Spring is the new winter? Tips from IAM RoadSmart

  • Dress correctly. Seems pretty obvious but sometimes you don’t realise that the comfortable motorcycle or driving attire isn’t always winter friendly. Functional most certainly surpasses fashionable this season

     

  • Get your car or motorcycle a check-up. A poorly maintained vehicle or motorcycle is highly likely to let you down in times of cold and will not perform well. If you are aware a service is due, have it done or be prepared to spend a damp and chilly few hours waiting for help

     

  • Check the weather forecast. I’m sure you are aware British weather changes massively and riding a motorcycle on ice or in strong winds is best avoided. In winter conditions like these it’s better to know your route and plan it before you set off.Always let someone know your plans if you are setting out on a longer journey

     

  • Pack an emergency kit. Warm clothes, winter footwear, some snacks and a fully charged mobile phone are a must but a tow rope and jump leads could allow you to help or be helped by other drivers

     

  • Be alert and do not drive when you are tired or feeling ’under the weather’. It may sound very common but with these current weather conditions emerging from building lines or from alongside high-sided vehicles, a sudden gust can cause a change of direction in the traffic around you. Staying alert and planning for the worst can help you deal with the unexpected

     

  • Driving with gust is a no no - keep the speed down to minimise the effect of high winds on your vehicleThe faster you drive or ride, the more difficult it becomes to maintain control in cross winds or if you hit ice or standing water. Stay within the law, including the laws of physics. A few extra minutes on your journey time is a small price to pay for safety

 

Richard said: “The most predictable thing about the British weather is its unpredictability!  Good preparation for your journey will help keep it stress-free. Slowing down and looking well ahead will help you negotiate your way safely through the short winter days.”

Notes to editors:

  1. Richard Gladman is IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards.
  2. IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://wwwiamroadsmart.com/local-groups

Media contacts:

Further information from:

IAM RoadSmart press office – 020 8996 9777 

press.office@iam.org.uk / www.iamroadsmart.com

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