Category Archives: IAM

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“I wouldn’t be alive today without my air jacket”

“I wouldn’t be alive today without my air jacket”: how axing VAT from a remarkable item of safety kit could save the lives of thousands of motorcyclists.

The remarkable story of a motorcyclist, whose life was saved by an air jacket, is being hailed by the UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, as a reason why the item should be granted a zero per cent VAT rating to make them more affordable to riders, and help reduce the disproportionate risks of death and injury that motorcyclists face.

Motorcyclists account for 13 per cent of casualties and 20 per cent of deaths on Britain’s roads, despite only making up between 1 and 3 per cent of road users.* And when 51-year-old Lee Vigor, a Development Test Rider from Nuneaton, collided with a vehicle at over 50 miles per hour on the A429 from Stow-on-the-Wold to Moreton-in-Marsh, he could have easily added to the tragic casualty statistics.

Fortunately, Lee was wearing an air jacket, an item of personal protective equipment (PPE) which inflates in a fraction of a second after a rider falls from a motorcycle, and offers more than 50 times the protection of standard back protectors.

Following a collision with the vehicle, Lee was rushed to hospital with leg and hip injuries, but owing to his air jacket, his torso and back remained unharmed. In fact, when the staff at the hospital put Lee through the MRI machine, they did so five times, as they could not believe that there were no major injuries to the areas the air jacket had protected.

Lee commented: “For me there is no doubt that without my air jacket, I wouldn’t be alive today. The injuries I sustained to my leg and hip were significant, but I am incredibly grateful that my back and my internal organs were protected by my air jacket – something that I had only been wearing for two years prior. You hope you never have to need it, but I now see an air jacket as an essential piece of kit for anyone who rides a motorcycle.”

And yet despite its profound safety benefits, market analysis conducted by one of the UK’s leading air jacket distributors, Helite UK, has revealed that, of the 1.4 million UK motorcyclists who ride regularly, as little as 1-in-25 motorcyclists actually own an air jacket. This comes after motorcycle usage has risen by 4 per cent in recent years, meaning that potentially thousands more new riders are not being protected.*

IAM RoadSmart attributes financial cost as one of the main reasons why so few motorcyclists have purchased an air jacket. Research commissioned by the charity discovered that, of over 500 motorcyclists surveyed, nearly two thirds (64 per cent) stated that the cost has prevented them from purchasing safety wear.

Meanwhile, another question contained in the same survey, which generated over 2,000 responses from both car and motorcycle drivers, found that 70 per cent thought that the government should make PPE more affordable for motorcyclists. IAM RoadSmart believes that this could be achieved by bringing air jackets in line with the zero per cent VAT rating on other items, such as helmets.

Antony Kildare, CEO at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Lee’s story is an astonishing one, and it is amazing to see that he has lived to tell the tale. The fact that he survived a high-speed incident highlights the potential air jackets possess in saving riders from crashes that would have otherwise led to a tragic death or life-changing injuries.

“IAM RoadSmart wants air jackets to become a fundamental part of motorcyclists’ safety wear, just as much as a helmet or gloves, but if our research is anything to go by, cost is preventing most from accessing this potentially life-saving equipment.

“When you consider that zero per cent VAT has long applied to helmets, we see no good reason why this cannot also be applied to air jackets, and this will surely make the product more accessible to the wider motorcycling community. This is especially the case when air jackets can be worn again and again, and can last for years, even after a collision.”

Peter Riley, Managing Director at air jacket distributor, Helite UK, added: “Lee is just one of our valued customers who has told us that an air jacket saved his life, and we are pleased that his story is being shared to raise awareness about the benefits of this type of safety wear.

“We are proud to stand with IAM RoadSmart to call on the government to make safety wear more financially accessible. This cost would surely outweigh the millions the NHS spends every year treating motorcyclists who have been injured.”

Lee concluded: “The beauty of motorcycling is freedom to choose how you travel – and we need to make the option of being as safe as possible an easier choice to make.”

To learn more about IAM RoadSmart’s motorcycle campaign, recognising them as vulnerable road users, visit here https://www.iamroadsmart.com/research-and-policy/motorcycle-safety-campaigning-for-change.

*Motorcycling and the Future of Transport, NMC, MCIA – February 2023

IAM, Industry News

The gig issue… delivery companies urged to do more to protect safety of motorcyclists

The UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is urging food delivery companies that employ gig workers who ride motorcycles, such as Deliveroo and Just Eat, to introduce stronger measures to protect their safety, particularly in challenging weather and road conditions.

This comes after research commissioned by the charity discovered that many Brits believe it is unsafe for motorcyclists to deliver food items in dangerous conditions, such as bad weather, but this doesn’t stop many from placing their orders regardless.

Indeed, around two-thirds (65 per cent) of over 2,000 motorists surveyed thought that it was unsafe for riders to work in snowy weather conditions, and yet only 46 per cent expressed discomfort in actually ordering food in such conditions.

Similarly, 63 per cent of respondents said that it is unsafe for motorcyclists to deliver food when there is poor visibility, such as fog, but only 45 per cent stated that they would feel uncomfortable ordering food when it is foggy outside.

Almost half (48 per cent) of those surveyed deemed rain as another condition that was unsafe for motorcyclists to deliver food in. However, only 34 per cent declared that they would feel uncomfortable requesting a delivery from a motorcyclist on such occasions.

The survey follows concerning research findings* from leading behavioural scientist and transport safety expert at University College London (UCL), Professor Nicola Christie. Her research collected testimonies from those who ride a motorcycle for deliveries, both as an employee and as a member of the gig economy (who are effectively independent contractors).

The study showed that those in the gig economy are not always offered the same protection as employees, in terms of suitable rest periods, risk assessments, appropriate routes for their level of training or access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Due to the pressure of meeting customer demands and delivery platform targets, the riders are often incentivised to work long hours, and offered more money to go out in adverse conditions when demand might be higher – conditions which can heighten the risk of collisions for motorcyclists, who are already more at risk.

Professor Nicola Christie said: “Our interviews with riders confirm some of the biggest concerns around the gig economy.  It is clear that there is a growing food delivery industry that offers opportunity to work on a flexible basis. However, this flexibility should not come at the cost of safety. IAM RoadSmart’s survey highlights the risks of this type of work, in that the customer’s convenience is often given priority over the rider’s wellbeing.

“While we look at the sustainability and ethics of how other goods and services are provided, we appear to be missing this in the gig economy. There is an opportunity for the delivery platform companies to take the lead in addressing this issue and put systems in place to protect those out on the road representing their brand.”

One suggestion of how to address this issue is to ensure there is financial support to increase safety provisions, such as additional PPE and advanced training, so the gig economy can potentially move away from higher prices in poor weather that incentivise taking on riskier jobs. IAM RoadSmart’s survey also found that there is an appetite for this kind of support, with almost half (48 per cent) of respondents voicing that they would be prepared to pay more for their deliveries if companies signed up to an ethical standard to help improve safety conditions for its riders.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “It is a tough gig to deliver food on our busy shared streets, and with companies taking varied and inconsistent approaches to safety, Professor Christie’s research demonstrates how there are gaps in the protection offered for gig riders compared to a traditional employed delivery rider.

“Although the public are aware of the risks delivery riders in the gig economy face, this does not appear to have dampened demand. However, nearly half of our respondents are prepared to pay more to enhance safety conditions, which could remove the link between higher income for riskier jobs.  Our survey proves that many consumers don’t just want a quick meal delivered to their door, but they also want it delivered in an ethical manner which fully considers the safety of the rider.

“We know this is just one potential solution – but there is much more that could be done, and we want to work with delivery companies to help set a safety standard that works for all: the companies, the customers and the riders.

“If we can have the conversation around appropriate training, PPE, working conditions and pay, together we can help develop a model that allows the industry to continue successfully and safely, and ultimately see less motorcyclists put at risk on our roads.”

The charity recently launched a campaign, in alliance with six bodies from across the industry, to recognise riders as vulnerable road users. For more information visit https://www.iamroadsmart.com/research-and-policy/motorcycle-safety-campaigning-for-change

*Delivering hot food on motorcycles: A mixed method study of the impact of business model on rider behaviour and safety, Professor Nicola Christie

IAM, Industry News, Latest News

IAM RoadSmart’s Skills Days are back for 2022!

IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, has today (Monday 6th December) announced the dates for its 2022 programme of Skills Days, which allow drivers and motorcyclists the chance to learn valuable handling skills from qualified instructors while driving their own cars or riding their own motorcycles on a race circuit.

We have 17 events taking place across three circuits at Thruxton in Hampshire, Mallory Park in Leicestershire and Croft in Darlington during the summer and autumn. The sessions are open to both IAM RoadSmart members and the general public (non-members) and allow attendees a rare chance to learn about handling and precision driving and riding on a race circuit, and to develop new skills that will help ensure both safety and enjoyment on public roads.

Drivers and riders will either work one-to-one with an instructor, or as part of a small group, and will be given the opportunity to fully understand what their car or motorcycle is capable of.

Attendees will have the chance to develop new skills in the following areas:

Information – vision and lines, head up – eyes on main beam

Position and steering – how vehicle position/steering affects control

Speed – brake smoothly and progressively

Gear – be in a responsive gear for the circumstances

Acceleration – throttle control, plan to be on a positive throttle in bends

The 2022 schedule for Skills Days is as follows:

April

  • Tuesday 12th April – Mallory Park – Motorcycle
  • Monday 25th April – Thruxton – Car
  • Tuesday 26th April – Thruxton – Motorcycle

May

  • Monday 16th May – Thruxton – Motorcycle
  • Tuesday 31st May -Thruxton – Motorcycle

June

  • Monday 13th June – Thruxton – Car
  • Tuesday 14th June – Thruxton – Motorcycle
  • Wednesday 29th June – Croft – Car
  • Thursday 30th June – Croft – Motorcycle

July

  • Tuesday 5th July – Mallory Park – Motorcycle – Ladies Day
  • Monday 11th July – Thruxton – Car
  • Tuesday 12th July – Thruxton – Motorcycle

September

  • Monday 5th September – Thruxton – Car
  • Tuesday 6th September – Thruxton – Motorcycle
  • Tuesday 20th September – Mallory Park – Motorcycle
  • Monday 26th September – Thruxton – Motorcycle

IAM RoadSmart Motorcycle Skills Days are £165 each (full day), Car Skills Days £150 each (half day).

Shaun Cronin, Regional Service Delivery Team Manager (Southern) who is a driving force behind the days said: “These are hugely popular events because both riders and drivers really do get the chance to put their skills to the test and learn and improve key techniques.

Everybody gets to learn things. Last year, we had a rider who picked up tips that he claimed saved his life on the way home. For the drivers, we have many non-members signing up post the events as it gives them a taster of skills that will really enhance their enjoyment and performance on a day-to-day basis.

Our Skills Days really do provide drivers and motorcycle riders an opportunity to fully discover what their car or bike is capable of. These events are practical learning experiences, but they go away with everyday tips from experts within a racing circuit environment.

“Our Skills Days sell out fast as they’re the perfect chance to combine the art and fun of driving and riding as well as develop important new safety skills. It’s no surprise they’re so popular with both experienced and highly knowledgeable IAM RoadSmart members, and those have yet to start out on their advanced learning journey.”

For more information visit https://www.iamroadsmart.com/events/skills-days.  To book a place call 0300 303 1134.

IAM, Industry News, Latest News

Mental Health Motorbikes and IAM RoadSmart partner up

Building better mental health and Lego distractions

The UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has announced a new partnership with mental health charity Mental Health Motorbike (MH Motorbike), as part of a continuing mission to support and educate their members on looking after their mental health.

Both charities have committed to work together to train and educate their members, plus share expert advice and tips on protecting your mental health. IAM RoadSmart Members will also have the opportunity to take part in First Aid training to further help them support others.

With autumn weather conditions taking hold, Mental Health Motorbike have established a new mindfulness activity that is bringing their members together, that’s aimed at reducing stress and anxiety – whilst keeping them safe during winter months. This activity is building and sharing LEGO sets creating a level of friendly competition, whilst giving them a task to focus their minds on and something to achieve.

Paul Oxborough, Founder of Mental Health Motorbike, said: “More people than ever are finding themselves suffering poorer mental health during this time, factors like financial pressures and isolation, are contributing to this. Giving our members a chance to share their pre-loved LEGO sets has been very successful and we hope more people will join us over the colder months to build, share and donate. We’ve also been hugely lucky recently to receive a very generous donation from the LEGO team. The donation of multiple, brand new sets has significantly boosted our library and means we will be able to extend the service to many more members. You’d be surprised how things like this really focus the mind and provide some relief to those suffering.”

“We’re on a mission to share our resources that can support riders we meet whilst out on the road so whether it’s offering practical advice or meeting for a ride to have that company, we’re set to reach a wider community of riders to help them tackle any mental health issues. We have mapped out all the places’ riders can get support and we are growing our network every day. We’ll be attending events like Motorcycle Live later this year (4th-12th December) to spread our message and offering outreach services into the workplace to talk to staff and employees working within the motorbike industry.”

Amanda Smith, Head of Field Service Delivery at IAM RoadSmart, said: “After speaking to Paul about his motive behind why he started Mental Health Motorbike, his plans and ambitions for the future, and the service he offers to the motorbike community it was a pleasure for us to join forces. Providing our Members with an open forum where they can speak openly about their mental health with other likeminded people and creating an on and offline community where they share similar hobbies and interests can only be a positive for the sector. We already have Members that from across the country that are supporting Paul and his charity, and we look forward to hearing from many more. If IAM RoadSmart Members would like to donate Lego Technic sets for the lending library then they should get in contact with our team via email MemberQ@iam.org.uk.”

IAM RoadSmart and Mental Health Motorbike would like to thank LEGO who has kindly donated LEGO technics kits to the MHMotorbike community to support the initiative of building better mental health.   

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Don’t let Jack Frost strike! Read IAM RoadSmart’s tips as you get back on the road this winter

We usually dress for the weather and when the temperatures drop this means wrapping up with a hat, gloves, scarf, a big coat and appropriate shoes.

So, it makes sense, when you’re heading back out with the lifting of travel restrictions this winter, to adapt your driving or motorcycling behaviour to suit the weather and road conditions around you.

With white frosty mornings also comes icy roads, and that’s why Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards has put together some advice on how to deal with driving and riding in icy conditions:

  • In very bad weather, where police advice is not to travel it is better to stay at home rather than risk an incident. Always check the weather and road conditions on your route before setting off, if you are using public transport links, remember they too, may also be delayed.
  • Make sure you know how the demister settings on your car work and how to adjust them properly. If you are riding a motorcycle, a clean scratch-free visor with a correctly fitted insert will help you stay mist-free.
  • If you are braving a motorcycle remember to wrap up warm, the cold will affect your concentration. Heated kit is a good investment especially for your extremities.
  • Ensure your lights and wipers are working well, you need to see and be seen. If your wipers are making a terrible squeaking noise, it’s time to get them checked, they may need replacement blades or the arms straightening.
  • Never pour boiling water on the screen as the sudden temperature change may cause cracks. Prevention is better than a cure so if possible, cover the glass overnight with an old sheet to prevent freezing, or invest in a windscreen cover.  Never use newspaper or cardboard on a wet screen as it can get stuck and leave a real mess.
  • If you haven’t done so already, get an anti-freeze check at your local garage or fast-fit centre. Keep your washer bottle topped up with an even stronger concentration of screen wash.
  • It might sound obvious, but you may need up to 10 times the distance to stop in icy conditions – increase your following distance to account for this. If the car in front must stop suddenly or worse still, a crash occurs, you will need that extra time to react and stop safely.

Richard said: “As ever, preparation and planning are the key to worry-free driving and riding when the mercury plummets.

“Plan your route carefully as major routes are likely to be treated with salt and less likely to be icy – but ice might still form in dips, on bridges and in shaded areas.

“Leave more time for your journey, respect the conditions and don’t rush. Factor in delays and – if you’re driving – give yourself plenty of time to clear the ice properly from all your windows.”

IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Driver and Rider Courses offer the skills and techniques needed to adapt your driving or riding to keep you safe on the road. Find out about the courses by clicking here.

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UK drivers and motorcyclists unconvinced by proposed new Highway Code

Chaotic collection of traffic signs from the United Kingdom

UK drivers and motorcyclists unconvinced by proposed new Highway Code fearing more conflict with cyclists and pedestrians.

A recent survey has discovered that the majority of road users aren’t in favour of many of the Department for Transport’s proposed changes to the Highway Code which have been designed to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, believing that the changes will instead increase conflict and potentially reduce the safety of the vulnerable road users they are intended to protect.

In the survey, conducted by the UK’s largest road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, 71 per cent of drivers and motorcyclists believe the new proposal to give pedestrians priority when turning into and out of junctions, for example, will increase conflict rather than reducing it, with more than half (57 per cent) thinking this will be a significant issue.

Of the 3,600 web poll respondents, 74 per cent believe that children should be allowed to cycle on the pavement, but only 23 per cent feel that cyclists in general should have the same rights.

Almost three quarters (73 per cent) think that the new Highway Code should make it compulsory for cyclists to wear a helmet, in contrast to the proposed Code itself which, while restating the evidence that wearing a cycle helmet reduces the risk of sustaining a head injury in certain circumstances, stops short of making them compulsory.

Meanwhile, 71 per cent of people agree with the general concept that drivers and riders should give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians walking in the road at least as much room as they would when overtaking a car.

On the new Code’s most controversial suggestions – to establish a hierarchy of road users, where those in charge of the vehicles that can cause the greatest harm should bear the greatest responsibility to take care – the majority (56 per cent) agree that this is the right way forward, but 26 per cent are against and almost one in five (19 per cent) are still to be convinced either way.

The new Code doesn’t suggest any obligation on cyclists to use cycle lanes or tracks when they are present, and a resounding 80 per cent of IAM RoadSmart’s poll respondents believe this is a mistake.

However, some of the proposed changes were met with widespread support, with 63 per cent of those surveyed agreeing with the new advice that when riding a bike on busy roads, when vehicles are moving faster than them, cyclists should move over and allow traffic to overtake them. There is also strong support for every proposal that contains clear guidelines on passing distances, with 78 per cent in favour of the one and a half-metre gap between cyclist and vehicle travelling below 30mph, with a two-metre gap when above 30mph.

And 90 per cent agree with the new Code’s advice that drivers and motorcyclists should give horse riders at least two metres’ space and pass at speeds under 15 mph.

Finally, just over half (57 per cent) agree with the new proposal to include the ‘Dutch Reach’ in the Highway Code. This is a technique which advises motorists leaving their vehicles to do so by using their left hand to operate the door handle, allowing the driver to naturally twist their body, making it easier to look over their shoulder and check for cyclists or other road users approaching.

Neil Greig, Policy and Research Director at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Regardless of what changes are introduced, it is clear there will be a need for a huge education campaign to ensure any amendments to the Highway Code are understood and fully adopted by the millions of existing UK drivers, motorcyclists and road users. At IAM RoadSmart we believe an online resource to help with this re-education in an engaging way would be helpful.

“The simple truth is that most of us don’t read the Highway Code unless we drive or ride professionally, or are about to take a test. The Department for Transport needs to be realistic about the impact simply changing a seldom read document will have on the behavior and safety of road users.”

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BEM in Queen’s Birthday Honours for IAM RoadSmart member

A long-serving member of the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his dedication to his police and charity work.

PC John Williams, a serving officer with the Greater Manchester Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to policing and charity.

A member of IAM RoadSmart and an F1RST Advanced Driver since 2001, John is now an examiner, maintaining the standards of Advanced Driving and supporting the work of local groups from Bolton to Altrincham and Stockport, among others.

His commitment to road safety began when in his 20s he took the Advanced Driver test with his father. He went on to become an observer with the West Pennine group before becoming an examiner.

Passionate about cars and trucks, he believes improving driving standards is a vital part of making the roads safer.

John said: “I’ve seen first-hand the devastation that comes to families when you have to knock on the door and tell them their loved one isn’t coming home because of a fatal crash.

“I believe improving driver standards makes an important contribution to road safety. Everything I’ve done is to help other people, whether that’s family, friends, colleagues or the public. By volunteering for IAM RoadSmart as an observer and now as an examiner, I hope my commitment is actively making the roads safer for everyone.

Tony Greenidge, IAM RoadSmart’s interim CEO, said: “The work of members like John is vital to helping us achieve our charitable mission to improve road safety. His award is recognition of his dedication and on behalf of IAM RoadSmart, I am delighted to congratulate him on his honour.”

John is one of the 267 examiners IAM RoadSmart’s who all volunteer their time and expertise to help others become better drivers and riders.

IAM RoadSmart is just one of a number of charities John works tirelessly to support in his free time.

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