· Sheila McMahon learnt to ride a motorbike following a car crash as a teenager
· After overcoming her fears of the road, she wanted to help others experiencing mental health issues
· When out biking Sheila wears a high vis vest with the words ‘Talking Mental Health’, which has inspired conversations in cafes and by the roadside
A mental health counsellor is taking to
Fuel-saving tips ⛽
Drive smoothly: Avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking to improve fuel efficiency.
Watch your speed: According to the RAC, cars are typically most fuel efficient at 45-50mph.
Use cruise control (if available): It helps improve fuel economy primarily on flat, consistent terrain, which is why it's most effective on motorways. Maintaining a steady speed is cruci
Responding to reports in The Times about the UK Government’s road safety plans:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Given progress on reducing fatal and serious collisions has stalled in recent years, we welcome the UK Government’s ambition to publish an updated road safety strategy with the reported measures being a step in the right direction. While many driver
· Scenic treasure hunt road trip combines learning, fun, and a chance to win a £50 voucher
· Collecting points en route, participants will see some of the most spectacular scenery in Wale
A new initiative combining a great day out with road safety has been launched across one of the most picturesque regions in Wales, inviting drivers to take part in treasure hunt-style road tr
The MET Office has issed an amber warning for strong winds in parts of the UK
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “It’s unusual to have such a powerful storm at this time of year, and it’s hitting Scotland during the peak holiday season. The damaging wind gusts will make conditions dangerous, and motorcyclists are at particular risk. "Bikers should sit this out u
Following the publication of the Reported road casualties in Great Britain, involving illegal alcohol levels: 2023 data, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said:
“Drink driving can have devastating consequences. While the latest drink-drive related fatality figures have declined compared to the previous year, the trend over the past decade is troubling and shows that w
23 percent of business drivers admit to tailgating other drivers
Almost a third of business drivers are not checking their mirrors or blind spots
Almost a third of business drivers are not checking their mirrors or blind spots, potentially endangering themselves, other drivers and more vulnerable road users like cyclists according to new research published by the road safety charity IAM RoadS
Responding to the UK Government's extension of the rental e-scooter trial to 2028:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Given the safety concerns around the use of e-scooters, it’s disappointing to see another kicking of the can down the road on legislation. There are real issues that need to be dealt with, not least the continued illegal use of private e-scooters
Making the switch to an electric vehicle is already a shrewd move for your wallet, and, of course, the planet, but there are even more ways to save money. From tax breaks and smart driving habits, we've got some practical hints and tips to help you get the most out of your EV without breaking the bank.
🏠 1. Charge smart at home
Use off-peak tariffs. Many energy providers off
More than a third (38%) reveal they were still consuming alcohol after 9pm even though they were driving before 9am the following day A third of drivers (31%) have seen a friend or relative travel immediately after drinking alcohol Calls for drink drive rehabilitation courses to be mandatory for offenders
More than a third of drivers may have been driving while over t
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “After years of challenges and obfuscation from the private parking sector, it’s good to see progress being made to protect motorists from poor practice and rogue operators, however the devil will be in the detail. It’s vital we implement the agreed national code of practice alongside a single, independent appeals system which is o
Responding to today’s DfT speed compliance data, published this morning:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Excessive speed is one of the biggest causes of fatalities on our roads, which resulted in more than 300 deaths in 2023. These latest figures on speed compliance paint an improving picture on 30mph-limited roads. However, the proportion exceeding 20mph li
Sharing the road can be challenging, but with mutual respect and understanding, drivers and cyclists can coexist safely. Here are some essential tips and legal guidelines to help make our roads safer for everyone.
For Drivers 🚗
Respect Minimum Passing Distance: The Highway Code advises drivers to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space (about the width of a compact car) when
The Highway Code was updated in 2022 recommending that drivers give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space (about the width of a compact car) when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph
58 percent of motorists don’t know the correct distance to leave when overtaking a cyclist
Video footage submissions to the police have doubled since 2021
Record numbers of cyclists are reporting close pa
A fifth reported needing vehicle repairs at least once in the last 12 months a year due to pothole damage, often discovered during routine servicing or MOT checksThree quarters admitted to braking sharply to avoid potholes in the last yearAlmost all motorists have swerved at the last minute to avoid a pothole
Motorists are forking out thousands of pounds to repair pothole-related damage to the
A new survey suggests that talking to passengers and daydreaming cause distracted driving related mistakes than using a phone. The RAC, which commissioned the survey, warned that these distractions can have "catastrophic consequences."
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “In vehicle distractions play a huge part in taking minds away from the driving task ahead. We
IAM RoadSmart's response to the Department for Transport's provisional 2024 road casualty estimates for Great Britain.
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “These figures demonstrate a troubling lack of progress in bringing down fatal and serious injuries on our road network. Moreover, 2024 saw a significant increase in the number of motorcyclists that were killed,
Running a car can be costly, but there are many ways to save money without sacrificing safety or convenience. Whether you're new to driving or experienced, cutting costs can benefit your budget. This article offers practical tips to reduce car expenses, from fuel-saving techniques to maintenance hacks, helping you drive economically and keep your wallet happy.
Regular Maintenance 🚗
Summer-long experience delivers guided road trip alongside road safety education
Collecting points en route, participants will see some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery
A new initiative combining treasure-hunt style car road trips around the picturesque Scottish Highlands and an educational approach to road safety with the chance to win a £50 voucher per challenge launches on Monday 19t
New research by IAM RoadSmart reveals that one third of bikers have experienced the shocking behaviour in the past 12 months, including being doused in windscreen wash Eight in ten report that drivers fail to look out for bikers when pulling out of junctions Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable of all road users and are 52 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident than car
