UK driving association launches winter weather safety focus

UK-based driving group the 5125 Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is launching its new winter driving campaign. The IAM’s winter driving campaign is intended to help motorists prepare their cars and drive them safely this winter. The campaign includes a website, %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal drivingadvice.org.uk IAM false http://www.drivingadvice.org.uk/ false false%>, 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. This campaign comes in response to winter’s more dangerous driving conditions which cause an increase in accident rates. Slippery roads (due to weather) contributed to 13,420 road casualties in 2011, and related to 79 fatalities. Rain, sleet, snow or fog was the cause of 1,786 reported road casualties in 2011. Travelling too fast for conditions was a contributing factor in 13,425 accidents in 2011. The amount of rainfall during December 2011 was 34% above the average for that time of year. 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, if there are alternatives to the roads.  When you are on the road, be prepared to slow down and take extra care, particularly on bends and roads which are open to the elements. Our winter driving campaign will provide comprehensive advice and guidance for those who do decide to travel, keeping them as safe as possible.”