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  • Northern Ireland – Road safety briefing. Last updated: June 2024

    Police Service for Northern Ireland data shows:

    Calendar year 2024 so far: As of 1st June 2024, there have been 26 fatalities on Northern Ireland’s roads.
    Regions: In 2023, Newry, Mourne and Down district had the highest number of road deaths with 11 fatalities. Belfast City district recorded the most serious injuries in 2023 (127 people).
    Data shows the biggest principal causation fa

  • REACTION: IAM RoadSmart urges new government to prioritise drivers.

    IAM RoadSmart Policy and Standards Director Nicholas Lyes said: “IAM RoadSmart welcomes the new government and ministers to their positions. Doubtless to say, there are plenty of issues that need to be addressed: Motorists are dealing with pothole-plagued roads, expensive pump prices, soaring insurance premiums, and worse, progress on reducing serious and fatal road collisions has stalled for many

  • REACTION: IAM RoadSmart comments on the British Medical Association's calls to lower the drink-drive limit

    IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “The number of people killed on our roads where at least one driver was over the limit has remained stubbornly high for over a decade. Cutting the drink-drive limit would be a positive step forward in reducing road casualties but we also need to see an increased emphasis on re-training. Evidence suggests that those who take a drink

  • Urban Driving: A Skills Refresher.

    The days are getting longer, the weather is slowly improving, and that means getting out more, but driving in and around an unfamiliar big city can be stressful. It’s important to be patient and aware of your surroundings.
    Keeping to a reduced speed limit is just one of the challenges when navigating busy streets. IAM RoadSmart has some top tips for navigating busy city roads.
    Stay legal.

  • The human cost of the pothole pandemic

    Britian’s pothole pandemic is leaving drivers tearing out their hair and the state of the road network is laid bare by the publication of the AIA’s annual Alarm report earlier this month. It found that less than half (47%) of local road miles were rated as being in good condition, with 36% adequate and 17% poor.
    The RAC estimates that, on average, there are around six potholes per mile on cou

  • Easter getaway; motorcycling on the continent.

    With the clocks set to go forward on Easter Sunday, the days will be longer and the evening’s lighter. The long-awaited Easter break is the perfect time to get on your motorcycle and get away.
    Find out how you can best prepare for your journey abroad with these tips from IAM RoadSmart.
    Do your POWDERY checks. Is your vehicle ready for a long journey? Ensuring your motorcycle is in tip-t

  • IAM RoadSmart responds to the government's safer roads announcement. 

    IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Additional funding to improve the safety of our road infrastructure is of course very welcome, but if we are to significantly bring down the number of casualties, more funding will be needed. Moreover, we need to see an updated road safety strategy from Ministers to understand how they will also focus on education, behaviour chang

  • IAM RoadSmart responds to Government's MOT proposals

    Responding to the Government's proposals to maintain MOT testing frequency at its current level, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said:
    “An MOT gives drivers confidence their vehicle is conforming to minimum roadworthiness standards, and many see it as an essential technical health check. Well-maintained vehicles make our roads safer and reduce the chances of collis

  • IAM RoadSmart responds to National Highways 3-year Smart Motorway report

    Responding to the publication of National Highways' third annual progress report, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “It stands to reason that if you permanently remove a hard shoulder from the motorway, it will make breaking down on one more risky if you do not reach a refuge area. There remain many miles of all lane running motorways on the network and perhaps it’

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