Topics: Cars and traffic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IAM RoadSmart issues warnings ahead of heavy snow and ice

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.

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart welcomes government investment in roads

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

IAM RoadSmart welcomes plans to reduce driving test waiting times

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

Make Sure You Have a Safe Festive Journey

Make Sure You Have a Safe Festive Journey


With Christmas just around the corner, you might be planning to hit the road to spend the festive season with family or friends. They might be ready for you, but is your car ready for the journey?


Here are some top tips to help your trip go smoothly:



Is your vehicle ready for the journey?


Check you have plenty of fuel or charge for the journey. You

Motorists perform risky manoeuvres and divert to dangerous rural roads to avoid motorway traffic jams

Motorists perform risky manoeuvres and divert to dangerous rural roads to avoid motorway traffic jams

Nearly one third of those surveyed admitted to performing a U-turn and more than half divert to country lanes
More than half of motorists are diverting from motorways to potentially less safe rural roads to avoid traffic jams and congestion, according to new research [i].
IAM RoadSmart, Britain’s leading road safety charity, found that over the last twelve months, 51% of drivers have divert

Road Safety charity celebrates achieving ‘Investing in Volunteers’ status

Road Safety charity celebrates achieving ‘Investing in Volunteers’ status


IAM RoadSmart announces its first Investing in Volunteers award



Britain’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has been awarded the prestigious Investing in Volunteers award.


The charity, which has around 5,000 volunteers across the country that help to deliver its driver and rider courses, received the accolade in recognition of volunteer management. <

IAM RoadSmart issues warning ahead of Storm Darragh (updated following red warning)

IAM RoadSmart issues warning ahead of Storm Darragh (updated following red warning)

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Strong winds associated with Storm Darragh are likely to make driving and riding conditions difficult and potentially dangerous. We would advise avoiding travelling in the worst of the weather and where red warnings have been issued. If you do need to travel, motorists should exercise caution when passing high-sided vehicles on ex

REACTION: Response to this morning's Transport Committee session on driving test availability

REACTION: Response to this morning's Transport Committee session on driving test availability

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Although the proactive work from the DVSA has made a difference in bringing down national waiting times for practical driving tests, the reality is that there are some pockets of the country where waiting times remain stubbornly high which will be a source of frustration for novice drivers hoping to discard their L-plates. Long wa

Mastering the Maze of Christmas Shopping Parking

Mastering the Maze of Christmas Shopping Parking


Most of us are deep into the Christmas shopping frenzy by now, and for those braving the bustling, festive streets, it can be "snow joke" trying to find a parking spot in a busy shopping centre or street. IAM RoadSmart has some top tips to help your journey go smoothly.

Stay Up to Date

Firstly, is it safe to drive? Check the weather report for your area before you set off. I

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart responds to the latest reported road casualties in Great Britain in 2024

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart responds to the latest reported road casualties in Great Britain in 2024

This comes after the government's release of the latest provisional reported road casualty statistics to the end of June 2024 earlier this morning.

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Provisionally, the number of fatalities on our roads remains stubbornly high and underlines the importance of the government’s commitment to an updated road safety strategy. Of

IAM RoadSmart issues warning for strong winds and snow from Storm Bert

IAM RoadSmart issues warning for strong winds and snow from Storm Bert

Richard Gladman, Chief Examiner for IAM RoadSmart, said: "Heavy snow is expected on Saturday, so people living in amber areas where warnings have been issued should consider whether their journey is really necessary; roads will be hard to navigate, and motorists could become stranded. If you really do need to head out in the snow, you can keep yourself and others safe by keeping your distance from

IAM RoadSmart reaction to DfT's motorcycles in bus lanes consultation outcome

IAM RoadSmart reaction to DfT's motorcycles in bus lanes consultation outcome

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “We’re disappointed by the decision to not proceed with giving motorcyclists default access to bus lanes. Given motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users we believe this policy could have saved lives. We will work with others in the sector, including the National Motorcyclists Council to continue to campaign for this i

Stay Safe on the Roads: Essential Tips for Driving and Riding in Late Autumn Weather

Stay Safe on the Roads: Essential Tips for Driving and Riding in Late Autumn Weather


As autumn fully settles in, the air grows colder, and foggy mornings become a regular occurrence. Navigating through this misty weather can be challenging, but with some preparation, you can ensure both your safety and comfort. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or commuting to work, being ready for the occasional foggy conditions of late autumn is crucial. Here are some tips to help y

IAM RoadSmart responds to news that private e-scooter use may be legalised on public roads

IAM RoadSmart responds to news that private e-scooter use may be legalised on public roads

Responding to comments made by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP that the Government is considering legalising private e-scooter use on public roads:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “We know that around half of all casualties involving e-scooters are outside of trial areas, which demonstrates the ‘wild west’ nature of private e-scooter misuse that is happeni

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Enhancing road safety for all

At IAM RoadSmart we make better drivers and riders. As the UK’s largest road safety charity, formed in 1956, we’ve spent more than 60 years making our roads safer by improving driver and rider skills through coaching and education. If you are interested in receiving additional driving and riding tips, journey blogs and information on all things relating to safer roads, or if you want to try your hand at becoming an advanced driver or rider sign up to become a member

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