24 May 2012

This week Peter Rodger explains an advanced driving technique, IPSGA, to help you to drive as smoothly as possible through bends.

24 May 2012

This week Peter Rodger explains an advanced driving technique, IPSGA, to help you to drive as smoothly as possible through bends:

• Information. What’s going on around you? Check your mirrors to work out the movements of other road users.
• Position. After confirming it’s safe, take the best position for dealing with the bend. On a left-hand bend move closer to the centre line and on a right-hand bend closer to the kerb or verge, but stick to your lane. This will improve your view around the corner. 
• Speed. Adjust your speed to prepare for the corner.
• Gears. Once you’re at the right speed, select the right gear. Adjust your speed early so that you have time to separate changing speed from changing gear.
• Accelerate. Once you can see through the bend, accelerate smoothly if it is safe, bearing in mind the road conditions. Gently accelerating through a corner balances the car. If it’s slippery, hold your speed steady until you have straightened up.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Preparation is key with most things in life, and cornering safely is no exception. Changing gear or reducing speed once in the bend unbalances the car, which is at best nerve-wracking, and at worst dangerous. You’ll also make better progress through bends if you use this sequence, and can enjoy the feeling of accelerating smoothly away afterwards.”

To help drivers stay safe and enjoy their driving this summer, the IAM has a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts, and driving tips, including: driving abroad, cycling, coping with Olympic congestion, and loading the car for a long journey.

 ENDS

 Notes to editors:

1. www.drivingadvice.org.uk.

2. The IAM has launched a new website, for biking advice and tips, bikingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, touring advice by country and all you need to know about events and local groups. Tips cover riding with pillions, in groups and night riding. There’s also a videos page and you can upload your touring photos and stories - get involved at www.betterbiking.org.uk.

3. Follow us on Twitter @IAMgroup.

4. Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner

5. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling andThe 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 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. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

 ENDS ALL

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 iam.org.uk