News archive

18 February 2025 00:01

Private e-scooters likely to be behind surge in children caught riding or driving without insurance, warns road safety charity

* New data analysed by IAM RoadSmart shows that within the past four years there has been a 2100% rise in the number of children aged 13-16 penalised
* Uninsured driving and riding among legal age young motorists continues to increase, with the cost of insurance likely to blame despite falling premiums

Nearly 800 children have been caught driving or riding without insurance in the past

4 February 2025 10:38

Stay Alert Behind the Wheel

Driving can be quite an adventure, but it can also be exhausting, especially if you're on the road for hours or driving late at night. Feeling tired behind the wheel is no joke—it can really affect your ability to drive safely. That's why it's important to recognise the signs of fatigue. By staying alert and taking care of yourself, you can make sure your journey is not only safer but also more en

30 January 2025 11:38

Road safety charity introduces two new circuits and funded places for young people to its 2025 Skills Day season

IAM RoadSmart aims to make safer driving and riding accessible for all by adding Knockhill and Bicester to the events calendar, as well as providing places for young people funded by the ‘Big Give’ campaign.
Circuit training by the UK’s leading road safety charity will be coming to two new venues this year - Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife and Bicester Heritage Centre in Oxfordshire.

23 January 2025 00:01

One in two motorists pulled over on suspicion of drug-driving fail roadside drug tests as number of fatalities rises

One in two motorists pulled over on suspicion of drug-driving fail roadside drug tests as number of fatalities rises
The number of deceased drivers with ‘impairment drugs’ present has increased by over 70% from 2014 to 2022, leading to concerns from road safety organisation that drug users continue to get behind the wheel despite the dangers
One in two motorists pulled over on suspicion of d

22 January 2025 12:22

IAM RoadSmart issues warnings ahead of Storm Eowyn (Updated following Red Warning)

Red and Amber warnings have been issued for parts of the UK on Friday, with the Met Office cautioning that strong winds could pose a "danger to life" due to flying debris
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Storm Éowyn will bring a period of very strong winds to Northern Ireland, northern England and central and southern parts of Scotland. Where red warnings have

14 January 2025 09:29

Former police officer who has dedicated 40 years to road safety awarded an MBE for services to motorcycle road safety

A motorcyclist and former police officer from Gloucester has been named on the King’s New Year’s Honours list for his outstanding contributions to road safety.
Simon Ross, 60, has spent 40 years volunteering for road safety charities before joining IAM RoadSmart, where he was Chief Observer of both Gloucestershire Groups before becoming an Examiner, coaching people to pass their Advanced Rider

8 January 2025 15:48

IAM RoadSmart issues warnings ahead of heavy snow and ice after Met Office amber alert for the South West

Significant snowfall expected to cause major disruption across the South West as amber alerts are announced by the Met Office

IAM RoadSmart Southern Regional Manager Shaun Cronin says, "I urge all drivers and riders in the Southwest to exercise extreme caution. With the forecasted snow and low temperatures, be well prepared before you set out. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready, check your

7 January 2025 14:05

Buckle Up for Safety: Make a New Year's Resolution to Always Wear Your Seat Belt!

As we step into 2025, make a new resolution to prioritise your safety on the roads. Recent **government statistics reveal that nearly a quarter of those who lost their lives on Britain's roads last year were not wearing seat belts.


Here are some top tips to keep you and your family safely strapped in:


Always Buckle Up: Make it a habit to buckle up every time you g

3 January 2025 12:01

IAM RoadSmart issues warnings ahead of heavy snow and ice

Significant snowfall and freezing rain expected to cause major disruptions as amber alerts are announced by the Met Office

Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart Chief Examiner, said: "With snow predicted to fall this weekend, we're urging motorists to plan ahead and think about whether that journey is really necessary. Driving conditions are likely to be challenging, with the added danger of ice.

20 December 2024 00:01

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart welcomes government investment in roads

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “This record funding settlement will bring some festive cheer for motorists and cyclists alike. The emphasis is often on the nuisance and cost implications of potholes, but for many, particularly motorcyclists and pedal cyclists, poorly maintained roads are huge safety risk. While this level of funding will need maintaining for sev

19 December 2024 00:01

Festive fail? Just one in five would buy a personalised number plate as a Christmas present

Research reveals the most spent on a private plate this year was £80K for L1 BYA



Tens of thousands of pounds have already been spent on personalised number plates this year – but a new survey reveals that just 19% would buy one as a Christmas present for their loved ones.


According to the DVLA, the most spent on a private plate this

18 December 2024 16:57

IAM RoadSmart welcomes plans to reduce driving test waiting times

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “We welcome the Government’s plans to ban the resale of driving test appointments though it should work with ADIs to ensure this is done in a way that minimises disruption. Many learner drivers have struggled to find test slots and have been confronted with unacceptable delays while at the same time third parties have been prof