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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

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

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

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

Avoiding Halloween Horror Breakdowns: IAM RoadSmart tips for a safe TRIP

Avoiding Halloween Horror Breakdowns: IAM RoadSmart tips for a safe TRIP


Planning a journey in advance is the key to having a nightmare-free drive. So if you’re going on a Halloween mini-break, follow these steps from National Highways to make sure you have a safe T.R.I.P:


Top-up your broomstick

Ensure your car or bike’s fuel tank or battery is full before hitting the road. Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere can be a real nightmare!

IAM RoadSmart urges the Chancellor to take radical steps to save lives on the roads and boost the public purse in Autumn budget

IAM RoadSmart urges the Chancellor to take radical steps to save lives on the roads and boost the public purse in Autumn budget

The UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is calling on the Chancellor to take steps to both saves lives and reduce the impact of road traffic collisions in her Autumn Budget. By incentivising the take-up of additional road safety courses through the tax system, it will also help save motorists money as the UK emerges from a cost-of-living crisis.
With the cost of insurance hitting r

Growing concern over road rage – with Gen Z and Millennials the angriest drivers

Growing concern over road rage – with Gen Z and Millennials the angriest drivers

New research[i]reveals that Gen Z and Millennials are responsible for beeping their horn the most

More than half (63%) of motorists aged 17-34 have sounded their horn to express anger at the behaviour of another road user in the past year, adding to concern about increasingly aggressive drivers.
Of the 2,000 people surveyed by IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety chari

Hills Ford Stages Rally: An Impressive Display of Speed and Expertise, by Steve Andrews

Hills Ford Stages Rally: An Impressive Display of Speed and Expertise, by Steve Andrews


The Hills Ford Stages Rally is one of the UK’s premier closed-road events and takes place across the stunning countryside of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. Visitors to the yearly event get a close-up look at some of the nation's top rally drivers and vehicles.


The event welcomes a diverse group of participants, including both professional rallying teams and i

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart's response to the latest road traffic casualty figures

REACTION: IAM RoadSmart's response to the latest road traffic casualty figures

Commenting on the 2023 road traffic casualty statistics published today by the Department for Transport, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “While it is welcome to see an overall reduction in fatalities on our roads over the last year, the fact remains that 1,624 people were still killed on the road network in 2023. These are preventable deaths and significant work

Euan's journey to Mastering the Road – Becoming an Advanced Driver

Euan's journey to Mastering the Road – Becoming an Advanced Driver

For those looking to take their driving abilities to the next level, the Advanced Driver course is an excellent way to refine skills and gain confidence. I would actively encourage anyone, no matter how long you have been driving, to look into courses near you.

Stay Safe on Chilly Autumn Mornings: Essential Tips to Prepare Your Car for the Cold

Stay Safe on Chilly Autumn Mornings: Essential Tips to Prepare Your Car for the Cold

As summer fades into Autumn, the days are getting shorter so it’s important to adjust driving preparation and style to match the hazards that autumn can bring. IAM Roadsmart has some top tips for drivers dealing with the changing seasons.
Check your lights
It’s dangerous for drivers and other road users if your lights do not work properly and with autumn meaning fewer daylight hours you nee

Younger motorists now make up more than a third of all dangerous drivers

Younger motorists now make up more than a third of all dangerous drivers

Shocking new figures show that despite making up under a tenth of all drivers, those aged 17-25 are responsible for 38% of dangerous driving endorsement
More than 6,300 drivers aged 17–25 have had DD40 (Dangerous Driving) endorsements added to their licence since 2021
Young drivers aged between 17-25 n

Amy’s First Drive: A Journey of Excitement and New Beginnings in Her New Car

Amy’s First Drive: A Journey of Excitement and New Beginnings in Her New Car

Like most young people, I started driving after passing my test at 17, and I never looked back. The freedom was endless, and getting from A to B without relying on my Mum was an absolute dream! Both for her and for me!
My first car…
I was fortunate enough to be bought my first car, a black 2011 Fiat 500. Although this little car was 7 years old when I bought it, the previous owners had only

Breaking Barriers: Tina’s Journey to Empowering Drivers with Disabilities in Northern Ireland

Breaking Barriers: Tina’s Journey to Empowering Drivers with Disabilities in Northern Ireland

Tina, from Groomsport, County Down, decided to join IAM RoadSmart following a recommendation. But it wasn’t until she bought a Porsche that she decided to sign up for an Advanced Driver course. She explains: “I understood that if I was going to drive a fast car, I should be able to drive it well. You don’t realise how powerful it can be.”
Tina’s hearing loss required adjustments to be made duri

Nearly a third of young drivers admit to filming themselves behind the wheel for social media likes

Nearly a third of young drivers admit to filming themselves behind the wheel for social media likes

New research reveals risky behaviour including texting and racing each other on public roads
Nearly a third of young drivers admit to taking pictures or video footage at the wheel to upload and show off on social media while driving.
Research of 1,000 18 to 26-year-olds with a full driving licence revealed some of the riskiest things they’ve done behind the wheel, including texting and rac

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IAM RoadSmart launches first ever Young Drivers Skills Day this summer

Drivers aged 17-30 will learn new skills and boost confidence for an affordable price Tickets now on sale for the chance to drive a sports car or go off-road in a 4x4
The UK’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart is delighted to announce a partnership with Thruxton racing circuit to host a new Young Drivers Skills Day on 22nd August 2024 at the Hampshire track.
Tickets for this half-

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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