The Gloucestershire Group

of Advanced Motorists

NEWSLETTER

Winter 2011

Disclaimer All copy submitted for inclusion in this newsletter is on the understanding that it may be edited. Views expressed may not be those of the Editor, Committee or the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Please send all items for publication to the Editor by email. A warm welcome to new members, associates and friends to the Group.

Susan Edwards Sandra Du Pont Garrett Susan Pattinson Sylvia Martin Louise Duncan Rachel Mary Abbott We wish you well with your Skill for Life training programme and your preparation for the advanced driving test. We also hope that associates will take up full membership of the Group on becoming an Advanced Driver. Congratulations to the following associates who recently passed their Advanced driving test and are now full members. Candidate Observer John Harris James Hayward Amanda Thomas Kenneth Norman Rowen Lawson John Kitchen Sylvia Johnson John Kitchen Faith Badham Peter Davies Martin Lamb Patrick Ward James Frost James Hayward Susan Pattinson John Kitchen See Saw Woods Peter Davies Congratulations to Rod Harrison who has passed his observer qualification tests. Congratulations also go to Committee members Mac and Peter. Mac has now successfully completed his Senior Observer’s pass and Peter has recently re-qualified as a Senior Observer. Congratulations, all three!!! P3

IAM test passes. What you won’t know is that James is only 18 years

for much longer, I’m afr

Acting Chairman’s Comments

ted in David’s editorial,

ommittee meeting the question was raised, “What is the e Group of Advanced Motorists?”

–from the Government’s

Observer’s pass and Peter has recently re

Editorial; Due to personal circumstances, Glenn has decided to step down from the Chairmanship of the Group. We thank him for his efforts in his time in the Chair and wish him well in his other activities. He remains a member of the Group, of course. Huge thanks also go to Phil Tebble, who has agreed to take the Chair, albeit temporarily. The Group is now looking for a more permanent Chairman or woman, so if any member feels that they would like to find out more about what is involved, do please contact a member of the Committee. Likewise, we are always looking for new Committee members to help us run the Group. You may have noticed the name of James Frost in the list of recent IAM test passes. What you won’t know is that James is only 18 years of age. We believe James to be our youngest ever test pass in the Gloucestershire group. This is, of course, unless you know better. Do let me know. It might be interesting to find our oldest test pass as well. It is said that the average age of an IAM badge holder is 55 years of age. For once in my life I am pleased to be below average!! (But not for much longer, I’m afraid.) Acting Chairman’s Comments As reported in David’s editorial, Glenn Simpson has found it necessary to resign from his position as Chairman of the Group and so I have temporarily added the duties of Acting Chairman to my other duties as Membership Secretary, Associate Coordinator and Observer! At the last Committee meeting the question was raised, “What is the aim of the Gloucestershire Group of Advanced Motorists?” For me the answer is simple - I am involved with the Group to improve road safety, particularly in Gloucestershire. As we all know, much of the publicity on road safety focuses on speed – and that nearly always means speed above the posted limit, which, from the Government’s own research, is a contributory factor in under 10% of accidents.

P4

The main cause of accidents has always been ‘Driver Error’, so further driver training can make a major contribution to reducing death and injuries on the road. The Gloucestershire Group tries to encourage driver training beyond the basic DSA learner test by the following: Promoting the IAM Skill For Life The Group tries to give the scheme as much exposure as possible and, of course, it is the Group’s observers that voluntarily give their time and expertise to assist the associates in preparing to take the IAM test. The observers devote, on average, about 10 hours of their time to on the road preparation with each candidate (10 hours with a driving instructor would cost over £200). If you wish to discuss possibly becoming an observer then please contact our Chief Observer, Peter Davies on 01242 523917. Among motorists, fatalities occur predominantly among the younger drivers, with 41% of all fatally-injured drivers being in the 17–29 age group. So the Group subsidises the cost of Skill For Life for drivers under 26 years of age. For some time we have refunded £25 of the cost when the IAM test is taken but for a limited period this refund is being increased to £40. Coupled with the ‘before-Christmas’ special offer from the IAM the cost for a 26-year-old is reduced from the usual £139 to £85. This provides the IAM driving manual, one year membership of the IAM and the Gloucestershire Group and as many drives as necessary with an Observer followed by the IAM test. Bargain! Time to enrol sons, daughters, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. A Christmas present that could save their, or someone else’s, life. Running the ‘Introduction to Advanced Driving’ course

Mike Addis, IAM examiner and group member, runs four courses each year. The courses are free and open to anyone. The Group even provides free tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes. An excellent introduction to advanced driving or a refresher course for those of us who passed the IAM test some time ago. P5

the group’s members and we particularly need younger and/or fe

as always been ‘Driver Error’,

and, of course, it is the Group’s observers that voluntarily give their

–

‘ ’

else’s, life.

Running the ‘Introduction to Advanced Driving’ course

As members or associates of the Group you can assist in improving road safety by encouraging relations, friends, work colleagues and even just acquaintances to either attend one of the Saturday courses or contact a Committee member to find out more about Skill For Life. Contact details are in the front of this newsletter. If you would like the newsletter sent to someone then please email me their name and address. Attending events to promote the aims of the Group A number of the Committee members ran a stand at the EDF Health and Safety event held from 1-3 November and we will take the opportunity to attend other events that enable us to introduce the concept of further driver training. If you are a member of a group who would like a presentation on further driving training then please contact Dennis Sutton or myself. Road Safety Committees

Group Committee members serve on Road Safety committees in Tewksbury and Cheltenham. The Committee I would like to see the Committee representing a broader spectrum of the group’s members and we particularly need younger and/or female group members to join the Committee and present their views. If anyone wants to find out what is involved, without necessarily making a firm commitment, then please phone me. Assistance would be appreciated in arranging speakers for future evening meetings. Either suggest a subject that you feel would interest the group or, even better, suggest a speaker that we can contact.

We also need someone with web-site experience to assist us in improving the group web-site. Please contact Mac McGarry. I am only taking on Acting Chairman until the next AGM in February 2012 so the Group will then require a new Chairman. P6

Steering methods On a completely different subject I was recently in the Eastern United States and an American told me that he could always tell European drivers, “Because they always have two hands on the wheel”. He said it like it was a bad thing! Motorway accident The recent appalling multiple collision on the M5 near junction 25 (Taunton) in which 7 people lost their lives and 51 were injured seems (at the time of writing on the following Sunday) to have been contributed, at least in part, to lack of visibility due to smoke from a nearby firework display. Putting aside whether a firework display should ever have been held so close to a motorway, I can’t help but consider that if drivers had kept a greater separation distance between themselves and the cars in front the level of carnage would at the very least have been reduced. M5-J25 is a junction with a short uphill slip road that means many vehicles join the motorway without matching their speed to traffic in the nearside lane which causes the motorway traffic to brake and/or switch lanes. UK drivers seem reluctant when approaching a motorway junction to move into the second lane to leave the inner lane free for joining traffic. The centre of page 67 of the IAM ‘How to be an Advanced Driver’ book covers this point. Some motorway junctions have the inner lane marked on the approach to a junction as an exit lane only and the continuation of that lane from the exit to the following entry is ‘hatched off’ to keep motorway traffic out of the inner lane and leave it free for joining traffic – a practice I would like to see implemented at many more junctions. J4 on the M40 (heading towards London) at High Wycombe is an example of a variation on this theme. The three-lane motorway is reduced to the 2 outer lanes with the previous inner lane being ‘exit at junction only’. Under the bridge the motorway stays as 2-lanes and the entering traffic has a long slightly downhill joining slip road on which to gain speed to match the motorway traffic and the slip road then becomes the inner lane of a 3-lane motorway. If you have Google Earth on your computer this junction is at 51°26’44.55”N 0°46’06.58”W, or just search for High Wycombe. P7

This Acting Chairman’s Report reads rather like an assembly of –

Also refer to page 16 of the IAM ‘How to be an Advanced Driver’ book.

drivers, “Because they always have two hands on the wheel”. He said

should ever have been held so close to a motorway, I can’t help but

the IAM ‘How to be an Advanced Driver’ book covers this point. Some

exit to the following entry is ‘hatched off’ to keep motorway traffic out –

outer lanes with the previous inner lane being ‘exit at junction only’.

computer this junction is at 51°26’44.55”N 0°46’06.58”W, or just

This Acting Chairman’s Report reads rather like an assembly of random thoughts – which is just what it is, as my preparation time was curtailed by the heavy rain on 3rd November overcoming the drains opposite my house and the resulting deluge crossing our drive and entering the property via the front door. My wife and I are now living mostly upstairs. As the house/contents insurance policy is via the IAM Surety scheme I will let you know how our claim is handled. I would also be interested in hearing of the experiences of anyone who has claimed on a car insurance policy arranged via the IAM scheme.

The group is always mindful of the contribution made by the voluntary observers and a special mention is deserved of both John Kitchen and Peter Davies who have, during 2011, prepared 5 associates each in successfully passing the IAM test.

Phil Tebble Acting Chairman ******************************

QUESTIONS FOR ADVANCED DRIVERS If you have passed the IAM test please ask yourself the following questions. 1 Do I still drive to the IAM Planned System of Driving (If not, why not?) 2 Can I name the 5 phases of The System (if not then the answer to 1 was No 3 Can I explain the 5 phases of The System (if not then the answer to 1 was No?) If you answered No to any of the three questions you may benefit from an Assessment Drive to assist you in bringing your driving back up to the IAM standard. For further details please contact Peter Davies, Chief Observer. Also refer to page 16 of the IAM ‘How to be an Advanced Driver’ book. Answers (should you need them) are at the bottom of p19.

P8

Group Membership Renewal for 2012 Enclosed with this newsletter there may be a Renewal Form for the £10 subscription for your Group membership for 2012 which is due on 1st January 2012. There has been no increase in the subscription. The Committee thanks those who supported the Group last year and hopes that you will continue to do so. We also thank those members who, in addition to their subscription, also gave an additional donation to Group funds. The £10 subscription for membership of the Gloucestershire Group is entirely separate from the fee for membership of the national IAM. The IAM fee is collected directly by the IAM on the anniversary of your IAM test pass date. IAM headquarters will contact you when the IAM membership fee is due – please keep the IAM (and the Group) updated with any change of address. The Group subscription is only required from full members, i.e., those who have passed their IAM test. Associates are NOT required to pay until the year following the year in which the IAM test is passed. So if an Associate passed the IAM test (and hence became a full member) during 2011 they will be asked for their first Group subscription now to remain members of the Group for next year (2012). Please complete the Renewal Form (if one is enclosed) and return to the Treasurer’s address at the bottom of the form – not to me. If you have any queries please contact me as shown below. You may pay be cheque or by direct bank transfer – the Group’s bank account details are on the Renewal Form. However, if paying by bank transfer, our Treasurer asks that you do not do so until after 1st January 2012. To be a member of the Gloucestershire Group it is necessary to also be a IAM national member. However, if a member of the Gloucestershire Group decides not to renewal their national IAM membership they can, if they so wish, retain all their ties to the Gloucestershire Group by becoming a Group Friend – the annual P9

write ‘Friend’ in

–

–

’s address at the bottom of –

– the Group’s bank account

–

subscription is also £10 .If paying your subscription as a Friend please write ‘Friend’ in the space for the IAM membership number.

The form has a section regarding Gift Aid. The Gift Aid scheme allows the Group to gain extra funds, at no cost to you, by claiming back the standard rate of tax (currently 20%) on the subscription and also on any donation. This increases Group funds by £2.50 for each eligible subscription (if the member earns £12.50 then £10 is left after 20% tax has been paid, so the £2.50 tax can be claimed back by the Group) If you are a tax payer and have not previously completed this section of the Renewal Form please consider doing so. We thank the large proportion of the members who have previously signed-up for the scheme. Please contact the Treasurer if you have previously signed the declaration but no longer pay UK Income Tax or wish to cancel the arrangement. Phil Tebble Membership Secretary membership@glosiam.org 01453 885779 ****************************************************************************

As from 19th September there has been a new number telephone number for NON- emergency calls to the Gloucestershire Constabulary – 101. These calls are charged at 15p per call irrespective of the length of the call or whether it was placed from a land-line or mobile phone. By the end of 2012 all UK police forces will be using 101. The old 0845 090 1234 number will remain active until March 2012. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers can use text reply on 18001 101. In a real emergency 999 should still be used. P10

Phil has noticed an error in an article he wrote in the last issue of the Newsletter. He writes.... Correction to Drink-Driving article on page 24 of the July 2011 Newsletter. As you may have noticed the formula given for the number of units of alcohol in a drink was incorrect. The amount of drink should be in litres NOT millilitres (or, alternatively, ml/1000). There was also no mention of spirits so here is a little extra information. A standard bottle of spirits is 700ml (0.7 litre) and 40% alcohol. A standard pub measure of spirit is 25ml so 28 servings from a standard bottle and each measure is 1 unit of alcohol (25/1000 x 40 = 1). However, very few people having a drink of spirits at home only pour a single measure; a double or treble is more likely. A friend of mine says he only has one whisky a night, but further conversation reveals he buys a bottle a week; so he is pouring quadruple measures! ******************************************************************************* Useful web-sites http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/Driversandriders/index.htm The Highway Code on-line http://www.wheresthepath.com/index.htm OS maps for walkers. Can add your own routes and print out maps. Only allows a certain number of users each day to print maps so better visited in the morning. http://www.wiperblades.co.uk/search/?brand=wiper%20blades To purchase the latest type of flat ‘AeroBlade’ windscreen wipers to fit standard hook-ended arms. Free delivery. Also sell standard type wiper blades P11

To purchase the latest type of flat ‘AeroBlade’ windscreen wipers to fit

The following table makes interesting reading.

Country Unleaded 95 petrol Diesel price per litre

Austria 1.35 1.31

Belgium 1.44 1.30

Czech Rep 1.32 1.32

Denmark 1.47 1.34

France 1.48 1.30

Germany 1.49 1.36

Greece 1.59 1.40

Hungary 1.19 1.18

Ireland 1.50 1.43

Italy 1.63 1.52

Latvia 1.24 1.24

Luxembourg 1.32 1.18

Netherlands 1.55 1.32

Norway 1.78 1.65

Poland 1.22 1.20

Portugal 1.50 1.35

Slovakia 1.46 1.35

Slovenia 1.31 1.24

Spain 1.33 1.25

Sweden 1.48 1.53

Switzerland 1.38 1.40

United

Kingdom

1.58 1.62

Prices in Euros as on 4th October 2011 Stats provided by http://www.drive-alive.co.uk/fuel_prices_europe.html Updated approx every 2 months. Thanks to Phil for this info.

P12

Some (random) thoughts on fuel consumption As this article was initially prepared in April 2011 I assumed a fuel price of £1.50/litre – let us hope I was being unduly pessimistic! I have also assumed that the car owner used as an example drives 10,000 miles per annum; although I suspect many Gloucestershire Group members travel less than this. It is rarely worth changing the car just to obtain higher mpg. As an example, changing from a car giving 40mpg to one that yields 50mpg saves £340/year. Changing from 35mpg to 45mpg saves £435/year. These savings are, of course, proportionally reduced if the annual mileage is less than 10,000 miles. Compare these savings with the cost of replacing an existing car with another and fuel consumption becomes insignificant, particularly if purchasing a new car rather than a used car. In general diesel cars cost £1,000+ more than the equivalent petrol model of the same car, so (allowing for the higher cost, in the UK, of diesel fuel over petrol) it will take 3+ years (even at 10,000 miles/year) to recoup the initial extra cost. Of course, at 5,000 miles/annum it would take 6 years. Lower mileage drivers should also factor in that many modern diesels do not respond well to only covering short journeys as the DPF (Diesel Particle Filter) relies on high temperatures in the exhaust system to remove the carbon particles from the exhaust gases. Without the journey length at higher speeds necessary for the exhaust system to reach the required high temperatures the filter will become blocked and will need attention or even replacement (an expensive item, over £1,000 for some cars). Many drivers (including me) also feel that the driving experience with a petrol engine is better than with a diesel, although this is a personal thing. Very few cars will actually achieve the mpg quoted by the manufacturer. In September 2009 a test by a car magazine on 26 cars of various types found that 21 of the cars tested used between 6½% and 28½% more fuel than claimed by the manufacture. In general cars with small engines showed the largest differential between claimed and actual mpg. Only 2 cars bettered the mpg

–

reflect ‘real world’ driving. The tests are not carried out on the road

–

–

quoted by the manufacturers – the then current Ford Focus ST (with a 2.5 litre turbo-charged 225hp engine) at +3% and the Citroen Picasso 1.6HDi diesel at +1.3%. It is not that the manufactures are deliberately misleading car purchasers but rather that the format of the standard mpg tests do not reflect ‘real world’ driving. The tests are not carried out on the road but with the cars stationery on rollers and the engine is thoroughly warmed up before each of the tests begins. The ambient temperature during the test is held at 20-30°C; certainly not representative of most of the year in the UK. The maximum speed used in the tests is 56mph. A typical 1.4 super-mini hatchback (Corsa, Clio, 207, etc.) is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in around 11-13 seconds, although tests have shown that most drives will take 20-25 seconds; but the mpg tests allows 50 seconds which is way, way slower than any normal driver. As the tests do not include ascending hills or driving at motorway/dual-carriageway speeds smaller-engined cars in particular return an mpg figure which cannot be replicated with real road and traffic conditions. The drivers running the cars in these tests have also been specially trained to achieve the maximum possible mpg. Although car engines are becoming more efficient cars are also becoming heavier. The Peugeot 207 is 4.03 metres long and weighs 1.2-1.3 tons depending on version. This is 25% more than the 4.5 metre 1985 Ford Sierra estate (1.05 tons). This extra weigh provides a stronger, safer car with more equipment (air-con, sound-proofing, etc.) but does adversely affect fuel consumption, particularly when climbing hills. In the magazine tests the Toyota Prius hybrid petrol/battery car recorded 56.3mpg against a claimed 70.8mpg – a drop of 20% but still impressive for a car of that size. I would be interested to hear from any Prius owner who can supply accurately measured real-world fuel consumption figures. However, note that a number of similarly sized diesel cars can provide similar performance and mpg but are cheaper to buy. For the eco-minded among our readers it should be noted that if a car consumes more fuel than the official figure then it is also produces a higher level of CO2.

So how do we gain improved mpg? In many cases consider avoiding the smallest engine option? This is particularly true if you live in a hilly area (Gloucestershire!) or do much driving on NSL roads/dual-carriageways/motorways. Some manufacturers have acknowledged that the smallest engine can be an uneconomical choice and no longer offer what was the least powerful engine (the Peugeot 206 was available with a 1.1-litre engine but the smallest engine supplied in the 207 is 1.4). Many car manufacturers are now ‘down-sizing’ the petrol engines they fit to their cars by utilising turbo-chargers. For example replacing 2.0-litre engines by 1.6 turbos, or 1.6 by 1.4 turbo, etc. I have recently replaced my wife’s 11-year-old 1.4-litre car with a Renault Clio that has a 1156cc turbo-charged engine that gives more power than the 1.4 it replaces and has the torque of a 1.6; yet better mpg and lower CO2 emissions than the latest basic 1.2 engine. Although turbos were once seen as more suitable for ‘sports’ cars the introduction of low-pressure turbos designed to improve the efficiency of an engine (not just its power) has seen the use of turbos escalate with VAG (Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat), Vauxhall, Renault, Fiat and Ford amongst the manufacturers announcing such engines being fitted into their mid-sized and smaller family cars. A smaller turbo-charged engine is particularly effective in a car that is used for a mixture of town and higher-speed road driving. Some manufacturers are particularly adept at producing fuel efficient petrol and diesel-engined cars with low CO2 emissions – BMW being a prime example. I would like to hear your views on any of the above, particularly if you disagree; either via the editor or to me directly. Phil Tebble Membership Secretary P15

The final instalment of Chris Gilbert’s article ‘Pull ’

John’s view. I admit I did have a number of hair

is often said ‘if it looks right, it is right.’

where necessary, particularly if Sir John’s theories were proven

Many car manufacturers are now ‘down sizing’ the petrol engines they

replaced my wife’s 11

once seen as more suitable for ‘sports’ cars the introduction of low

–

The final instalment of Chris Gilbert’s article ‘Pull-Push is best’ Hair Raising Moments

My steering experiences during 22 years of employment at Hendon are opposed to Sir John’s view. I admit I did have a number of hair raising experiences travelling at high speed on slippery roads but only when a student deviated from the pull- push method. This often unsettled the balance of the car causing the student to stiffen, grip the wheel tighter and make the situation worse. I found pull-push to be far more accurate and a smoother action than hand over hand steering. It is often said ‘if it looks right, it is right.’ Pull-push looks right. Hand over hand looks very awkward and clumsy.

In 1989-93 I was a member of the Home Office Working Party investigating driving techniques for possible changes to and entry into Roadcraft. We opened ourselves up to change and invited all driving experts to have their input.

To give an example: Mr K Bamford, a Physics School Master from a Yorkshire Grammar School wrote in and told us there was no such thing as centrifugal force acting upon a car in a bend. We bowed to his better knowledge and changed Roadcraft. We invited Sir John Whitmore to Hendon to discuss his views on steering. We gave him the opportunity to convince us hand over hand was better than pull-push. We were open to suggestion, looking to make positive change where necessary, particularly if Sir John’s theories were proven correct.

I spent the day with Sir John along with Mr Colin Urqhart the Chief Civilian Instructor at the time. We spent most of the morning discussing Roadcraft and steering. We then gave Sir John the opportunity to demonstrate his steering technique on the skid pan. All I am prepared to say is Sir John was unable to display his preferred method of steering to any advantage. The skid pan instructor using pull-push had far better control than Sir John. At the start of the day we were open to suggestion, by its end we were left unimpressed, in no way convinced, that hand over hand steering was better or the equal of pull-push.

P16

Sir John stated he had no issues with Roadcraft, other than those around steering concepts. His demonstration had only served us to differ.

Police Steering in the United States.

In 1986 I visited the Los Angeles Police Driver Training Facility, then situated at Pomona to compare police driver training methods. There, I met Sergeant William Smith Jr. Bill told me that due to a high number of police collisions, attributed to hand over hand steering The LAPD had, in 1971, implemented a change of steering method to what he called shuffle steering.

It soon became apparent to me that shuffle steering was their name for our pull-push. This change of steering had reduced the number collisions significantly and as a result shuffle steering was implemented throughout California, including The Sheriffs Dept, Highway Patrol and State Troopers

Bill has now retired from the LAPD and he now works for a company who train police officers in pursuit driving on a simulator. Bill writes pursuit scenarios and also travels throughout the whole of the U.S. training police drivers.

I decided a few days ago to contact Bill to ask him what was happening now in the US with regards to pull-push or shuffle steering.

Here is his reply.

‘Hi Chris, LAPD was teaching shuffle steering when I took over the Unit in 1971. All academies in California (38+) teach shuffle steering. In my travels throughout the USA I find all police departments indicate they teach a shuffle or pull push as you call it. It is almost nationwide. We now realise how dangerous it is to cross hands on the steering wheel, even in an emergency.

Bill also said he would be quite happy to travel to the UK to discuss steering with Sir John, at Sir John’s expense of course.

P17

to a quarter to three (dependent upon the specific car’s steering wheel

‘Hi Chris, LAPD was teaching shuffle steering when I took over the

steering with Sir John, at Sir John’s expense of course

Conclusion

I believe I have proven the case for pull-push steering even without consideration to the air bag problem. I also believe there is overwhelming evidence from the US that at low speeds and even in non urgent situations, air bag deployment when the arms are over the Airbag Module Cover can have serious or even fatal consequences. I think the case for pull-push is even stronger than previously, but I am not surprised by that. I additionally feel, given all this undeniable evidence, ADIs MUST always teach pull push steering, and never allow a pupil to steer hand over hand under any circumstances

Consideration must also be given to implementing a change from 10-2 to a quarter to three (dependent upon the specific car’s steering wheel configuration), thus preventing arms being positioned over the Air Bag Module Cover. Under Health and Safety, an ADI can then never be accused of teaching unsafe steering practices and resulting injuries will be minimal if not wholly prevented.

Chris Gilbert.

www.driving4tomorrow.com

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Committee Elections You will have received notice of the AGM with this newsletter. We wish to draw your attention to the elections. The committee is seeking nominations for Chair and Secretary in advance of the AGM. In addition two committee members are standing down. We ask that members consider serving on the committee or if they know of a fellow member whom they would like to nominate. Any of the current members would be very happy to give you an idea of what is involved.

Dennis Sutton. Secretary to the Group P18

Chief Observer’s report

On 12th September we held a Group Observers’’ meeting in the usual meeting room at the Churchdown Community Centre. The plan was; instead of a fixed agenda we would encourage open discussion on matters of Observing, related Group activities, IAM codes of practice and IAM recommendations. Ten Observers attended and discussions were both productive and lively during which we learned quite a bit about each other and gained ideas which will assist future productivity. We also agreed upon certain rules related to our own codes of practice and particular concerns with communication. We plan to have further meetings using the same or similar format. It is most useful to have the assistance of another Senior Observer within the Group. Mac McGarry, having achieved this qualification is taking an active role in plans for the future. All Groups have recently received an Observer Qualification Consultation Document about which IAM House have requested a reply by sometime in early January 2012. Mac, Phil and Peter have made a date to collate our own ideas and by the time this newsletter is published we intend to be in a position, on behalf of the Group, to fulfil the request. I do thank all our active Observers for their sterling work and their support to the Group during the year.

Peter ******************************

The IAM Planned System of Driving (see p8)

INFORMATION POSITION SPEED GEAR ACCELERATION

The Information phase is ongoing throughout the following phases. P19

September saw another ‘Day with Mike Addis’. A

anecdotes and Mike’s entertaining delivery ensured a thoroughly

ded ‘Driving automatics as opposed to automatic driving’, ‘action is quicker than reaction’. Mike also

‘My son’ to which Mike

‘Why not?’.

’s report

September we held a Group Observers’’ meeting in the usual

Saturday 3rd September saw another ‘Day with Mike Addis’. A splendidly entertaining day with Mike taking us through some of the finer points of Advanced Driving. Updated visual material, new anecdotes and Mike’s entertaining delivery ensured a thoroughly rewarding day for all. Among the audience were 14 members, 7 associates and 4 others.

Some of the highlights included ‘Driving automatics as opposed to automatic driving’, ‘action is quicker than reaction’. Mike also answered questions from the audience, including ‘My son-in-law says I must not change gear from 5th directly into 2nd’ to which Mike answered briefly and succinctly, ‘Why not?’.

He also spoke on the subject of how to react to blue flashing lights of an emergency vehicle. As a follow up, he has sent me the following link, which will take you to a page on the IAM website that deals with this issue.

http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk/media-centre/driving-tips/136-in-case-of-emergency-keep-calm P20

The 5th November was the last ‘Saturday with Mike Addis’ for the year at which a mixed bunch of twelve attended, comprising members, who wished to refresh their knowledge of Advanced Driving, associates, taking the benefit of assisting preparation for the Advanced driving Test, and a few others, testing the water and learning about the benefits of practicing, I A M a Better driver. As usual, owing to Mike’s excellent delivery, it is certain that everyone achieved their objective and, by the end of the day, none were disappointed.

We propose a big Thank-You to Mike for all of the Course Days during 2011. Note that the course dates for 2012 can be found on p25 in this edition and please also note that attendance on each or all of these days is quite free to members, associate members, and anyone else who would like to discover better driving. Non-drivers as well as drivers, the young and not so young and all those in between; all are invited. Put the word around, encourage as many as you can, remember that our room will seat eighty persons and if there are more then we will find a larger room.

P21

November was the last ‘Saturday with Mike Addis’ for the ye

a Better driver. As usual, owing to Mike’s

Doctor Dennis Sutton Dennis was elected Group Secretary in February 2008. As the Chairman at that time was the Acting Secretary, Dennis jumped-in with both feet and duly wrote the minutes of that meeting. Since then he has continued to work tirelessly for the group. Agendas, minutes and reports have always been prepared accurately, and promptly. Dennis has practiced a keen involvement with the group, assuming an active role in leading many of our activities. Some of our best ideas have come from Dennis. In fact, it is true to say that he has been the best Secretary since I have been a member and, not wishing to slight anyone, boldly I declare that Dennis is among the best Secretaries the Gloucestershire Group has ever had. Although, sadly for us, he has decided not to seek re-election at the AGM in February next, we should be grateful for the time Dennis has given to IAM and the group. I am pleased to note that he has promised his intention of remaining a member of both and will continue to support general meetings when possible. I also note that Dennis serves on four other committees on one of which he is Chairman. I know that he is a keen gardener, both at home and with an allotment, however, even with such a busy schedule Dennis has always found lots of time for us. He recently wrote that he will give full help to his successor and I know that Dennis can be relied upon for this. From knowing Dennis I would like to mention a bonus additional to all of the others. His wife, Sylvia is an accomplished artist and some of her work is made into the most beautifully attractive greetings cards of the sort that one would always keep, I have always kept mine. I say, from all of us; Thank you Sylvia and Dennis. Peter

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Sparrow Crane Hire On Thursday 17th November Alan Fern from Sparrow Crane Hire, based in Keynsham, attended the evening meeting to enlighten his audience on what can go wrong when using large cranes and how to plan to prevent such occurrences. Alan showed a number of videos and photographs that illustrated accidents involving cranes and the possible aftermath. A few of the slides were rather gruesome as they showed persons who had been killed in crane accidents, but established that poor planning can have fatal consequences for the crane driver, helpers or bystanders. Alan used the example of lifting an air-conditioning unit onto the roof of a building to illustrate the pre-planning required before a lift is carried out. He handed out various diagrams and work sheets and then led us through the stages of calculating and evaluating all aspects of the lift. The end result being to arrive at the size of crane and counterbalance necessary, the lifting gear required and the correct position for the crane. The photo is of us all checking out the weight and position of the crane before it can even think of lifting anything. Made us all think!!

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role models so let’s

The details of the exercise he gave us were to lift 6.4 tonnes of air conditioning unit on to the top of an office block. After all the calculations which included the lift angle above the building the total height plus chains plus the weight of the lifting block plus the reach, the final outcome was that a 160 tonne crane with a boom length of 59.1 metres was required. His audience participation turned an education into a real eye opener as to what is really involved and what seemed to be on the face of it a simple lift. Alan concluded by describing the safety features now fitted to cranes to prevent use outside of the safety limits.

*********************************** Out of the Mouths of Babes and Sucklings Continental Tyres asked 1,000 children aged between 4 and 16 to report what they witnessed and to say how they felt about their parents’ driving. Nearly two-thirds (63%) said that their parents are aggressive drivers or that they are embarrassed by mum and dad’s driving. Three-quarters of the children said that the adults frequently shout at other road users and one in five has reported seeing the use of a mobile phone while driving. Forty per cent of youngsters get upset when a parent loses it behind the wheel and poor driving skills prompted 22 per cent of children to slump-down in their seats to try to hide. One in five have told their elders to take steps to improve their driving, although it is reported that 14 per cent were too scared to mention their feelings. However, Tim Bailey, safety specialist for Continental Tyres, said that parents are normally very aware of the need to be role models so let’s hope that the results of this survey will remind them of the need to continue this care when getting behind the wheel. Peter recommends that IAM Skill for Life leaflets be available in schools, churches and other public places. Peter

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Dates for your Diary Evening meetings are in the Purple Room at Churchdown Community Centre in Parton Road. They begin at 7.30pm; entry is free to anyone as is tea, coffee and cakes served during the evening. The doors will be open at 7pm, bring a friend or friends. Remember all are welcome.

Speakers have been arranged for the following dates. Details will follow; Evening meetings 16 February - Group Annual General Meeting 15 March 31 May 19 July 17 September (Monday) at 8pm 15 November Saturday Driving courses – ‘A Day with Mike Addis’ 11 February 26 May 1 September 3 November (All in Purple room) All dates, starting times and other details are correct at the time of going to press. Please visit the Group Website at www.iam.org.uk for confirmation of these details. Course days are from 10am to 4pm. The course is designed for advanced drivers, associates, observers and anyone else, interested in improving their driving skills. Attendance is free, but please let us know you are coming. The theory course days are at Churchown Community Centre. Starting at 10am, there will be a mid-morning break for coffee, tea and cakes and lunch break is between 1pm and 2pm. We normally close between 3.30 and 4pm. P25

them ‘for publication’

– ‘A Day with Mike Addis’

Entry is free. Why not come along and bring a friend or friends!

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Directions to the Community Centre: From Cheltenham take the B4063, Cheltenham Road, turn left at traffic lights after Staverton Airfield and the factories into Parton Road. Follow the road for about half a mile where the Centre will be on the right. Churchdown can also be approached from the A46 by turning into Badgeworth Lane at Shurdington. After that follow the road signs to Churchdown. From Gloucester take the B4063 at Elbridge Court roundabout, turn right at the second set of lights into Parton Road and follow the road or about half a mile where the Centre will be on the right.

******************* Many thanks to all contributors to this issue. The next edition will focus on Motor Insurance. Please send any thoughts, ideas, photographs, suggestions, or other items to David. Please mark them ‘for publication’ Merry Christmas to all our readers. See you next time. David.

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