Two years ago I started a new job which required me to travel each week as far south as Bath, as far north as Glasgow and as far east as Newcastle. This was a significant change for me and although I had always enjoyed driving, I quickly became aware that the statistical likelihood of having an accident had increased and was looking for some way to counter balance this and bring my risk back down to normal.

After getting a motorcycle licence things can sometimes spiral out of control if you are not careful; from the costs of the bike to the actual kit. The one thing that remains priceless and you do not want to risk is your life. This week’s tips give advice to new riders from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman.

What does having your driving licence mean to you? For me it represents freedom and independence; making it easy to get to the places I want or need to go to without having to deal with the restraints of public transport.

Thousands of collisions occur every year on the UK’s main roads due to objects falling from vehicles. These needless incidents cause serious delays to other road users, as on average they take 20 minutes to deal with each time – often stopping traffic for items to be removed.

Fresher’s week will start soon in full force; for many students they will be making their way off to university for the first time. For many this trip will be the furthest they have driven, and in an area they are not yet familiar with. This week’s tips give advice to students packing their bags for the big drive or ride to university from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman.