic games that are needed to keep you children quiet.

One idea is a “day bag” full of surprises that can’t be opened until you are underway – packed with pencils, puzzle books and cheap simple amusements. Even long European trips are possible in relative peace and quiet when the back seat passengers are absorbed.

Needless to say, a second adult to look after the children makes a massive difference: leaving the driver to drive.

Young, first-time parents, in particular, tend to be focused on their new offspring almost to the exclusion of everything else. For the rest of us, those “Baby on board” signs are a good clue that we may be about to encounter a driver prone to sudden noisy (and smelly!) distractions.



Taken from the I.A.M.

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Time for a clean sweep?


A recent innovation has excited some in the car design business – a move that could see the end to windscreen wipers.

Apparently, using “nanotechnology”, Italian car designers have come up with a self-clearing windscreen. It uses a special oxide to repel water and miniature nozzles which blast out water and air to get rid of dust and dirt. The windscreen uses super-thin layers of nanoparticles on top of the windscreen. Each layer is a couple of atoms thick, meaning they can work simultaneously on water and dust.

And it does appear an attractive idea – after all, even the best windscreen wipers don’t reach the whole screen, which means that drivers have to put up with a permanent “film” that restricts vision at the extremes.

Winscreen wipers also get frozen to the glass overnight in winter – a major cause of call outs for the emergency services, when fuses blow as a result of drivers starting the car without first freeing up the wipers.

Whether the new wiper-free technology could cope with UK road salt and grime has yet to be seen.

It’s certainly been a while since windscreen wipers were on the drawing board: in 1969, the first intermittent wipers were introduced. A year later, Swedish car manufacturer Saab introduced headlight wipers.

So what do we need to do to look after the existing technology until the world changes?

As spring starts to make the morning routine easier, have a look at the condition of the wiper blades. Quite often, polish from the car body finds its way onto the windscreen blades, producing a smear or a less than clean sweep – or pimples of tree resin that leave a line. It’s tempting to replace the whole wiper when this happens – but actually, a thorough wipeover with a bit of kitchen roll can extend the life of the blades considerably, take away those lines, and stop the smearing effect that destroys vision to effectively.

When the rubber blades finally do give up the ghost, consider just replacing the rubbers themselves – there may not be a need to replace the entire wiper blade, depending on your car.



Taken from the I.A.M.

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Lower fuel bills, despite the budget?


Driving experts say that just a few small changes to driving habits could reduce our fuel consumption by 8.5 per cent, and shave £120 off the annual fuel costs.

Ask yourself: "Do I really need to drive?" It's the shortest journeys - less than two miles – which cause the most pollution and are inefficient in terms of fuel consumption. A straining cold engine will produce 60 per cent more pollution than a warm one. Yet it's these shorter journeys that are ideal for walking or cycling.

Plan your route. A bit of forethought can save much wear and tear - for the car, and the driver. Try to take the most direct route and go off-peak if possible. Sitting in congestion means you are often doing zero miles per gallon. If you have to commute by car, think about car sharing, Park and Ride schemes or public transport.

Check your tyres. Correct tyre pressures will keep wear down and fuel economy up. Under-inflated tyres need replacing more often (itself an environmental problem) as well as being dangerous. Anybody who has cycled on under-inflated tyres will appreciate how much extra effort is involved! Make a point of checking them at least once a week.

Obey the speed limits. Try to "feather" the throttle as you reach your cruising speed. Doing 56mph uses 25 per cent less fuel than 70mph and a smoother driving style can bring significant fuel saving. But never coast to save fuel; vehicle control must not be compromised.

Reduce the drag factor by removing roof racks and carriers when not in use. Driving with the window open also increases drag and lowers fuel economy. Remove unnecessary boot luggage, avoid heavy accessories and wide tyres that add rolling resistance. Air conditioning lowers fuel economy so use the vent settings as much as possible instead.

Use “accelerator” sense. Do you go straight from the accelerator to the brake? You would save fuel if you planned ahead, and rather than have to brake as you hit traffic, gently let the speed of the vehicle bring you to a halt as you join a queue. There is no point in rushing and then having to brake to come to a sudden halt.


Taken from the I.A.M.

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Getting there, in a roundabout way....


It is not uncommon to come across drivers who go out of their way to avoid certain roundabouts. Even experienced drivers consider them to be “high risk” locations, and feel uncomfortable with them, no matter what size the roundabout is.

The single most common mistake at a roundabout is only looking to your right as you approach, because that is where you expect traffic to come from. But what about the car ahead of you – can that driver see something that you can’t?

It is better to gather as much information as you can – start to check to your right, straight ahead, to your left, and all your mirrors as you approach the roundabout. By carrying out your observations in this sweeping/scanning motion, you are more likely to pick up if the car in front decides not to go for some reason.

The classic rear end shunt, caused by the driver ahead not going when you think he’s going, can thus be avoided. Help yourself further by keeping a good gap between you and the vehicle waiting to get on, so if he changes his mind half way you have room to stop without compromising yourself.

Drivers often approach the roundabout with the plan to continue unless they have to stop because of other traffic. The problem here is that you may notice another car just as you get close to the roundabout, but you are more likely to speed up, opting to “take a chance” because it is difficult to change your mind at the last moment.

A slightly different, but very much more effective mental outlook is to approach the roundabout thinking “plan to stop but look to go”.

As you scan, remember you are looking for gaps, as well as vehicles.

And once you are on the roundabout, remember not everybody will position themselves correctly to get off: you could find somebody sweeping across you to get to their exit. Remember that the lorry or bus needs lots of room, and try not to be actually alongside it. On a mini roundabout, if you approach at the same time as an oncoming vehicle, clearly indicate your intention and then do a visual check – try to catch the driver’s eye and send a message to avoid the ambiguous situation when nobody is quite sure who should go first



Taken from the I.A.M.

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Too tired to drive?


A simple yawn can mean a few things – you’re stuck in a boring meeting or it’s time for an early night, for example.

But a recent survey by the Department for Transport (DfT) said that motorists who ignore that innocent yawn are putting themselves and other road users at risk if they press on regardless.

As many as one in five of all crashes on major roads are caused by tired drivers. And it may be even more - because those drivers that survive a crash (or a near miss) are unlikely to admit that they were too tired to drive when it happened.

The DfT said that we all want to finish our journeys as quickly as possible but being tired at the wheel is a “proven killer” that we cannot ignore. Those who drive for work are particularly at risk.

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) said that although falling asleep straight away while you’re driving is very rare, it is surprising how many people ignore the signs of fatigue beforehand. The IAM advises:

* Don't start a long trip if you're already tired. Remember that a working day away from the office will involve extra travelling time that could leave you exhausted by the time you are heading for home.

* Plan your journey to include at least a 15minute break every two hours, even if you feel you don’t need it. You will be refreshed. Use the break away from the car to catch up with phone messages.

* If you feel drowsy, don’t press on regardless. Find a safe place to stop (but not the hard shoulder). If you have a nap, take the keys out the ignition and lock the car doors.

* As an emergency measure drink two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine drink and have a rest for 10-15 minutes to allow time for the caffeine to kick in.

Lastly, don’t rely on what some drivers admitted to as their solution – slapping themselves in the face! Other non-solutions reported to the IAM include turning up the radio, singing, shaking the head vigorously and opening all the windows.



Taken from the I.A.M.

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Things you know, and some you don't.


- Active head restraints, which move forward upon impact to catch the head and increase neck protection;

- Adaptive cruise control, which uses radar or lidar (laser-based radar) to monitor and regulate the distance between vehicles;

- Advanced airbags, which isolate and protect various body parts and, in some systems, deploy at different depths or velocities depending on the occupant's size and position;

- Advanced seat belt pretensioners, which tense up when a collision is imminent and are sometimes paired with seats that automatically adjust for increased crash protection (conventional pretensioners activate during a collision);

- Electronic stability control, which monitors traction loss and steering angle and automatically applies one or more of the brakes to keep the vehicle on course;

- Lane departure warning systems, which signal a driver when his or her vehicle drifts from its lane;

- Telematics, after-crash technology that combines the functions of cellular phones, Global Positioning System receivers and 911 operators; and

- Tire pressure monitoring, which alerts the driver when a tire's pressure is dangerously low.



Taken from the CAR.Com

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Emergency Vehicles


Deciding what to do when you hear an emergency vehicle approaching can be a dilemma. Do you stay where you are and potentially block the progress of an emergency vehicle? Or do you move into a position that may put you or other road users at risk?

Unfortunately, some drivers over-react to emergency service vehicles travelling on “blues and twos” (blue lights and two-tone horns). This is often because they don’t hear or see the emergency vehicle until it’s too close, and then take drastic action to get out of the way.

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) says that good driving practice will alert you early to emergency vehicles: regular mirror checks (side and rear) for example, and keeping the windows slightly down around town, so you can hear sirens approaching.

Don’t panic and just brake. It’s natural to want to react. But instinctively putting your brakes on immediately in front of an emergency vehicle doesn’t help: it slows the progress of the emergency vehicle and jeopardises other road users.

Think about where you are on the road. You should deal with the problem in the same way that you deal with any other potentially hazardous driving situation. What is the safest option available to you?

Don’t cross red traffic lights or speed to get out of the way. The emergency driver has training and legal exemptions that you don’t have. Bus lanes and box junctions can be problems too, but let them resolve the problem of breaking the rules – not you.

If you are moving it may well be that you can continue at a reasonable pace and the emergency vehicle can follow you out of a pocket of congestion (such as a blocked one way system). In that scenario, attempting to pull over too soon, or slow down, might just cause a needless obstruction and so hamper the progress of the emergency vehicle.

Indicate your intentions clearly. Don’t pull in opposite other obstructions, such as centre bollards. If you are thinking about pulling over across an entrance to a school or factory, you may be unwittingly preventing the emergency vehicle reaching its destination. And do think about where you are asking the emergency driver to overtake you – on the brow of a hill or a blind bend can be placing him or her in a very difficult position.

Get out of the way as soon as you can do so in safety.


Taken from the IAM

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SORRY MATE - I DIDN'T SEE YOU


The joys of motorcycling - including more predictable journey times and better fuel consumption - 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.

In the jargon, too often car drivers look, but fail to see, motorcycles.

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. An older slogan had the same affect: "Think once, think twice ... think bike".

Apart from giving bikers a "second glance", 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 may just contribute to a collision which of course will add to congestion rather than alleviate it.

If you are the biker – don’t be aggressive, the car driver you upset today won’t be inclined to help tomorrow.

And all this applies for pedal cyclists as well – both from car and cyclists point of view.



Taken from the IAM.

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Start alert, stay alert


The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) calls driver fatigue a silent killer and in a sense, that is just what it is.

Fatigue operates in much the same way as alcohol. Drivers who are slightly tired will not drive as well or as safely as those who are alert. As tiredness increases, mental and physical performance drops until eventually the driver falls asleep.

Research suggests that one in five motorway crashes are related to driver fatigue, although statistics are limited: drivers who are tired are seldom willing to admit it and those who crash can be too badly injured to recall the events leading to the collision. But it is clear there are far too many crashes arising from driver fatigue.

The IAM says that although fatigue is unavoidable there are a number of simple steps we drivers can take to reduce the problem:

Start alert:

- Get plenty of rest before a long journey, don’t drive if you feel tired, or unwell

- Wear comfortable loose clothing

- Adjust the driving seat in a car to a comfortable upright position and adjust the heating/air-conditioning to a cool – not cold – temperature


Stay alert:

- Try and avoid driving during the night when you would normally be asleep

- Early afternoon is also a high risk period to lapse in concentration

- Take regular breaks, at least every two hours

- Get out of/off your vehicle and walk around at the breaks, don’t just sit in the seat


If you feel tired:

- Act quickly and do not try to “drive through” the fatigue. Turning up the radio volume and opening the window, or turning the air-conditioner to the coldest setting in the hope that these will keep you awake won’t work

- If you must continue, find a safe place to stop, have a caffeine rich drink and then take a short nap for at least 20 minutes. This will give the caffeine time to get into your system and gives you a “power nap”. You can only do this once in a journey – it won’t work a second time

- If you feel more awake continue, but bear in mind that you will have to stop reasonably soon. If you still feel tired, sleep until you feel fresh enough to continue


Taken from the IAM.

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Out with the old, in with the unfamiliar

The new licence plate was released this month and you might be thinking about upgrading your car - or you may have already made that purchase. Driving an unfamiliar car can be daunting; so here are some tips from the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) to help you get to know your new wheels before you hit the road.

Even on a new car, the manufacturer expects the driver to carry out some basic regular checks, so it’s worth having a look at oil, coolant, windscreen washer and other fluid levels while you’re at the dealer- if you can’t see where they are located , ask before you drive away.

Walk around the car to confirm where your fuel cap is and check your lights are all working.

Read your driver manual! This is where you’ll find lots of important information, such as what fuel to use, what your tyre pressures should be, how to program your sat nav, trip computer or in car entertainment, where all the switches are located, what the various warning lights and symbols mean and what to do if they stay on or light up as you are driving.

Set your driving position so you are comfortable, can reach all the major controls and you have full view of the road. The IAM recommends you sit with your spine against the back of the seat, hold the wheel at ten-to-two or quarter-to-three and, if you can, adjust the rake of the wheel so your arms are slightly bent and you have full control.

Adjust the seat until you can reach the pedals with your legs still slightly bent, adjust the mirrors and, finally, align your head restraint with the top of your head.

Driving without lic'd and insurance is an offence – no matter how long you have owned the car. Ensure you are fully insured and have all the documentation in order before you drive off the forecourt. This will not only ensure you don’t end up being prosecuted but also your new car will be protected from damage or theft.

If you are lucky enough to be able to buy a car with a new licence plate this year, remember, a few moments familiarising yourself with your vehicle can keep you and your shiny new car safe.


Taken from the IAM.

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Control rage on the road


All drivers will recognise the term ‘road rage’ – but what is it and how is it avoided? The term includes everything from an irate beep of the horn to full-fledged physical assault – via abusive language, gestures or threats.

Whatever the source of frustration on the road, the responsibility to control aggressive driving lies with the driver. Everyone who gets behind the wheel should take an honest look at their driving behavior, try to identify the things that press their ‘hot buttons’ and determine to control them.

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) offers the following tips for avoiding and coping, with potential road rage situations:

Responding to road rage

- Don’t panic or respond to aggressive behaviour: Try to think and act logically and never get out of the car to argue.

- Where possible, refrain from making eye contact with an angry driver: If the situation worsens, make sure windows are closed and doors locked.

- If an incident is becoming serious, keep moving but don’t speed away as this can further enrage the other driver

- Don’t become boxed in by stationary traffic: Leave a sufficient gap in front to allow room to pull out if necessary and if trapped by another vehicle, stay in the car and try to attract attention by flashing lights or sounding the horn.

- If followed by an aggressive driver: Head for a busy area/street, a police station or hospital - anywhere other people may be present, and call the police.

- If you accidentally irritate another driver: Simply holding up your hand to acknowledge the mistake will usually calm the situation.


Avoiding road rage

- Don’t take it personally: Mistakes happen and other drivers may not even know their actions have annoyed someone else. Keep calm and don’t overreact.

- Be prepared: Get enough sleep to cope with the demands of a long journey and plan to avoid time pressure.

- Don’t take it out on the car: Never drive to express frustration. It can only make matters worse.

- Enjoy the ride: Consciously relax before getting behind the wheel. Sit comfortably upright in the driver’s seat, tune into something relaxing on the radio and fix the air conditioner to a reasonable temperature.


Taken from the IAM.

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What to do when your kids start to drive

New drivers, particularly the under 20s, are most at risk in the early weeks and months after they pass their driving test.

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has produced top tips to help parents encourage responsible driving in the crucial first few months – and to encourage safer, more responsible drivers.

Parental involvement is one of the sections in the IAM Motoring Trust report Younger Drivers, where and when they are unsafe.

The IAM recommends the following tips on how parents can help their new novice drivers:

- Use a professional instructor to teach them do drive whilst giving them extra practice

- Teach by example: always use a seat belt and keep to the speed limit restrictions

- Take them on routes they are likely to drive on regularly and talk to them about where the risks are

- Help them to practice driving in various conditions, such as night time, in poor visibility and if possible on rural roads

- Educate them on the potential risks (i.e. lack of concentration, showing off) and the distractions that can follow having their friends in the car for the first time

- Help them to further develop their driving skills by proactively encouraging them to continue developing their driving by undertaking further training, such as an advanced driving course.


Taken from the IAM.

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Jump-Starting a Weak or Dead Automobile Battery Correctly

When a motor vehicle battery fails, a jump start often is the best short term way to get the motor going. Because it is important that jump starting be done properly, the National Safety Council recommends the following procedure:


- Position another vehicle with a healthy battery and your car so they do not touch each other. Be sure both batteries are of the same voltage.

- Read the owners' manuals for BOTH vehicles for any special directions.

- Turn off the ignitions of both vehicles and set the parking brakes. Place automatic transmissions in "Park" and standard transmissions in neutral.

- Wear safety glasses and gloves while using cables.

- Unless given different directions in the owner's manual, use the booster cables in this order:

- Clamp/connect one end of the positive (+) booster cable to the positive (+) post of the dead battery.

- Connect the other end of the same cable to the same marked post (+) of the booster battery.

- Connect the second, negative (-) booster cable to the other post of the booster battery.

- Make the final negative (-) booster cable connection on the engine block of the stalled vehicle away from the battery.

- Start the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. Then, start the disabled vehicle.

- Remove the cables in the reverse order of connection, being very careful not to let the booster cable clamps touch each other or come in contact with car parts. Also, avoid the fans of the engines. Electric fans may run without the engine being on.



Taken from the National Safety Council.