We make better drivers and riders

Are you sitting comfortably?

Blog post posted on 10/08/16 |
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Advice

The hustle and bustle of the UK commute isn’t always the easiest. With the summer holidays here, neither is driving the kids around for various activities. Here are some comfy driving tips from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman.

  • Be mindful of your posture. As a driver it’s important to avoid positions that can cause muscle ache. Before you move off try adjusting your car seat but in a secure position that allows you to stay alert and maintain good visibility. An incorrect seat position will not only be uncomfortable but may affect your ability to operate the vehicle controls.
  • Sometimes a nibble goes a long way. Pull over and have something to eat, however try and make sure that your snacks aren’t too sugar loaded – you may experience an energy crash later on. Stay nourished and hydrated – your brain needs food to maintain concentration.
  • Wear the right attire to ensure you are fully comfortable whilst on the go. Avoid uncomfortable footwear that provides little sole support, such as high heels and especially flip flops. In an event were you may need to brake firmly, the support of the soles of your shoes always help.
  • Travel safe. It’s always a good idea to take out travel insurance so that you're covered in the event of accidents and emergencies.
  • Get the games out! Journeys do not always have to be dull and repetitive. Plan ahead and get some fun games organised for the younger ones on board. This will make the journey feel miles faster and smoother, allowing you to concentrate on your driving.

Rebecca Ashton, commercial learning and development manager said “It’s important to get as much rest as possible before you start driving. When driving with children or commuting it is vital that your driving position doesn’t cause you any discomfort. Just a few moments spent being correctly seated and wearing the right clothing could save you from the hassle of muscle aches and help you to enjoy the drive.”

                                                       ENDS

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

ISDN broadcast lines available

Follow us:

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAMRoadSmart

On Twitter: @IAMRoadSmart 

ENDS ALL