Don’t drive so close to me

 21 October 2011

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britains top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. 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. Dont 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 7c

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: Braking is a skill that needs practice do it properly and youll 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.

ENDS

 Notes to editors:

1.     drivingadvice.org.uk

2.     Peter Rodger is the IAMs chief examiner

3.     The IAM is the UKs largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. 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 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

 Media contacts:

IAM Press Office 020 8996 9777

press.office@iam.org.uk

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iam.org.uk