Winter driving seminar

Road safety charity the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has introduced a winter driving seminar designed to help motorists prepare their cars and drive them safely this winter.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Nov 2012, 11:21 BST

The seminar, which is being trialled in the south east, is a response to feedback from drivers who felt challenged by winter’s more dangerous conditions,

Every year, winter causes an increase in accident rates. Figures for the south east of England show:

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Slippery roads (due to weather) contributed to nine per cent (2,253) of road casualties in this region in 2011.

Rain, sleet, snow or fog was the cause of 410 reported road casualties in 2011.

Travelling too fast for conditions was a contributing factor in 2,339 accidents in 2011.

708 reported road casualties were caused by vision being blurred by dazzling sun or dazzling headlights in 2011.

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In addition to the winter driving seminar, the IAM’s winter driving campaign includes a website, drivingadvice.org.uk, containing advice, traffic updates and weather forecasts. The IAM will also be publishing weekly news releases and driving tips in reaction to the winter weather as part of the campaign.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “The first thing you need to ask when the weather is bad is whether you need to travel, and if so, be prepared to slow down and take extra care.

“Training in areas where motorists feel most nervous on the roads will help mould more prepared, controlled, confident and ultimately, better drivers.

“Our winter driving campaign will provide comprehensive advice, guidance and training for those who do decide to travel, keeping them as safe as possible.”