Between 2000 and 2007 there were 872 road accidents resulting in fatal or serious injury caused by avoidable diesel spills. On 20 September the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) will be taking part in this year’s Kill Spills bike ride to raise awareness of the potential dangers of diesel spills.
An expected 100 motorcycles will assemble at the Ace Café at 10:30am, leave for Number 10 Downing Street at 11:00am to hand in the Kill Spills Annual Report, then ride to Peterborough via the Ace Café, arriving at the East of England Showground at 15:30pm for a Grand Finale ride around the main arena.
Dave Shenton, IAM Motorcycle Manager, said: “Diesel spills are a hidden problem which have lead to too many deaths and serious injuries. Motorists – and especially truck drivers - need to be made aware of how they could risk another person’s life by overfilling their tank or not closing their filler caps properly.
“Spills are a risk for any road user as they are usually on a bend or roundabout and makes the road surface slippery, but those on two wheels are particularly vulnerable, including motorcyclists and cyclist.”
This year is also the first year cyclists are taking part in the event.Cyclists will meet at Constitution Hill, London at 11:15am and leave for Downing Street with the Motorcyclists.
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Media Contacts
IAM Media Relations – 020 8996 9777
Dave Shenton, IAM Motorcycling Manager - 07748043718
ISDN broadcast lines available
www.iam.org.uk
Notes for Editor:
The Kill Spills campaign was formed in 2003 with the aim to reduce the number of accidents caused by diesel spills. More details on the Kill Spills campaign can be found on www.killspills.org.uk
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1. 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.
2. 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.
2. 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.
