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
Group Committee Members for 2013/14 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
Anne Lind Andy Campbell Bob Sloan Neil Martyniuk Clint Smith John Parry
07727 913742 07717 798109 07764 349459 07725 941180 07952 751433 07841 202445
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
What’s on?: check for late changes at www.iamdumfries.org.uk Monday 9 December Talk - Preparing for winter; and social night Monday 13 January Talk - Wee Sleekit Web and Publicity Designs Monday 10 February Talk - Julie McMorran - Transplants Feb/ March - Date TBC 10 pin bowling v Carlisle Group - get your name down March/ April - Date TBC Possible curling competition - get your name down Monday 10 March - Dr Quigley - Life in the A & E department Monday 11 April - Garage visit: venue, date and time to be confirmed Meetings: Aberdour Hotel, 16 Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG11LW Meetings start at 7:30 pm unless 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 Chairman’s comments - Graeme McColm Welcome to the Winter edition of Advance. Firstly many congratulations to everybody who has passed their test since our last issue. Congratulations also to those of you who have embarked on a Skill for Life course, I am sure you will not regret taking these steps to improve your skills. Andrew Bird and I attended the IAM’s National Conference in October at Warwick University. The Conference was for both driver and rider sections of the IAM and the format included various workshops. One of the topics raised was the potential amalgamation of groups into super groups. This may have an impact on us, in the future, as we could become part of a super group covering the West of Scotland. Nothing definite yet but keep your eyes and ears open. We had a very enjoyable and interesting time and learnt a lot. Remember to check the syllabus for all social events. There are many coming up over the next few months and we’d love to see you there. As sometimes events are subject to change at short notice, please remember to check the group web site for up to date information. If you need further information please phone Helen on 07707 035 518. Every Skill for Life course now comes with one year FREE RAC roadside and recovery assistance. Their patrols fix 4 out of 5 vehicles at the roadside, so there has never been a better time to become a better driver! As a charitable organisation, this whole 'Skill for Life' package is available for only £139* (*but there’s an offer before Christmas - see below). If you know anybody who would benefit from one of our driving/riding courses please bring them along to any of our events. With Christmas just around the corner how about treating your loved one to an IAM membership, it may be the best and safest present they ever got. If you purchase online at the IAM’s Christmas shop you can get 10% discount off a Skill for Life (Car or Bike) course. There are quite a few other courses available to purchase online starting at £35 together with dozens of gifts, vouchers and goodies for the advanced driver or rider (https://www.iam.org.uk/shop/xmas). I urge all our members to stay safe over the coming months, especially with the winter chill taking a hold. Have a look in the following pages where I bet there will be a few tips worth reviewing to the benefit of us all. A very merry Christmas to all our members and a safe and enjoyable New Year. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
2
Perceptions of Advanced Driving/Riding In some circles it seems to be a common perception that advanced driving is reserved solely for push/pull steering, string back glove wearing drivers. Or on the riding side grumpy, hairy old biking codgers. (Note for the record - we drivers strive to do pull/push not the other way around! - ed) Got a flat cap to go with
The general public are probably unaware of just how those gloves Sir? much courage it takes an associate to put themselves up for critique of their driving or riding skills. Indeed they probably know little about the actual process of being coached into becoming and remaining a better driver or rider. In order to educate those who aren’t in the know how about writing a short piece to record your thoughts and feelings about the course? You could record your concerns, your progress, the ups and downs on the journey to the advanced test. You could also record any benefits you have found to your driving or riding. Send it through to the editor of this magazine - you could talk it through with your observer first if you want. It could be printed here and be used to help others understand what the Skill for Life course is all about and how they might benefit. Even full members can help by explaining how they have continued to build their skills, how they are now more observant and some of the other benefits like maybe less stress when on the road, better fuel consumption, easier progress etc. as a result of a different way of driving. Maybe those who have been advanced drivers/riders for a long time might consider explaining how they keep their standards up, what they do for the group and how they feel about seeing other drivers and riders joining up and developing their skills. So go on send us a few words for the next magazine and help explain to those who might be considering joining up just how our courses can help.
Spotted recently - storm trooper, on the pavement, waving his gun at passing traffic. Rumour has it he is now entertaining a new audience far, far away!
Copy date: Latest article submission date for the SPRING 14 issue: 7 March
Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
3
Low sun is no fun IAM driving advice The IAM have issued the following advice on dealing with low sun: ● Always keep a good pair of sunglasses in the car – they really will make a big difference. ● If you can’t see, do the obvious and slow down, keeping an eye on the vehicle behind in case the following traffic can’t see you against the sun. ● If the sun is behind you, it’s in the eyes of oncoming drivers you, be aware that they might not see you or the road markings between you and them. ● Low sun behind can dazzle you via your mirrors, so be ready to dip the mirror and remember to check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot. ● Low sun highlights scratches and grime which can hinder your view, so keep your washer bottles topped up with a good quality screen wash and change your windscreen wipers every year. ● Turn on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so that it’s easier for other drivers to see you in twilight. Your heater is often on the de-mist setting, blowing traffic fumes, suspended oil, smoke and dust onto the inside of the screen which quickly builds up a film of grime which is a major cause of glare. Clean your screen inside and out with glass cleaner at least once a week. According to the DfT in 2012 dazzling sun contributed to 36 fatal, 423 serious and 2446 slight accidents. Of the total 2,905 accidents the ma- Anticipating what may happen when you come out of the shadow can help jority were on A and B roads (1,631) or other minor roads (1,222) whilst just 52 were on motorways. - ed
Did you know? Each year, traffic crashes kill more than 1.2 million people around the world and injures up to 50 million? In fact, they are the leading cause of death among people 15 to 29 years old and cost the global economy around $518 billion. It is a shocking figure especially when you compare it to the loss of life through ongoing military conflicts around the world which for 2012 was assessed at around 100,000 people! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
4
Driving under the influence - of car safety features? Electronic driver aids are making their way into more and more vehicles but does the choice between the control of a fallible human or that of a preprogrammed computer risk making us worse drivers? Passive in-car technology that sits there in the background is probably not a big problem - things like ABS, ESP, EBA, air bags, collapsible steering columns, seat belts, crumple zones, head restraints and the like. These things are aimed at making the vehicle safer and become a benefit when things go wrong. But what about other equipment that is much more interactive and can take control away from the driver in situations which may not be emergencies? Such technologies can be described as semi-autonomous and may lead in time to total autonomy where the car drives itself. The proliferation of equipment such as ‘lane-departure warnings’, ‘driver alert detection’, ‘adaptive cruise control’, ‘collision detection’ etc may in themselves be useful tools but are they at risk of giving rise to over reliance on the technology? Take adaptive cruise control for instance, what’s the point in raising your observation up and out because it is the car’s job to get you out of trouble! With all these technologies what happens to our brains - are we in danger of becoming worse drivers? Apparently studies have suggested that there is a correlation between increased safety rules/regulations/equipment and increased risky behaviour, thought to be because we use ‘risk compensation’ i.e. the safer we feel the more likely we are to engage in riskier behaviour. These in-car technologies come on the back of the many driver distractions such as mobile phones, satnav, radio, dvd players etc. and the increasing amount of information coming from the dashboard such as real time mpg and flashing lights telling you when to change gear. What about automatic headlights is there not a temptation just to leave it up to the car even if using lights would be a benefit? Likewise do the benefits of say rain sensing wipers outweigh the problems of reduced visibility caused by the ‘black box’ on the screen and anyway can’t the aware driver sense for himself the need for wiper use? Will drivers become so incompetent at parking that the assistance of guided TV or even hands free auto park is required? All these things increase the reliance on the technology and reduce the need for the driver to drive with skill and awareness. However technology is vital for making cars safer, but their effects on the driver needs to be considered and action taken to ensure their use is not over-relied upon by drivers. Every driver needs to take personal responsibility because no amount of safety technology will save us from ourselves. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
5
Roundabout markings You may have noticed that the type of line markings used within roundabouts are not the same for all roundabouts. Most use concentric lane markings within the roundabout (where they can still be seen!) or none at all. But take for instance the Edinburgh Road roundabout on the Dumfries bypass, this uses a type of spiral marking. To the uninitiated the sea of lines and dots ahead of them can lead to some confusion over just how the roundabout should be negotiated. Our observers get asked about how to deal with these from time to time. Spiral markings tend to be used on busy intersections where proper use has shown that increased traffic flow can be achieved during peak periods, together with a reduction in conflict between vehicles on the approach to, and the passage through, the junction. No two roundabouts are the same because both physical layout and traffic flows vary according to the circumstances. For this reason the lane markings within the roundabout, where used, will FOLLOW THE LINES be set out to suit the circumstances. The aim of the markings is to provide drivers with positive guidance through the roundabout The key really is choosing the correct lane on approach; if you get that right and follow the markings you are ‘automatically’ lead CROSS THE DOTS BUT off to your exit without the need to FOLLOW THE LINES change lanes. All you need to do is ‘cross the dots (if there are any) Not all spirals are marked the same. Some leave out markings instead of using ‘dots’ and/ and follow the lines’. or use longer solid lines
Roadcraft - new and updated The Roadcraft system has been used for over 75 years by police drivers. It is an integral part of the Roadcraft driver and rider handbooks. Based on the principle of 'right place, right time, right speed and right gear', the Roadcraft system of vehicle control is simple but highly effective. It forms the basis of the IAM’s ‘How to be a better driver /rider’ books. The System introduced in 1937 by the Metropolitan Police resulted in their accident rate reducing by two thirds. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
6
The last edition of Roadcraft for drivers was published in 2007 whilst the last edition of Motorcycle Roadcraft was published in 1996. Now new 2013 editions of Roadcraft & Motorcycle Roadcraft have been fully revised and updated to incorporate recent changes in legislation and practice and include substantial new material relevant to all emergency services, the police and the general public. These books are recognised as the gold standard in advanced driving and riding training. The new editions of both books have been prepared with the widest possible audience in mind. They will contribute to improved road safety and help readers become safer and more skilful drivers and riders. Both books now include new full-colour 3D illustrations, comprehensive and easy-to-read advice to help raise readers’ driving abilities to a new level, self-assessment questions throughout to help readers review and improve their driving performance, and eco-driving tips to reduce fuel consumption. Simon Best, Chief Executive of the IAM said “With three new chapters and refreshed material in many areas, Roadcraft is a valuable, newly updated tool to help drivers and driver trainers develop themselves, whatever level or stage they are already at.” No doubt the same goes for the Motorcycle edition - ed. They are available in printed and digital formats and well worth considering. Apparently there has been unexpected demand for the them and the Motorcycle edition is getting difficult to obtain in some areas, so much so that a second print is underway for distribution in November. There is a dedicated web site (http://www.roadcraft.co.uk/) where as well as being able to see sample pages there is a quiz on the Roadcraft 2007 version comprising 26 questions - make sure you read the questions carefully as picking the right answer to some of them can be a bit tricky.
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. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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
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
We offer the following services for your motorcycle needs:
·
Fully trained mechanics
· MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Diagnostic testing · Van available for collection/delivery or recovery of your motorcycle
· Parts · Tyres · Accessories · Helmets · Clothing · MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Parts · Accessories · & More
·
Discounts available for IAM and Curvy Riders
·
We have an outdoor seated area and a relaxing indoor seated area with Sky TV
·
Refreshments available
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
Checklist for driving in poor conditions Winter brings a whole new set of problems to be dealt with on the roads, such as severe rain, high winds, fog, snow and ice. Each one may demand focus on a particular aspect of advanced driving skills but overall the core advanced skills are the foundation of a successful drive. You could think about: 1. You - are you up to the job? Are you awake and alert? How good are you at observation and planning? Are you taking into account what you can see, what you can see and what you may reasonably expect to happen? Are you actively seeking hazards and planning how to deal with them before you get to them? Have you chosen the best route for the conditions? 2. Your vehicle - is it in good order? Tyres suitable for the conditions? The tread depth limit maybe 1.6mm but at that depth they won’t efficiently deal with winter conditions. 3mm is a safer minimum but if you have winter tyres beware they often have two sets of wear indicators in the tread and require much deeper tread (e.g. 4 or 5mm) to maintain winter rating. Make sure glass is clean inside and out, wipers replaced if necessary and screen wash/ antifreeze topped up. Are all you bulbs working - when did you last check? 3. Other road users? Are you monitoring them and reacting to their speed, position and demeanor? This includes all road users not just drivers - from a rabbit upwards. 4. Road surface? Do you actively monitor the road surface and the affect of weather on it? Are you observing and considering how things might change? E.G. shadow or leaves on the road ahead may mean it could be more slippery. 5. Visability? How far can you see, how visible are you to other road users? 6. Are you ready for the worst? Are you prepared for the worst. Have you checked the radio, web, satnav etc. Is your journey really necessary? Have you got such things as a warm coat, gloves, high visibility jacket, food and water, a pair of boots, de-icer/ scraper, a torch, a spade and a charged mobile phone? Remember to have your emergency breakdown number with you.
It’s not just snow and ice that lead to difficult driving conditions, how about puddles, spray, glare, debris like falling roof slates and pedestrians rushing for shelter? © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
11
Everything has its limit - even limit points! If you set your speed to suit the approaching limit point and hence your ability to stop in the distance seen to be clear (or half the distance in the case of a single track road), don’t take it for granted that your speed is always appropriate for the case in hand. Things could change very rapidly just beyond the limit point. The key is to keep monitoring the situation as it unfolds; if you don’t you could easily get caught out by what happens just beyond the limit of vision. We often refer to “taking into to account what we can see, what we can’t see and what we may reasonably expect to happen” but even this might not be enough. Take for instance the A75 slip joining the A74 southbound, who would reasonably expect, just after passing under the A74 and entering the right hand bend, to reconstruction see a guy changing a tyre in lane two! Possibly only if it has happened to you (& it happened to me - ed) does it appear on your list of “what you may reasonably expect to happen”. Anyway the point is that you have to keep monitoring the unfolding situation because the bend may have any number of hazards immediately after it, that at first you cannot see, and which may need rapid reaction from you. The limit point tells you nothing about what lies beyond it so solely relying on it is unwise, after all it might be a tightening bend, have a double apex, be on a brow, have a large pot hole right after it etc. the list is endless. Don’t spend so much time monitoring the limit point that you fail to raise your observation up and out, there is often plenty to see which could give you the heads up on what is just around the bend. Finally the limit point relates to the edge of the road and not the hedge. If the verge varies in width this could give you a false impression of a bend. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
12
Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary - Graeme McColm How fast the last 12 months have gone by? I can’t believe I am once again writing for the winter edition of this magazine. Since the autumn edition the weather has remained fairly mild and dry and has allowed us to get out and about more than usual. Congratulations to everybody who has passed their advanced motorcycle tests and good luck to those of you who are just about to sit it. Andrew Bird and myself attended the Motorcycle conference in Warwick University in October. We attended different workshops which were both educational and motivational. A good weekend was had by us both I think. Can I draw your attention two couple of points which may be of interest. 1) The IAM F1RST Register - this recognises excellence during the IAM advanced driving or riding test. Over 1000 members have achieved this status this so far! For more information and to find out if you are eligible to apply look on the IAM website (www.Iam.org.uk). Once you have achieved your place on the F1RST register you can, if you wish, then continue on to take the IAM Masters Qualification, once again check the website for details. 2) Social events have started for this season so please check page 1 of this magazine, or your syllabus, for details of what’s on. Please do come along, support the group and meet up with other members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for all their efforts over the last year and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Winter tyres reminder If you have winter tyres now is the time to get them on, if you’ve not already done so. Just a reminder when checking winter tyres they often require much greater tread depth to maintain their winter rating. The photos here show Michelin Alpins, the sidewall markings show they require a minimum of 4mm for suitable performance in snow and ice conditions. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13
Road Fuel Roundup - Jamie Wood Pricing - Most of us will have noticed fuel prices gradually coming down over the last few weeks, good news for us all. This is due in main to the strengthening of the £/$ exchange rate which in early November was at about $1.60. Oil products are traded in dollars so this has a big impact on pump price. Let’s hope this downward trend continues. A diesel price of £1.389 is made up of : 23.15p VAT, 57.95p Duty, 50p Diesel, 7.8p (delivery, marketing, Oil Co & retailer profit). Grangemouth - The recent closure of the Grangemouth refinery, had little impact on the supply of fuel throughout Scotland as measures were implemented to maintain supply from other terminals, such as Dalston & Clydebank. In reality the refinery at Grangemouth is probably of greater importance to the Scottish economy than it is to security of fuels supply, as much of our fuel (especially diesel) is imported from much bigger and more efficient refineries around the world. It may seem strange but a litre of diesel can be shipped from South America to UK cheaper than it can be trucked from Grangemouth to Dumfries. Consumption - Total UK road fuel consumption continues to fall, (to about 3.7billion litres per month currently) as it has since 2008, due to more fuel efficient vehicles, the recession making people use their cars less where possible, and the recession means fewer trucks moving goods around the country. The road fuel market continues to move towards diesel with an increase in diesel volume of 0.6% and a similar decrease in petrol. Supermarket Share - The growth in market share of supermarkets continues, the split currently is: Oil Companies 29%, Independents 32%, Supermarkets 39% It is thought that this trend will level off at about 40% due to restrictions in new out of town developments, and the supermarkets focus shifting towards smaller convenience shops. Recent News - Esso Branded additised fuels are now supplied by Greenergy (probably the biggest company in the UK that you’ve never heard off) in Scotland and N.England. It may may well end up supplying all Esso fuel in the UK. Tesco Club Card points are now being issued with ESSO fuel. Waitrose Supermarket and Shell are working together on a Loyalty scheme. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
14
The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron The start of our new session has been very good with two interesting events. Firstly we had Roland Proudlock who gave us an insight into the South of Scotland Car Club with lots of interesting facts especially on the history of the club. The table-top rally in October was great fun for those who attended and also a great way of learning more about our area through the Ordinance Survey maps; as well as a social evening talking to fellow members. The December meeting will be on the topic of ‘getting prepared for winter’ as well as a social opportunity with other members. It makes the time invested in organising events worthwhile whenever there is a good turnout. In the spring the annual ten pin bowling competition versus Carlisle group will take place, we need a strong team to win back the cup so let me know if you can come, it should be in mid March so keep watching the web site. Carlisle group also suggest we have a curling competition so we are looking into this for March or April. If you have any expertise or fancy trying something new then let me know in advance. I imagine numbers will be limited. It has been mentioned that another trip to the skid pan at Knockhill should be arranged so if you would be interested please speak to me or another committee member to help with the planning. We have had some passes since the last magazine so congratulations to: M/c: Duncan Mathie – M/c team and Car: Andrew Edgar - Obs David Booth.
CRASH card for bikers CRASH Card is a free programme in which motorcyclists place a card inside their crash helmet as a medic alert. The details which the rider has written on the card provide vital information for attending ambulance crews if the motorcyclist is injured in a road traffic collision. Saving valuable time and helping treatment especially if the rider is either unconscious or unable to communicate. It is now available nationally, Ambulance Services across the UK endorse the scheme. CRASH card comes with a self adhesive green dot that riders should affix to the right hand side of their helmets or visor to help alert the attending medical staff to the presence of the card. CRASH Card was created by the committee of the Ambulance Motorcycle Club - a group of experienced paramedics and ambulance staff who are passionate about motorcycling. Go to http://www.crashcard.co.uk/index.htm for more info and details of where to get one. They can be ordered on online from http://www.all4bikers.com/. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
15
In-car cameras Did you know that some UK taxi insurers require any vehicle insured by them to be fitted with a forward facing video/gps/g-sensor camera? It is already mandatory for many commercial vehicles too. Apparently studies suggest that their use is responsible for a reduction in claims of around 35%. No doubt it will be coming to us in time. In some parts of the world it seems the use of in-car cameras is the norm, take Russia for instance where a deep distrust of the police and frequent poor driving standards makes them all but a requirement for around one million drivers. Apparently it has been said that you can get in your vehicle without your pants but never without your dashcam!
Windy days ahead - IAM advice Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger of the IAM offers the following advice on driving in windy weather: ·Plan your journey – is there a route with less exposure to the weather and less risk of fallen trees? Choose a sheltered route if you have the option. ·Strong winds are not constant, they are usually gusty so ensure you hold the steering wheel firmly. ·Overtaking high sided vehicles or driving past buildings can result in a sudden gust from the side as you clear. ·Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual. They get blown around by side winds easily. Even pedestrians can be blown about. ·Watch trees and bushes on the roadside - their branches can show you how strong the wind is. Look well ahead, that way you don’t need to take your eye off the road and you can see any windy patches before you get to them. ·Go slow enough to cope with the gusts. Wind can get under a car and reduce its handling and braking significantly. ·Keep an eye on what is happening to other vehicles – where they are affected will give you a pre-warning. ·Go slowly enough to cope with the tree that has fallen right across the road, just round the bend where you can’t see it. ·Be careful of debris, have space beside you in case you need to dodge it. Peter Rodger said: “I have seen a parked car moved by the wind. Don’t underestimate how powerful it is and how it can affect you whilst in the car.” © 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
Crossflags 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