Don’t drive so close to me

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21 October 2011

  

Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he is advising motorists on braking properly, and how stopping distances are affected by adverse weather conditions.

 

Six of the best ways to get a grip on braking:

 

1.     Brake in a straight line where possible. Braking while going through a bend unbalances the car, so get your speed and gear right beforehand

2.     Brake smoothly. If you plan your driving and keep an eye on the traffic conditions ahead you can avoid braking harshly – in many cases you may avoid braking altogether

3.     Don’t underestimate how long it actually takes you to stop. At 30mph, you will take 23 metres or five car lengths to stop, at 50 this doubles to 53m (12 car lengths), and at 70 it takes 96m, or 21 car lengths

4.     Always leave at least two seconds between yourself and the car in front. Watch the car in front go past a lamp post or tree, and count how long it takes you to reach it

5.     As a guide, you should at least double this in the wet, and quadruple it in snow and ice

6.     For extra winter grip, consider winter tyres. These maintain grip well below that of normal tyres, which start to stiffen below 7ºc

 

Elstow said: “Braking is a skill that needs practice – do it properly and you’ll improve fuel consumption and journey times. If you prepare in time, and look further down the road, you can avoid stopping as often – for example, look ahead and plan to meet a gap in the traffic on a roundabout.” 

 

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

 

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.

 

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Notes to editors: 

1.     drivingadvice.org.uk

  1. IAM Drive & Survive is a commercial subsidiary of the IAM and promotes occupational driver skills and safety for vehicle fleets businesses. IAM Drive & Survive helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees and reduce road accidents while driving on business. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Our policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.
  2. For information about IAM Drive & Survive phone 0870 120 2910 or visit http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

 

Media contacts:

IAM Drive and Survive Press Office – 020 8996 9777

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