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 Reacts to Autumn Budget 2024: Highlights Fuel Duty Freeze
Announcements:
Fuel duty (frozen)
IAM RoadSmart Policy and Public Affairs Manager William Porter said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s decision to maintain the fuel duty cut, at least for now. Motorists have endured a torrid few years of high prices at the pumps and this decision will give them a much
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
In line with a Met Office amber warning for strong winds in Northern Ireland and Western Scotland, IAM RoadSmart has issued a travel warning:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: "Storm Ashley is the first named storm of the season and driving in exposed areas will be extremely difficult with the Met Office forecasting wind gusts of 70-80mph. People living in areas
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
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
Commenting on the announcement that the government has vowed to take action against the rising costs of motor insurance.
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Establishing a taskforce is a welcome step from ministers and one that we hope will have a positive impact on bringing down high motor insurance premiums. We remain concerned that recent increases in pre
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
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
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.
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
Following the issue of an amber weather warning from the Met Office for heavy rain for parts of central and southern England, as well as flood warnings, IAM RoadSmart has issued a motoring advisory for those needing to head out on the roads:
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
Responding to the Northern Ireland Government's new road safety strategy, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “The Northern Ireland Government’s ambitious targets on casualty reduction is a positive step. We particularly welcome the focus on changing road user behaviour with an emphasis on reducing drink and drug driving, illegal phone use at the wheel and reducing m
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
IAM RoadSmart Scotland Road Safety Manager Stewart Mackie said: “IAM RoadSmart is concerned the Scottish Government may cancel all road safety marketing and education campaigns as part of its fiscal update. Such a decision would be shortsighted and comes at a time when there have been high-profile fatal collisions on our network, particularly amongst motorcyclists.
Driver and rider error are ke
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.
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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