Top parking tips

26 January 2012

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week he is advising on parking.

• Park on the left-hand side of the road if possible, and always at night.
• In a car park, try and reverse into parking spaces. It’s safer when you’re driving out and more fuel efficient as you’ll be manoeuvring with a warm engine.
• Check your mirrors and over your shoulder frequently – you need to know what’s going on around you. Don’t just rely on parking sensors.
• When looking for a parking space, don’t stop suddenly. Drive slowly past it and size it up to see if your car will fit. And if you can’t stop because you have traffic behind you, drive on. Don’t stop suddenly.
• At the supermarket, try and park away from trolley parks and corners to avoid your car being damaged by trolleys.
• Leave enough space for a large vehicle to pass your vehicle and for pedestrians to get past easily.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Parking is an essential part of driving which many people find stressful. Don’t feel pressurised by other drivers waiting for you to park – it’s important do it at a sensible pace.”

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.www.drivingadvice.org.uk.

2.Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner

3.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

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777

press.office@iam.org.uk

ISDN broadcast lines available

iam.org.uk