We make better drivers and riders

Keep a weather eye out for the vulnerable

Blog post posted on 17/08/16 |
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Advice

With cycling proving to be a popular and convenient way to get around, it is vital to stay alert when sharing the road with vulnerable road users. Here are some tips on what to look out for in summer traffic from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

  • Be aware of cyclists and scooters and remember to check your mirrors and blind spots before moving off and turning. Expect the unexpected.
  • Junctions are the most dangerous locations for cyclists.Drivers tend to see only the biggest vehicles and miss the smaller and unprotected cyclist.
  • Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Even though you are looking for a chance to move off you should also be prepared to stop.
  • Be patient. Driving aggressively and sounding your horn can cause confusion for cyclists and lead to accidents.
  • Cyclists will always be slower than your car so keep a constant watch on your approach speed to avoid running into the back of a cyclist.
  • Give riders space when overtaking.Give at least a car’s width as you overtake.
  • Try walking in their shoes. Consider riding a bicycle for some of your own journeys to get an understanding of some of the challenges cyclists face.
  • Look out for children cycling off the pavement and on to the road.In the summer they may be playing unsupervised and when the schools recommence they may also be on unfamiliar roads to their new school.

Richard added: “With interest in cycling at an all-time high it is inevitable more riders will take to the road to emulate their Olympic heroes. Until we have more extensive cycling infrastructure, responsible and safe driving is the only way to ensure the wellbeing of all road users.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  1. Richard Gladman is IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards.
  2. IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://wwwiamroadsmart.com/local-groups

Media contacts:

Further information from:

IAM RoadSmart press office – 020 8996 9777 

press.office@iam.org.uk / www.iamroadsmart.com

ISDN broadcast lines available

Follow us:

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAMRoadSmart

On Twitter: @IAMRoadSmart 

ENDS ALL