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
Your group is run entirely by volunteers and we are always looking for more members to get involved. With the AGM coming up shortly we would like to hear from members who could help out by joining the committee - see p11. Even if you don’t want to be on the committee you can still assist, for example by just giving an hour or two to help out at one of our promotional ‘meet the public’ events at a local show or supermarket. We also expect to need more car observers this year, not least to help deal with an anticipated influx of older driver assessments. To put your name down or to find out more contact Helen Cameron 07707 035518 or just have a chat with to any one of the committee members.
Group Committee Mmbers for 2014/15 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 Bob Sloan Neil Martyniuk Clint Smith Chris Wilson Karen Court
07717 798109 07764 349459 07725 941780 07952 751433 07935 381722 tba
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: dumfries@groups.iam.org.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 15 issue: 13 August 2015
What’s on?: check out events at www.iamdumfries.org.uk 13 April (6:30 pm) : Visit - to Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum Heathhall Industrial Estate, Dumfries, Scotland DG1 3PH 11 May: AGM and quiz 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
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A message from the Chairman Welcome to the spring edition of our magazine. This seems to have been one of the longest winters for quite some time, either with rain or cold weather but thankfully spring is here and the nights are getting lighter so we can all benefit from getting out and about in the evenings. Despite the awful weather several associates have passed their advanced tests. See Helen Cameron’s report for names, congratulations to everyone. Training is well underway with several new Observers on the way to becoming qualified. We have also now taken delivery of a new laptop and intercom systems for the bikes. Over the winter we have had a mixture of evening events held at The Aberdour Hotel. Talks from Chris Bardsley on MV Ross Revenge (Radio Caroline), Julie McMorran - Rescue Dogs, Roland Proudlock from South of Scotland Car Club and also Colin Golphin from Moffat Mountain Rescue. Thanks to all for giving up their time and also to members who turned up on the nights and supported our group. We all need your help to keep this group running. It seems the same people turn up time after time. If new members don’t take part the club will fail to continue. If anybody has any ideas for future events please get in touch. We are also looking for additional members of the committee, these are not challenging positions and needn’t take up a great deal of your time but will help to develop new ideas and fresh approaches for future challenges. WE REALLY DO NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE YOU THE GROUP YOU WANT! We are planning to run a spring promotion in April where new Associates will have the chance to get 50% of their Skill For Life fee refunded. Committee members have been on several courses to aid and assist in the running of the group. These include: National Conference, Test Standards and DTE (an electronic system to help book tests and check membership status on the IAM’s National Database).
Safer Wheels 50+ More like Jackie Stewart than Lewis Hamilton? More likely to sing along to ABBA than Lady GAGA? Do you believe that sixty is the new forty? Well you're not alone. But how's your driving? Still got what it takes to cut a dash behind the wheel? © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Ever thought of matching the experience you've gained over the years with new skills developed by the Institute of Advanced Motorists? Above is part of the press release issued by Iain Howie, Age Scotland Regional Ambassador. Our group is offering free driving assessments to the over fifty's to improve their skills to meet today's traffic conditions, a project developed by Stewartry CVS, in conjunction with ourselves. Iain Howie says ‘In rural areas such as ours it is imperative that individuals retain the independence that driving brings as long as it is safe for them to do so. However driving is a skill that needs to develop in accordance with current conditions and as most of those aged 50 plus won’t have undertaken any form of driver training in the intervening thirty years it is perhaps time they did.’
Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary
- Graeme McColm
There is not a lot to report since the last magazine. As you are all aware the weather hasn’t been great, but thankfully spring is just around the corner. As the nights get lighter and the weather warmer we are looking forward to a number of events in the coming months. Hopefully we will see more and more of you bikers joining us. If anybody has a good run in mind please mention it as we are always open to ideas. Well done to everybody who has ventured out during the winter and worked towards achieving test standard. Training is ongoing for our new Observers and they will shortly be qualified, this becomes more and more involved as technology becomes more complicated and ALL Observers from National level down, require to update their skills on a regular basis. New Associates have been signed up already this year but if you know of anybody who would benefit from a ‘Skill for Life’ course please get in touch. Advanced driving and riding is for all and no matter age or ability a ‘Skill for Life’ course is a must. Hopefully the weather will now pick up and we will have some spring sunshine to enjoy with the opportunity for skills to be handed down by our experienced Observers. Lack of winter biking can lead to members being a bit “rusty” and mistakes are easily made. If you would like a refresher run just ask. The sun is still low in the sky so watch out when approaching or leaving junctions or brows of hills etc. Remember to keep safe. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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The Secretary reports - Helen Cameron As we approach spring, the busy season for new car and motorcycle Associates, we look forward to hopefully a good year for Observers. The new IMI regulations have meant there are a lot of changes going on within the training and accreditation of Observers and the opportunity for new Observers to be trained. Currently we are involved in a road safety initiative with ‘Safer Wheels 50+’ in the Stewartry and this is proving to be very popular and will keep us all busy for a few months. We have had a busy winter with good speakers but unfortunately numbers at meetings have been disappointing. A lot of time and effort goes into preparing these talks for us by the presenters, so it would be great to have some feedback from members who do attend. Those of you who don’t attend please let us know how we can improve things - the group belongs to the members so we would like to hear your views. In March we headed to Carlisle for the annual 10 pin bowling match against Carlisle. A good night was had by all but unfortunately we were beaten, so Carlisle retain the cup. Please come to the AGM in May and have your say in the running of your club. We have had a quiet spell over the winter but have still managed to keep our examiners busy. Congratulations to the following for passing their IAM test: Car: Diane Thomson (Observer - David Booth); Jeanette Wilson (Observer Nicky Riley); Aaron Jardine (Observer - G Watson); Shona Duggan (Observer Russell Wears); Graham Darroch (Observer - Stewart Cameron); M/cycle: Andy Scott (M/c Observer Team). Just as we are going to press I have learnt of the death of Peter Gemmell, former group Chief Observer and a founder member of the group. Our thoughts are with his family.
Roadside detectors for mobile phones Source: Norfolk County Council Signs that can detect the use of a mobile phone in a vehicle have been rolled out in Norfolk, following a successful trial. The Mobile Phone Detection System detects vehicles in which a mobile phone is being used, whether a call or receiving/sending a text message. A roadside sensor monitors oncoming vehicles and sends information to the sign further along the road. This then flashes when mobile phone use has been detected in the vehicle. The system can’t detect who is using the phone (driver or passenger) or if a hands-free device is in use. But for those drivers who are on their mobiles illegally, the system is a powerful, effective and very public reminder that they have been detected, and that they are putting those around them at real risk. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Disadvantages of steering the ‘wrong’ way Advice on the best method of steering can be found in advanced driving handbooks such as ‘How to be a better driver’ and ‘Roadcraft’. Whilst they offer key advice about your seating position and the most effective way of holding the wheel they do not go into much detail about the implications of getting either of these two elements less than perfect. Optimum control comes from holding the wheel with your palms on the rim, with thumbs extended, using a light grip but tightening it when necessary. This added to keeping both hands on the wheel at all times, unless you absolutely have to operate the controls, will make you ready to deal with any eventuality, since it leaves nothing to chance. Of course, when you do need to take a hand off the wheel you should try to ensure this is done in a planned way when there are fewer hazards. You don’t want to end up, for instance, adjusting the heating controls when negotiating a roundabout or tuning the radio when actively steering (e.g. turning into a side road). Importantly steering control is not just about how the wheel is held but about getting your seating position right. Consider the three images here. The top one shows a driver holding the wheel in the recommended way, with the hands on the top half of the wheel. The second one shows active steering, the wheel is being turned counter-clockwise, but note the hands remain either side of the wheel. Contrast this to the bottom photo, here the driver © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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has crossed the right hand over the top of the wheel as a left-hand corner is being negotiated. Whilst it might be easy to see that steering control could be compromised by the steering method employed in the third image what might not be quite so obvious, at first look, are the consequences in the event of a collision where the steering wheel airbag is activated. Firstly the driver’s arm, being directly adjacent to the centre of the wheel, could be lacerated by the air bag cover which is pushed out of the way as the bag deploys. Secondly the arm is likely to broken and suffer other serious injury as the bag inflates and thirdly the arm will probably be pushed into the driver, potentially causing serious injuries to the face. Typically an airbag inflates to about 35 litres in 25 milliseconds so there is no chance of moving the arm out of the line of fire. Keeping the arms to the sides of the wheel keeps them out of the airbag deployment zone. The seat position relative to the steering wheel is also critical, many vehicles allow the steering wheel, as well as the seat, to be adjusted. It is particularly important that the driver sits back in their seat and keeps a minimum of at least 10 inches (250mm) between their breastbone and the airbag module. Car users can minimise the downsides of airbags by following the guidance in their vehicle handbooks and take into account following these tips: ● Drivers should not allow their arms to cross the wheel and should hold the wheel between ‘ten-to- two’ and ‘quarter-to-three’. ● Seat belts should always be worn properly, and should be adjusted so as to be as tight as possible across the body. ● Drivers and front seat passengers should ensure that as far as possible they are sitting squarely in their seat. ● A rear facing child seat should not be used on the front passenger seat if a passenger airbag is fitted, unless it is deactivated. ● A forward facing child seat should only be used in the front seat if it can be positioned so the child is outside the airbag deployment zone. ● The driver’s seat should be set as far back as possible while ensuring the driver can safely and comfortably operate the vehicle’s controls. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Positioning for bends ‘How To Be A Better Driver’ offers help on how to corner effectively as indeed does ‘Rule 160’ of the Highway Code which offers only limited advice; namely ‘keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction’. The Highway Code fails to warn about the dangers often found near the edge of the road such as broken surfacing, loose debris, puddles etc. These can be just as much of a danger as the ones, you are trying to avoid by positioning as advised. It also fails to mention any specific advice for left-hand bends. When considering the position to adopt on approach to a corner you should consider S.V.S, that’s: 1. Safety - this must take priority. Move away from danger if you can. 2. Vision - can you adjust your lateral position to get a better view and/or present yourself to other road users at an earlier time? 3. Stability - this relates to both the severity of the bend and the surface conditions. Don’t drive over loose debris etc just to get a better view but if you have to then you should slow down. On the approach to a bend use a scanning technique both on the road and across the corner whenever an advance view can be gained. Look for observational links. Assess other road users in front, behind and oncoming, assess the road surface conditions including the effects of weather. Use analysis of the limit point to determine your speed of approach and monitor it as you drive round the bend. For a left hand bend consider the limit point as the point where the left verge and the centre-line meet. After considering the position work through the speed, gear and acceleration phases. The dangers are related to both speed and position, if you head onto the wrong side of the road, at any speed, on a right-hand bend the danger could come from the oncoming traffic and you might not have time or space to get you out of trouble! Maybe this driver could have held back to maximise safety?
Group Members and Associates can get a free basic car wash, or two jet wash tokens when you fill up. Just show your membership card, or for Associates your IAM confirmation letter. Let the staff know you would like the free bike/car wash before you pay for your fuel. This offer may be withdrawn at any time. 7
Call us on 01387 259111 We are a friendly, local practice offering a continuity of case management from our experienced principal Veterinary Surgeon. We offer a wide range of services, using modern diagnostic aids which allow a focused approach to the healthcare of your pet. We also have a special interest in helping beekeepers successfully control Varroa Mite bees@bridgevets.com
Consulting hours: Weekdays 9:00am - 9:30am By Appointment 3:30pm - 6:00pm Open Surgery Saturday 9:00am - 10:30am - Open Surgery 24hour emergency cover
Bridge Veterinary Clinic 51 Glasgow Street, Dumfries, DG2 9AG 01387 259111 info@bridgevets.com www.bridgevets.com
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Invite you to get a ‘Skill for Life’ and become an ADVANCED DRIVER /IAMDumfriesandGallowayCars
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
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www.braidwoods.com 1 Charlotte Street, Dumfries DG1 2AG Telephone: (01387) 257272 E-mail: info@braidwoods.com
We offer the following services for your motorcycle needs:
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· MOT’s · Servicing · Van available for collection/delivery or recovery of your motorcycle ty fe ed sa arri e s k ee c a Fr cks ple boo e ch ut e to o on ph
· Repairs · Diagnostic testing · Parts · Tyres · Accessories · Helmets · Clothing
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Discounts available for IAM and Curvy Riders
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We have an outdoor seated area and a relaxing indoor seated area with Sky TV
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A701
How to find us d TESCO nwal EXPRESS Ti ns Rd Dow
A7 01
Downsway Garage
75 A wn e To entr C
A75
From the Edinburgh Road roundabout /A75 Dumfries bypass take A701 north. After 0.5 miles take 2nd exit at the roundabout (by Esso/Tesco Express) onto Tinwald Downs Road. In 0.4 miles take left into Downsway Industrial Est. then first right behind Downsway Garage - we are at the end on the left.
www.dngmotorcycles.com Tel: 01387 320312 mucker5uk@yahoo.co.uk
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 11 May 2015 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 2015 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 - 14 March 2015. 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: Vice Chair: Secretary: Treasurer:
Graeme McColm - Offering to stand for re election Jamie Wood - Offering to stand for re election Helen Cameron - Offering to stand for re election 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: Stewart Cameron B. RETIRING BY ROTATION AND NOT STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION: Anne Lind, John Parry C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOT RETIRING & NUMBER OF YEARS REMAINING: Bob Sloan (1 yr), Andrew Bird (1 yr), Clint Smith (1 yr), Andy Campbell (2 yrs), Neil Martyniuk (2yrs). 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 1 May 2015. Group Rules and the Minutes of the May 2014 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. 11
What do you think about when you are driving? It seems that many people think driving is largely a physical activity, you know pressing pedals, turning the wheel, flicking switches etc interspersed with a bit of observation and maybe then a little thinking about what is going on and how to deal with it. Have you driven a route and found you could not remember much about it? Well when attaining a skill such as driving there comes a point when everything comes naturally to you, at that point it is all to easy to be effectively on ‘automatic pilot’. Psychological modelling suggests that there are Four Stages of Learning, initially individuals are unaware of how little they know, or unconscious of their incompetence. As they recognize their incompetence, they consciously acquire a skill, then consciously use it. Eventually, the skill can be utilized without it being consciously thought through: the individual is said to have then acquired unconscious competence. If you think about it that could be the situation when you drive; that is an individual has had so much practice with a skill that it has become ‘second nature’ and can be performed easily. As a result, the skill can be performed while executing another task, maybe whilst texting, using satnav or getting dressed (see P16)! That is all well and good if the driving task to be carried out could not be affected by other factors outside the drivers control, i.e. no other road users, no bends, junctions and only benign weather etc - you get the picture - but that of course is definitely not the case with driving. To get driving right it needs to be lead by thinking, with the physical actions following on. Hence the ‘Planned System of Driving’ which has observation at its foundation. Used effectively the physical driving actions (signals, steering, braking, gear changes, acceleration etc) are not carried out automatically but based on the results of the Information phase where a plan is formulated and carried out to deal with the particular situation(s). Put another way we should not put our vehicle anywhere our eyes and brain have not already been. To do this we need to keep our hands on the wheel © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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and our eyes on the road ahead (and behind and to the sides) with our brain processing the information, then formulating and modifying our driving plans. How do you raise your game to ensure you are not driving in ‘automatic pilot mode’? Probably the best way is to practice the art of commentary, either out loud or even just by silently ‘speaking’ the words as opposed to just thinking about what you can see. Remember the commentary is all about taking into account all available clues then formulating and revising a driving plan to deal with a situation.
The do’s and don’ts of ‘off siding’ and ‘straight - lining’ This article applies equally to riders and drivers, the sources are the IAM documents ‘Common Confusions Bike and Car’, both issued 2014. Definition: ‘Off-siding’ is the crossing of the centre line/hazard line, (or in the absence of such a line, the centre of the carriageway) in order to extend a view. 1. Off-siding – Single track road clarification: In situations where there is no possibility of passing an oncoming vehicle due to the width of the road and in order to enable your presence to be seen earlier, this is acceptable, providing it is both advantageous and gives no risk of conflict. 2. Off-siding (to extend view) – twoway carriageway clarification: Experience is showing that this is causing riders and drivers to put themselves in danger. The IAM actively discourages this practice and it is therefore not acceptable on an advanced test. It would be a disadvantage to move over
3. Set of open bends – straight the white line here. Dependent on road width and severity of bend maybe best to lining/trimming clarification:
anticipate an ‘oncomer’ could be over the
line so keep left, away from danger! Trimming or straight-lining a set of open bends whilst acceptable on a test must not be carried out if there is a risk of conflict with other road users or where it will inconvenience, confuse or cause alarm or distress, to others.
If a test Candidate compromises their own or any other road user’s safety they will fail the advanced test. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13
4. Roundabouts – ‘Straight lining’/‘Trimming’ clarification: ‘Trimming’ or ‘Straight lining’ roundabouts is often encouraged to enhance safety, stability & progress. This is correct if the situation is appropriate. This must not however be carried out if it will inconvenience, confuse or where there is a risk of conflict with other road users. The risk from traffic approaching from the rear is also a serious consideration in the decision as to whether to ‘straighten’ a roundabout. Again if a rider or driver compromises their own or any other road user’s safety they will fail the advanced test.
Daily/weekly POWDERY checks Modern vehicles have increasingly sophisticated self checking/diagnosis systems. Some would argue this means that there is no need to do each element of a Powdery check frequently but there are other benefits from a thorough check, especially so if you have an older vehicle. Greater vehicle sophistication can lead to the temptation to ignore elements of your vehicle, for instance relying on a tyre pressure monitoring system could mean you don’t get down and close to the tyres and so loose the opportunity for a visual inspection of the tyre itself, when checking the pressures. Similarly relying on your dashboard to tell you when the engine oil is low or a bulb has failed probably would mean you are less likely to visually inspect the engine bay or lenses for defects. Regular thorough POWDERY checks might highlight something which needs attention and could be especially useful before a long journey, for instance. For those of you coming up for an advance test it is recommended that a full check is made immediately beforehand, if nothing less it can avoid any embarrassment should the Examiner spot a defective bulb, for instance. One element that does need checking everyday for sure is ‘Y’ i.e. YOU the driver. • PETROL (or diesel). Have you got enough for your journey? • OIL - check engine and hydraulic levels. • WATER - check radiator and screen wash levels. • DAMAGE - check wipers, lights etc for signs of wear and tear or damage. • ELECTRICS - check lights, indicators and controls are working, battery? • RUBBER - are tyres inflated, legal, with good tread and free from damage? • YOURSELF - are you fit to drive? Have you slept well? Are you taking any medication(s) that could make it unsafe for you to drive? Big night last night? © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Changes to the driving test The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are considering an update to the driving test, which has remained unchanged for 20 years. The idea is to make the test better reflect real-life driving. Around 1,000 learners throughout the country will be asked to take part in a trial test before the changes are finalised. The potential revisions include scrapping three-point turns and reversing around corners. They may also require candidates to use satellite navigation. Parallel parking, seen by many new drivers as one of the trickiest manoeuvres looks like it will be retained. Incidentally in the IAM’s advanced driving test candidates are most likely to be required to carry out this manoeuvre. The DVSA advise that any changes to the test would be subject to a full public consultation.
Free from giddy spells and excessive short sight? According to the film ‘Look at Life Driving Test’ (December 1959) anyone who is free from giddy spells and excessive short sight can learn to drive, or at least have a go. The film at one point shows the IAM’s Chief Examiner describing the correct technique for cornering, apparently at that time the Institute believed that only 1 motorist in 100 approached a bend in the right way. You may be able to make out the glass of water near the windscreen At another point in the film the Chief Examiner demonstrates the art of smooth driving. He moves off in his Sunbeam Rapier with a glass of water on his bonnet, speeds up to 40 or 50mph then slows to a stop without spilling any. One can’t help wondering if today, despite our sophisticated machinery, this may not be possible with the plethora of potholes and sections of distressed surface we have to contend with! Looks like a flat cap and The 9 minute film is available here: string gloves were the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_-Rcqq39x4 order of the day! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 15
The Fatal Four - master of your own downfall? Traffic laws which have road safety implications are too numerous to mention. They include factors that have been shown to regularly contribute to the occurrence of fatal collisions, known as the ‘fatal four’ – excessive speed, failure to wear a fitted seat belt, being under the influence of drink or drugs and using mobile phones and other distractions. Apart from the seat belt law these elements equally apply to riders as well as drivers. People when caught typically seek to justify their actions with excuses such as: ‘everyone else was speeding too’ - ‘I was only a few mph over’ - ‘I am only going a few hundred yards’ - ‘I always wear it normally’ - ‘I only had one drink’ - ‘Why don’t you go after real criminals?’ - ‘I was only checking my texts’ etc. But consider this: Excessive speed (for the conditions): just a few extra MPH can make all the difference to your reaction and braking distances. Speed limits are not targets. Seat belt offences: no matter how short your journey, always wear a seatbelt. Doing so cuts the chance of being killed in a crash by up to 50%. Drink or drugs: any alcohol impairs your driving and the same goes for drugs; even prescription drugs can slow your thinking and reaction times. Distraction: Your reaction times are doubled if you use a mobile whilst driving. Switch it off before you drive or put it out of reach so you have to stop to use it. You can receive a penalty for using a hands free phone too if the police believe you are distracted and not in control of your vehicle. There are any number of other distractions too.
3 4 Using any sort of electronic apparatus e.g. phone, satnav etc will distract you.
A few extra mph can have fatal consequences
Distracted? 70mph - no hands on wheel - putting on a tie outside lane of motorway!
So don’t put your life at risk or that of others; don’t ignore the rules they are their for everyone's safety. Better to be late than dead on time, surely you don’t want to be the master of your own downfall. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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