IAM RoadSmart Media Centre

7 April 2025 00:01

Independent traders could save more than £500 a year at the pumps with some changes to their driving techniques

If just one van driver adopted ‘eco-driving’, they would save more than £500 a year on fuel and tyres For large fleets of drivers, the savings could run into the hundreds of thousands Drivers could also cut their CO2 emissions by up to 14%, the equivalent produced driving a lap of Britain's coast If just one van driver adopted ‘eco-driving’, they would save more than £500 year on fuel and tyres

3 April 2025 10:05

REACTION: The Scottish Government's consultation regarding the National Speed Management Review

Response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the National Speed Management Review
IAM RoadSmart Road Safety Manager Scotland Stewart Mackie said: “As a road safety charity, we support measures that will reduce casualties on the network. However, we believe a blanket national speed limit reduction will be counterproductive and may even increase risky overtaking manoeuvres, which the dat

26 March 2025 18:00

IAM RoadSmart welcomes Shona Johnstone as Chair

New Chair emphasises dedication to road safety and sustainable transport. Outgoing chair Stuart Donald QPM will take up role of Vice President
The UK’s leading independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart is delighted to announce the appointment of Shona Johnstone to the position of Chair. 
Shona, a highly experienced transport policy professional with a background in sustainable transp

20 March 2025 09:05

Spring Forward: Get Your Motorbike Ready as Clocks Change on March 30

The clocks will move forward on Sunday, March 30, ushering in longer days and shorter nights for the next six months. With dark winter mornings behind us, it's the perfect time to prepare your motorbike for the improved weather.

Here are some tips from IAM RoadSmart to help you prepare for the brighter days ahead:

Bike maintenance: Do your POWDERY checks. Is your

20 March 2025 00:01

Majority of drivers are missing out on technology that can make their journeys safer

Only a quarter are regularly using driver assistance aids which may reduce collisions and improve driving comfort Younger drivers and those travelling more than 10,000 miles a year are more likely to embrace vehicle technology
Millions of drivers could be missing out on the benefits of potentially lifesaving in-vehicle assistance aids when they’re behind the wheel with new research* showing

18 March 2025 07:00

IAM RoadSmart responds to AIA Report showing £16.8bn local road backlog repair

Responding to the publication of the AIA Alarm Report (Asphalt Industry Alliance) showing a one-off repair cost of £16.8bn to bring local roads up to an adequate standard, IAM RoadSmart Policy and Standards Director Nicholas Lyes said:
“The AIA’s report lays bare the inadequate repairs happening on our local roads, where despite spending billions on filling potholes, the backlog costs are incre

13 March 2025 16:01

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart's reaction to National Highways Smart motorways stocktake fourth year progress report

This follows the release of a National Highways report which examines the most recent safety data and evidence concerning smart motorways.

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said, “After the many billions of pounds that have been spent on smart motorways, the metrics do not show a safer network compared to what it replaced. It also reveals that on those stretches o

10 March 2025 12:07

IAM RoadSmart urges action as thousands support petition for motorcyclists' access to bus lanes:

A petition calling on the Government to reconsider allowing motorcyclists default access to ride in bus lanes has gathered thousands of signatures. IAM RoadSmart supports this move. Do you? If so, click here to sign the petition
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said, “We were disappointed by the government’s response to its last consultation and remain of the view

6 March 2025 15:06

Don’t linger around lorries; know your HGV zones

National Highways has launched a new road safety campaign aimed at educating drivers on how to safely navigate around heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). These large vehicles, including trucks and HGVs, are significantly longer, heavier, and more powerful than standard vehicles, requiring extra caution. Drivers often misjudge the size and position of HGVs, their blind spots, and the stopping distanc

6 March 2025 00:01

IAM RoadSmart recertified with prestigious international ISO standard

Recertification is a sign of the delivery of high-quality training to reduce serious injuries on our roads.
One of the UK’s leading providers of driver, rider and fleet training has successfully been recertified with the ISO 9001* international standard for quality management systems in recognition for its continuing high standards.

IAM RoadSmart delivered more than 2,000

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

Regions: Scotland

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