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
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 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
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
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
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!
Maintaining your windscreen and regularly checking it is crucial for road safety. A clear, undamaged windscreen ensures optimal visibility, helping you to spot hazards and react promptly. Regular inspections can catch small chips or cracks early, preventing them from worsening and compromising the structural integrity of your vehicle. Remember, a well-maintained windscreen is key to a safe and smo
With the arrival of colder and wetter weather, most riders decide now is the time to hang up their helmets and stop using their bikes throughout late autumn and winter. However, it isn’t as simple as just not riding a motorcycle; that's why IAM RoadSmart has pulled together some top tips on how to store your motorcycle safely. Richard Gladman, Chief Examiner at IAM RoadSmart, has put together
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
Having a well-prepared car safety kit is essential for the autumn and winter months. Here are some hints and tips on what to include:
Warm Clothing and Blankets:
As the temperature drops, and the days get shorter make sure you have some extra layers of clothing in your car. Keep a warm jacket, hat and gloves in the boot. A fleece or thermal blanket can also be a lifesaver if you get stranded
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
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
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
During the summer, motorcycles can be one of the best ways to get around, but navigating Britain’s narrow country roads can also be challenging.
The weather may still be slightly temperamental this summer, but it’s still a good idea to prepare for warmer temperatures as it can mean extra demands on you and your car
In 2023, France was the second most **popular holiday spot for Brits, and it’s set to be just as favoured by families and sports fans alike this year
The cost of fuel is rising again. According to the latest data from the **RAC, the average price of a litre of petrol has reached 150p per litre on the forecourt for the first time since last year, and motorists are feeling the pinch.
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.
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
Embracing the winding roads, and white-knuckle style driving, IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Marketing and Communications Kat Hyde, headed to the Arctic Circle.
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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