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Swansea Bay Advanced Motorists

Swansea Bay Group of Advanced Motorists (SBGAM) aims to promote the improvement of driving and the advancement of road safety.

SBGAM are entirely voluntary, preparing candidates for the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test.  We have an active membership who enjoy safe driving, and partake in a number of social activities throughout the year

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Don't be gone with the wind

This week’s tips, from the IAM’s director of standards, Mark Lewis are advising motorists on how to cope with driving in high winds. Keep up-to-date with our latest tips and ensure your winter drive is a smooth one.

  1. Plan your journey beforehand and check for any travel disruptions that may affect you. If you can, avoid driving through country roads which are more likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris.
  2. Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning an overtake.
  3. Remember to give vulnerable road users including, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
  4. As you approach a bend ensure you are able to stop on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear - you never know what’s around the corner. If large debris is obstructing the road ahead, be prepared to make a U-turn and use another route.
  5. Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.
Driving in windy conditions can be quite challenging, so it’s important that you concentrate on the road at all times and take particular care when driving through narrow roads or over bridges. Also, keep an eye out for where you will suddenly go from a windy section of the road to a sheltered one – sudden loss of strong winds can be just as unbalancing, so be prepared.

Notes to editors:

  1. Mark Lewis is the IAM’s director of standards.
  2. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving and motorcycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 90,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving and motorcycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

 

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777
press.office@iam.org.uk

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