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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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