Just three minutes away from being less distracted at the wheel

IAM RoadSmart has created three short videos on different aspects of common driver distractions starring former Formula 1 test driver Darren Turner; namely children, mobile phones and pets.

And to mark the launch of the videos, the charity has extended its 10% discount on Advanced Driver courses until the end of September.

In the videos Darren attempts to drive an Aston Martin racing simulator around a virtual circuit while contending with a barking dog, ringing mobile phone and noisy five-year-old child.

Darren now races for Aston Martin in the FIA World Endurance Championship and was official test driver for the McLaren Formula 1 team in 2006. This year he came 23^rd in the Le Mans 24 Hour race for Aston Martin.

At the end of each video, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driver behaviour Rebecca Ashton offers advice on how to handle each issue.

Darren, who also owns racing simulator company Base Performance Simulators near Banbury, said: “A professional racing driver is expected to maintain full concentration all the time while at the wheel – but I was surprised at how easy it was take your eye of the ball for a second and end up clouting the barrier in the simulator.

“Translate that to the real road, and the consequences could be far more serious.”

Added Rebecca: “In our videos we see Darren tackle some very common distractions that any driver could face. It shows that even the best drivers can struggle if they are distracted for even a second.

“Whether you’re travelling with your kids, dog or even on your own there are plenty of things which might take your attention away from the road, and we’re all susceptible. But keeping your attention on the road is the most important way you can look after your passengers. Pull over in a safe place if you need to pick up a dropped toy, calm a frightened pet or answer the phone.”

Figures from the Department for Transport in 2013 found 2,995 cases where distraction in the vehicle was listed as a contributory factor to accidents (reference 1).

And IAM RoadSmart’s multi-award winning campaign Safely Home, which surveyed 1,500 motorists’ habits, found the top four causes of distraction were children in the car (29%), changing the radio channel (27%), back seat drivers (26%) and mobile phone use (24%) (reference 2).

One in 10 of those surveyed also admitted to causing a crash because they were distracted.

IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Driver course usually costs £149 and the 10% discount has been extended to 30 September. To take advantage of the discount, please call 0300 303 1134 quoting the reference RACE10.

And anyone buying an Advanced Driver course using the discount code will be put into a prize draw to win an amazing racing experience with Base Performance Simulators for themselves and a friend.

ENDS

Reference 1: https://www.iamroadsmart.com/media-and-policy/newsroom/news-details/2015/11/19/multi-tasking-at-the-wheel-a-potentially-fatal-myth-finds-iam

Reference 2: http://bit.ly/1te2e1S

Notes to editors:

Further information from:

IAM RoadSmart press office – 020 8996 9777 – press.office@iam.org.uk    

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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   

ENDS ALL