Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists
JOHN F. BLACK MOTOR ENGINEERS
~Air Con ~Diesel Tuning ~Servicing ~Repairs ~Diagnostics ~Exhausts ~Tyres ~Motorhomes ~MOT testing for classes 3,4,5 & 7
Tel: 01387 267473
6B Catherinefield Ind Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries DG1 3PQ
An IAM survey of 2500 people who recently passed the advanced test reported having seen these benefits: 1) improved their driving (99%) 2) gave them greater awareness of other road users (90%) 3) helped them avoid a crash (66%)
Ask yourself if your skills are as good as they could be? See page 8 to find out how we may be able to help
Group Committee Members for 2015/16 Chair, Chief Obs
Graeme McColm
01387 720425
Vice Chair
Jamie Wood
07759 260621
Secretary
Helen Cameron
07707 035518
Treasurer
Russell Wears
01387 263893
M/c Coordntr Andrew Bird
07919 128305
Car Coordntr Stewart Cameron 01387 264005 Committee
Andy Campbell Cris Bardsley Neil Martyniuk Clint Smith Chris Wilson Derek Hunter
07717 798109 01387 850234 07725 941780 07952 751433 07935 381722 07455 084784
To e-mail any member of the committee, please in the first instance, use the group contact e-mail address: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk
This magazine was published by: Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists. For more details of our activities see our web site at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk Contact the Group Secretary: stewcam@9gbrae.freeserve.co.uk
Facebook: Dumfries & Galloway IAM (Motorcycles) Group Magazine contributions to: editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor, Group or the Institute of Advanced Motorists, to which the Group is affiliated. Reg Charity No. SC 023511
Copy date: Latest article submission date for the Autumn 2016 issue: 12 August 2016
What’s on?: check out events at www.iamdumfries.org.uk 9 May AGM Venue for meetings: Aberdour Hotel, 16 Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG11LW starting 7:30 pm except where otherwise stated.
For membership and all other enquiries call: 07707 035518 or e-mail: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk Photography notice: Occasionally we may take photos during meetings, guidance sessions or at other events in order to promote the Group and its activities. Photos may be reproduced in our web sites, our magazine or through other promotions. If you wish to withhold your permission for your image to be used please contact the Group Secretary. Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
1
The Vice Chairman’s comments - Jamie Wood Spring has arrived again, well almost, so it’s time to start looking forward to warm dry sunny days and long bright evenings when we can all get out for a pleasant drive or a great bike ride, well we can hope, can’t we? Despite the mixed bag of weather over the winter months the group has kept busy, with observed drives and rides for associates continuing throughout whenever it was safe, and as a result a good number of test successes have been achieved, well done to all those who stuck with it in almost all weathers. Another very successful toy run was held pre-Christmas which saw a good turnout, and just recently the Easter egg run, helped by good weather produced one of our biggest turnouts at this event, and resulted in lots of toys, and a huge number of Easter eggs gathered to be given to the region’s less fortunate children, a big well done and thanks to Andrew for his brilliant organising of these events. Going forward, we are hoping to hold a “Road Safe” event, for drivers & riders, in partnership with Police Scotland, and other emergency services, at Cornwall Mount, similar in format to one held in Lockerbie two years ago, look out for further notice. We will also be continuing to raise awareness of the group’s work and objectives by having a presence at events in the region, e.g. Moffat Show. These events only work if we have enough volunteers to front the stand and speak to interested members of the public. If you can spare an hour or two, please come forward, you don’t have to be an observer, your experience as an associate and/or member is just as valuable. This year is shaping up to be a busy one, we are still getting lots of riders signing up for Skill for Life with the intention of joining D&G Blood Bikes, and soon there are to be drivers joining for the same reason, as sometimes it’s not possible to use a bike and they need a bank of advance drivers as well. The association of D&GGAM&M with D&GBB works well for both groups, as ultimately we aim to raise driving and riding standards which will improve road safety, and also helps raise the profile of both groups. The work, time and effort given freely by our group’s committee, and observers can never be taken for granted, so a huge thank you goes to all, as without their effort the group would not function or exist. I hope we can all get out and enjoy our driving or riding this summer, and remember to be patient with other road users who may not yet have the skills and ability that you enjoy as a result of being an IAM member. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
2
Annual General Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by order of the Group Committee that the Annual General Meeting of “Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists” will be held at 19:30 on Monday 9 May 2016 at the Aberdour Hotel, Dumfries, to enable the Trustees of the Group (Registered Charity No. SC 023511) to present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2016 for approval by the Group Members and to conduct an election. Issued by: Secretary: Helen Cameron; Contact: 07707 035518; Group No 6071; e-mail: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk - 9 April 2016. All Members, Associates and Friends are invited to attend but only Fully Paid Up Members of the IAM and of the Group may vote. A Member entitled to vote at the General Meeting may appoint a proxy to vote in his stead. A proxy need not be a Full Member of the Group. CURRENT OFFICERS: All Officers retire annually but offer themselves for re-election. (Group Rule 3.4) Chair: Jamie Wood - Offering to stand for election as chair Vice Chair: Graeme McColm - Offering to stand for election as vice- chair Secretary: Helen Cameron - Offering to stand for re election Treasurer: Russell Wears - Offering to stand for re election COMMITTEE MEMBERS: One third of the Committee (excluding Officers) must retire annually and may offer themselves for re-election. (Group Rule 3.4) A. RETIRING BY ROTATION AND STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION: N Martyniuk B. RETIRING BY ROTATION AND NOT STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION: A Campbell C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOT RETIRING & NUMBER OF YEARS REMAINING: 2yrs: A Bird, C Bardsley, D Hunter. 1yr: C Smith, C Wilson, S Cameron NOTE: The total number of Committee Members including the Officers must not exceed twenty. See the Nomination Form (available from the Secretary) for details, which must be returned by 9 am 6 May 2016. Group Rules and the Minutes of the May 2015 AGM are available on the Group web site or may be requested, from the Secretary, at least seven days in advance of the date for the AGM. IMPORTANT: we are looking for new Committee Members - no previous experience necessary. The Group belongs to its Members and it will benefit from your input at the AGM and/or your participation on the Committee. Any full Member of the group wishing to help our volunteers on the Committee should let the Secretary or a Committee Member know in advance of the date for return of nomination papers so that a Nomination Form can be raised. Call Helen (07707 035518) for details. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 3
Checking your vehicle keeps you safe Source: DVSA Nearly 50% of all faults found on MOTs could be avoided by carrying out regular, simple maintenance, like replacing bulbs, wipers and tyres. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging drivers to avoid MOT fails and save money. The latest MOT testing data for Great Britain shows that around 40% of cars fail their MOT at the first attempt. You can avoid the common MOT fails by checking: Light bulbs are working - 30% of all faults related to lighting and signalling Tyre condition and pressure - 10% of all faults related to tyres Mirrors, wipers and washers - 8.5% of all faults related to ‘Driver’s view of the road’ You may think that this does not apply to you because your vehicle is less than three years old but it could be symptomatic of today’s modern vehicles where the temptation may be to rely on technology telling you something is wrong (e.g. tyre pressure or light bulb monitor) rather than the driver being proactive and actively checking for problems. It is still worth checking your vehicle, whatever its age, to ensure it is as safe as possible and you don’t fall foul of the law. Just look up POWDERY checks on the web if you need a reminder of what needs checking.
Urban speed limits - what’s new? Edinburgh has plans to complete roll out of 20 mph speed limits across most roads by April 2017. The first 20 mph zone in a residential area of the UK was opened 25 years ago. The zone was opened in Tinsley, Sheffield. The traffic calming measures were introduced to protect children, it being noted that at the time of introduction 17 children had been injured on roads, in the area, during the previous 5 years. It was hailed as the greatest change to speed limit laws since 1965. The first city in the world to implement a 20 mph limit was the Austrian city of Graz in 1992. When first introduced the speed limit had less than 50 per cent support, but within two years this had risen to more than 80 per cent. Source: The Highway Engineer, The Scotsman © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
4
Business drivers remain at high risk Company drivers who drive more than 80% of their annual mileage on work related journeys are 53% more likely to have an injury accident compared to drivers who only do private mileage. About a quarter of all drivers fall into this high risk group. Figures for 2014 showed there were 547 deaths and over 5000 serious injuries in crashes where someone was driving as part of their work. In the UK commuting is not included in health and safety statistics. About 300 people are killed each year as a result of drivers falling asleep at the wheel. About 4 in 10 tiredness-related crashes involve someone driving a commercial vehicle. The annual risk of dying in a road accident while driving for business reasons is significantly greater than the risk of dying as a result of all other workplace accidents. Business drivers have collision rates that are 30-40% higher than those of private drivers. The boundary between at work driving and commuting is not always clear cut. In 2006 a company was fined £30,000 plus £24,000 costs after one of its workers was killed when driving home after a third consecutive shift of nearly 20 hours, even though the collision took place outside working hours. The driver had worked 11 days without a day off, for an average 17 hours a day. The business case is clear cut, the financial benefits of managing work-related road safety speaks for itself. Those companies who include all employees in their road safety provision, even though this is not a legal requirement, gain benefits in staff well-being as well as protecting employees. It also recognises the impact on an organisation in the event an employee has a collision, even though it was in their own time. Tesco’s home delivery service when it first started suffered from a high collision rate. The adoption of a comprehensive risk management programme not only resulted the receipt of safety awards but the reduction of its vehicle repair costs by 23%. They were also able to engineer risks out of their activities. After a Tesco employee narrowly escaped injury when a car ran into the rear of his vehicle just after he had finished unloading, a decision was made that all future delivery vans would only have doors to the nearside rather than to the rear. A survey of almost 6000 company and privately owned vehicles used for business found that of the privately owned vehicles: ● Almost 60% were not properly maintained © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
5
● About one third were not properly insured for business use. ● 52% of companies did not have a policy to check private vehicle insurance ● Over 70% of maintenance problems were tyre related and should have been picked up by basic safety checks ● 91% of drivers admitted to not making such checks ● 98% of drivers said their companies did not verify whether or not they did so ● Just 0.2% of company owned vehicles inspected were found to be unroadworthy These findings have a lot in common with the results coming out of the analysis of MOT failures - drivers just do not carry out the simplest of checks before getting on the road. Source: Transportation Professional, Roadsafe
A day out in the past Sources: Undiscovered Scotland, Historic Scotland Better weather is coming, so they say, so how about a trip out to Morton Castle, NE of Thornhill. The remains of this remote castle stand adjacent to a small loch and was built in the mid 1400s. Its not the easiest place to find, there are no facilities but there is no entrance fee - what’s not to like? Especially if you go on a nice day. Like Caerlaverock, Morton Castle would originally have comprised a triangle of ranges around a central courtyard. The partial western tower that remains formed one side of this gateway, the actual entrance being to its west, with a matching tower forming part of a west range on the other side of the main gate. The condition of the castle as you see it today owes much to James VI's campaign against John, 8th Lord Maxwell in 1588, during which Morton Castle was captured and burned. It then passed back to the Morton family, before being sold several times in the early 1600s. Parts of it remained habitable until at least 1714, after which it was abandoned and, despite its remote location, used as a quarry until repairs of what remained started in 1890. A clock, said to have been from Morton Castle, is on display at nearby Drumlanrig Castle. It would be nice to say that Morton castle has the presence, the architecture, or the history to do justice to its setting. The truth is that there's actually not all that much to see here beyond the stone walls of a roughly rectangular range and parts of two towers. But don't let that put you off: this really is Undiscovered Scotland and you should come simply to enjoy the location and listen to the wind. There is also a signed footpath allowing you to circle the castle. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
6
Finding Morton Castle is an adventure in itself, as there are no direction signs of any sort until you are quite close. The key to finding it is to follow the A702 north east from Carronbridge for 2km until you reach the first right (i.e. east) turn off the road. This is the first half of staggered crossroads, and unsigned. Follow a very narrow road steeply up a hill, crossing another very minor road at a crossroads. The single track road you are following has very few passing places. It leads you round to the right on meeting the drive to a house, and a little further on you find yourself at a triangular junction. Your route, signposted at last, is along what looks like little more than a track ahead and slightly to the right. A little further and you come to a junction with a broad forest road on the right, where you can park. The path running the final couple of hundred yards to Morton Castle goes through the gate opposite. It seems further, but the total road distance from the A702 junction to the parking place is no more than 2km. You can make the approach to the castle from the other direction but be warned the road is unmade.
Its a sure sign of better weather when caravans are on the move. This unusual tow car complete with large twin axle caravan was spotted on the A1 Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
7
Abbey Motorcycles Website www.abbeymotorcycles.co.uk
Unit 5, Newton Ind Est, Irongray Rd, Dumfries, DG2 0JE Telephone 01387 721272. Email abbeymotorcycles@btconnect.com Abbey Motorcycles is a friendly professional motorcycle workshop highly experienced in motorcycle repairs, servicing and MOT preparation. Abbey Motorcycles supply tyres, spare parts & service items for almost any make of Motorcycles; we are a Michelin tyre stockist and supply fit and balance all makes of tyres at competitive prices. Abbey Motorcycles is just off the A76, on the outskirts of Dumfries ½ mile from the Dumfries by-pass. Business hours: 8am to 6pm Mon to Fri, Sat 9am to 4pm.
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Invite you to get a ‘Skill for Life’ and become an ADVANCED DRIVER /IAMDumfriesandGalloway-
ADVANCED RIDER /groups/dgiam
We have helped hundreds of people hone their abilities to make their driving or riding more skillful, more enjoyable and safer. Our passion is to help you improve your driving and riding standards leaving you with the ability to make good progress whilst maintaining the highest standards of skill, safety and responsibility... it really is a ‘skill for life’. Interested in improving your skills? Get in touch, find out more. Visit our web site, e-mail or call us on 07707 035518 - see page 1 for our contact details. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC 023511
B R A I D W O O D S SOLICITORS
Property and Estate Agency Wills and Estates Commercial Practice Family Law
www.braidwoods.com 1 Charlotte Street, Dumfries DG1 2AG Telephone: (01387) 257272 E-mail: info@braidwoods.com
Be aware with lighter nights in rural areas you could be more likely to encounter farming traffic. Here, at night, a car has just rounded a sharp bend to find a oncoming farming equipment. Remember plan to take into account what you can see, what you can’t see and what you may reasonably expect to happen
Why don’t all new cars have AEB as standard? AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) is a proven new technology which detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate the consequences, depend on the speed the vehicle is travelling at. Several studies have now shown just how effective it is in reducing collisions and injuries. EuroNCAP, AustralasiaNCAP and US based studies show that broadly the technology reduces low speed rear-end collisions by as much as 40%. In the USA if all vehicles had been fitted with the system then around 700,000 of the police-reported rear-end accidents in 2013 would have been avoided, that’s around 13% of all reported accidents! Thatcham point out that 41% of cars on sale in 2015 had AEB available. But of these only 17% had it fitted as a standard. Of the remaining, less than 2% were specified with AEB as an “extra” by motorists. AEB in action. Source: EuroNCAP © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 10
Thatcham Research is the motor insurers’ automotive research centre. Established by the motor insurance industry in 1969, the centre’s main aim is to contain or reduce the cost of motor insurance claims whilst maintaining safety standards. There are three basic areas where AEB technology can help crash avoidance, 1) To help prevent or mitigate slow speed collisions in circumstances such as urban traffic. 2) To help prevent or mitigate collisions in higher speed circumstances. 3) To detect and react to pedestrians, cyclists and the like. These systems employ varying types of technology from the most simple to the increasingly sophisticated. In summary the technologies used are: Lidar sensors - work over short distances using light detection to calculate the distance to the vehicle in front. These low cost sensors are very effective at completely avoiding collisions at speeds up to 15 mph, whilst also being able to mitigate the effects of a crash up to 25mph. Example: Volvo S60, Mazda 3 Radar sensors - work over much longer distances using radio waves. Radar sensors are more complex and more expensive, but as such they are able to completely avoid collisions with stationary and moving vehicles at higher speeds up to 30 mph. Examples: VW Golf, Nissan Qashqai Camera technology - able to detect potential collision threats, but also have the ability to classify them – is it another car? A pedestrian? Or perhaps a cyclist? Cameras are increasingly being fitted on vehicles to provide the full 360 view around the vehicle enabling avoidance of a range of obstacles and can be particularly helpful during parking or low speed manoeuvres. Example: BMW MINI, Audi Q7 Sensor Fusion - teaming radar and camera sensors in “fusion” is the ideal solution offering the potential to address pedestrian and other vulnerable road user crashes whilst benefitting from the longer range sensing of radar. Example: Ford Monde, Volvo XC90 The effectiveness of AEB has already been recognised by insurers, with the standard fit system typically attracting a benefit of 3-5 insurance groups, equating to a reduction in premium of around 10%. No doubt the EU will be looking to specify all new cars to be fitted with AEB before too long, in the meantime if you are lucky enough to be considering a new car in the future it could be worth considering AEB. You can see which makes/models are fitted with the technology by following the links at: www.thatcham.org/aeb Sources: Thatcham Research, Roadsafe © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
11
IAM tips: The IAM’s has issued advice on the following: Breakdowns ● Plan ahead: keep a reflective jacket, warm waterproof clothes and a torch in your car. Put the number of your breakdown company and your membership number in your phone. Some breakdown services offer free mobile phone apps, often even if you are not a member. Use the phone’s GPS system to find your precise location. ● Get out of the vehicle by the left-hand door and make sure all your passengers do the same. If you have a high-viz jacket, put it on and make sure everyone is standing well away from moving traffic. If there is a safety barrier, wait behind it. ● Where possible, coast to an emergency telephone. If you use your mobile phone, you may be asked to give the number on the nearest marker post, located every 100 meters or on a square blue sign every 500 metres. ● Don’t attempt a repair on the hard shoulder of a motorway, call your breakdown company. ● If you feel threatened, get in the passenger seat, lock the door & dial 999. ● Be safe and be patient while you wait for help to arrive. Breaking down is stressful, but be prepared by knowing what to do and when. Thinking about these things in advance will place you in a better position in case it happens and relieve some of the strain. Tackling roundabouts ● Information: Look well ahead; check your mirrors so that you know what other traffic there is around you. Give any signals in plenty of time. Try and identify a gap in the traffic before you reach the roundabout, but keep an eye on the car in front – they may not go for the gap. ● Position: Approach the roundabout according to which exit you’re taking. Keep to the left lane to turn left or go straight and the right lane when © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
12
taking an exit on the right. Watch for any road markings guiding you and try to give other vehicles plenty of space. ● Speed: Slow down smoothly to a speed that’s appropriate for the roundabout, taking into account the position of other road users. ● Gears: Once you’re at the right speed,& before turning, select the correct gear. Do a final mirror check, especially the mirror on the side you are turning towards. ● Accelerate: At a roundabout choose a gap in the traffic and accelerate smoothly into it – the same applies to any other junction At roundabouts, it is useful to try and consider the whole thing as one manoeuvre – that way you have a plan about which lane to be in, when to move into that lane, and what signals you expect to use. But you need to prepare to be flexible – other road users don’t always behave as we’d expect.
Fixed Penalty Scam Source: DVSA DVSA is aware that some members of the public have had emails claiming to be from the DVSA Fixed Penalty Office. The emails contain an attachment to a ‘fixed penalty receipt’. DVSA never sends fixed penalty notices to customers by email. What to do if you’ve had this email If you’ve had this email, do not: ● click on any links in it ● reply to the email or contact the senders in any way ● open any attachments that arrive with the email If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.
Group Membership Renewal Just in case it has slipped your mind November was the deadline for paying for your group membership by standing order. However you can still pay by cheque or even cash if you have not yet done so. You will still need to complete a ‘Group Membership Form 2015/2016’ but this can be downloaded from the group website. Just go to http://www.iamdumfries.org.uk/ and click on ‘Group Documents’. Remember that this is the group annual membership fee, which is separate from your IAM membership, which is due annually from the anniversary of your test date and paid direct to IAM at Chiswick. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
13
The Secretary reports - Helen Cameron This year is the 60th Anniversary of the IAM so we are hoping for a busy year with new car and motorcycle associates. We are also looking for new car Observers who will be trained to the new IMI standard, so if you are keen to get involved please contact me or any committee member. The new standards have resulted in many changes with the training and accreditation of Observers but also better opportunities for new Observers coming into the fold. We held a fund raising race night at the end of February and thanks to all who supported this by buying horses, sponsoring races or coming along on the night. Unfortunately there was a very low turn out but those who came along had a great night and we even managed to raise some money as well. We have had a busy winter with very good speakers and generally a good turnout. It would be great to have some feedback from members who attend , and also those who don’t, to see if there is anyway we can improve our group meetings. The group belongs to the members so we’d like to hear your views. Since this is the IAM’s anniversary year we are planning a big event hopefully or June along with the Police and other emergency agencies. Please keep in touch via group meetings, our website or facebook page since your involvement would be appreciated. Please come along to the AGM in May to find out more and have your say about the running of your club. As usual it has been quiet over the winter but we have still managed to keep our examiners busy. Congratulations to the following who passed their test: Advanced car test: David Lamont, Izzy Todd - observed by Stewart Cameron Judith Sauberlich – observed by Helen Cameron Advanced motorcycle test: - observed by the motorcycle observers team. Mark Young, Peter Rae, Barry Richardson, James Crane, Robert Lyle
White lines: Sources: Know Your Traffic Signs 2003 edition, Wikipedia The origin of white lines in the UK is rather obscure but, in a publication of 1843, the use of a centre line of white stones and lamps was advocated. It was not until WW1 that white lines were used with the first "white line" road markings appearing on a number of dangerous bends on the London-Folkestone road at Ashford, Kent, in 1914. During the 1920s the use of painted lines grew dramatically and 1926 saw the issuing of guidelines on their use. Cat’s-eyes were first used in 1934, whilst by 1944 white lines were being used more extensively to indicate traffic lanes. The 1950s saw the introduction of © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
14
regulations concerning the use of the double white line system to control overtaking together with the signing and markings regime for use on motorways. Whilst modern white lines follow the basic concepts set out in earlier years more recent developments in road layout and design have required changes to their use to suit modern day conditions (e.g. Edinburgh Road/A75 roundabout, spiral markings). There has been a lot of coverage in the press lately about the potential removal of white lines on some of our roads as it is believed that this may make drivers more careful and lead to a reduction in speed. It has already been tried in some urban/village areas. No doubt there are areas where the loss of white lines may be beneficial however the potential advantages/ disadvantages should be analysed in detail as no doubt blanket removal of white lines could prove detrimental to road safety in some instances. In addition new technologies are increasingly being incorporated into mainstream vehicles. Take for instance ‘lane-assist’ which uses white lines to detect when a vehicle is straying out of its lane. Whilst it can be argued that this is most useful on faster roads similar technology is used on driverless cars which are being trialled and look to be introduced in the future. Such driverless vehicles will operate in urban areas so the interface between the need for white lines (or an alternative) and technology needs to be considered.
Scoot to commute The IAM are best known for their attempts to improve driving and riding standards but they are also concerned with raising cycling standards, which lead to the publishing of the third in the series of ‘How to be a better ……..’ Whether you cycle for leisure or work it might be worth having a look at the book. There are other forms of transport too – it seems the humble scooter can play a part in the daily commute, maybe it’s time to look at a fourth book for the series covering this mode of transport? © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 15
Driving safely on urban roads Source: IAM.org.uk The IAM’s director of standards, Mark Lewis, recently looked at driving safely on urban roads to minimise the risk of a road incident. 1) Changes in the weather will obviously impact on road surfaces, so your driving should reflect this. For example on wet roads, you should increase your stopping distance, and keep an eye on any pedestrians – splashing someone when driving is an offence. 2) If you’re driving behind a bus or school coach increase your stopping distance to allow for passengers getting off. In busy conditions avoid overtaking as there may be people crossing in front or behind the bus. 3) Delivery vans may stop and park in tight spots so make sure you give them a wide berth – you never know when someone might suddenly get out in front of the vehicle without looking. 4) At light-controlled crossings avoid moving forwards on the flashing amber or green signals – wait until all pedestrians have cleared it. Mark said: “Many accidents occur near junctions and road crossings so make sure you keep your eyes peeled at all times – look out for elderly pedestrians and anyone wearing headphones or using their mobile phones. “So long as you drive at a steady speed and be mindful of everything around you, your journey will be a smooth one.”
The cost of parking Source: YourParkingSpace.co.uk Fancy paying more for a parking space than for a house? A single open-air private parking space recently went on sale in Hyde Park Gardens, London for £350,000 and it is only 19’ 6” by 8’ wide and you won’t even own it outright as it is leasehold. Meanwhile in New Town, Edinburgh a double garage is up for sale at offers over £85,000. Near Manchester Airport there are several ‘executive’ parking spaces to be had at £35,000 each. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
16
St. Michael’s Services St. Michael’s Street Dumfries, DG1 2QD Tel: 01387 254304 ~ BP ultimate fuels & BP Autogas ~ Car wash ~ Jet wash ~ MACE convenience store ~ Nectar Points ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members
mor e pe r f or ma nc e , le s s pollut ion
Wigtown Road Services Wigtown Road Newton Stewart, DG8 6JZ Tel: 01671 403157 ~ BP ultimate fuels & BP Autogas ~ Jet wash ~ Snack bar/ coffee machine ~ Large Mace convenience shop ~ Air/Screenwash/Vacuum/fragrance machine ~ Nectar Points ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members
Benmar Garage Station Road Moffat, DG10 9EL Tel: 01683 220010 ~ Esso Energy and Energy Supreme Fuels ~ Jet wash ~ Mace convenience shop ~ Air/Screenwash/Vacuum ~ Cash point ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members
At Crossflags we strive to create the best customer experience in the area. Please come and see us when you are considering your next vehicle purchase. York House, Annan Road, Dumfries DG1 3AW 01387 253473 Fax: 01387 253472 www.crossflags.co.uk