Driving Tip
Number 31
1 August 2008
Beat the Jams
The summer is here and the BBQ’s are in full swing. But all too often we end up swapping the beer garden for traffic jams, enjoying the few hours of English sunshine from the driving seat of our roasting hot cars, whilst sitting in miles of traffic.
Does this have to be the case? The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has put together a list of handy hints to help you beat the jams and get back to enjoying the British summer.
During the summer we take more day trips to the country or sea side, increasing local traffic levels. Allowing a little extra time and planning alternative routes before you set off can really help to reduce traffic jam stress.
Traffic levels tend to be lower in peak hours during summer holidays but higher during the day. Probably because more of us are are off work and travelling to airports, UK holiday destinations and attractions. This extra traffic could lead to accidents and slower moving traffic. It’s always worth checking the websites of The Highways Agency, Traffic Wales and Traffic Scotlandbefore you leave.Listening to traffic radio stations and taking note of road side information signs can also help you avoid joining a five mile long queue.
If an accident does take place, sat navs are great at establishing a new route quickly and relatively stress free, however, they are expensive and not foolproof. Keep a map in the car - that way you’ve got something to fall back on.
To avoid breaking down and being the one who causes the traffic jam, give your car the once over before you set off.Check the tyres, wiper blades and seatbelts and top up the oil, water and brake fluid.
Taking a little time to prepare for extra traffic can go a long way in reducing your journey time, enabling you to get back to enjoying the summer.
Word Count: 315
NOTES TO EDITORS
1.Issued by the IAM Press Office, telephone 020 8996 9625. We have an ISDN line for interviews.
2. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users a year (full members, associates and commercial clients) in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. IAM Fleet, the corporate arm of the IAM, has two subsidiary companies, Drive & Survive and Fleet Ireland. It also operates IAM Pro-Drive.
3. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude. The “Driving Tips” provided by the IAM are part of our broader road safety mission and not intended as a substitute for the advanced driving course.
4. In January 2007, the IAM Motoring Trust was established as the research and advocacy arm of the IAM. The IAM Motoring Trust will undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training
