To join our group you need to be a current IAM member, to join the IAM click here. If you are already an IAM member then please get in touch with our group using the contact us link in the menu.
Welcome to UPDATE, the monthly newsletter produced for the members of the Hull and East Riding Group of the IAM.
October Group Meeting
ALLAN ROBINS, BA, AMRSGB, Road Safety Officer, Hull City Council.
Allan has been in post for 13 years at Hull City Council as The Road Safety Officer in the Council. The role in Hull has developed more into a commissioning role, as its impossible for Allan to attend the many schools in Hull, however he does keep a tight control of all the activities.
Allan’s presentation will focus on: 'The core functions of Road Safety in Hull, such as ped skills, 'Bikeability', rusty rider (adult cycle training) and car seats'. He will then branch out with trends, his work with Safer Roads Humber, new projects coming to Hull with enforcement and what the future possibly holds.
Our meeting venue continues to be:
Beverley Golf Club HU17 8RG
https://w3w.co/coaching.vintages.doubt
A Cautionary Tale
As most of you will know I have been observing for some time but last week I got a “first.” Not a pass but an “interesting incident’ whilst out with an associate a couple of weeks ago. Some of you will know that there is a mini-roundabout at the junction of Endyke Lane and New Village Road in Cottingham. We were intending to turn right at the roundabout into Endyke Lane. My associate checked his mirrors and noted one car behind also indicating a right turn. Obeying the rules of the road we went around the roundabout and not over it. We were both monitoring the car’s mirrors but still surprised to see the car following go completely the wrong side of the roundabout and squeeze ahead of us. I can only assume that the driver of the following car had assumed that since we did not go “over the roundabout” that, although signalling right, we were going straight ahead.
If there is a moral to this tale it is beware at mini-roundabouts since not everyone knows the correct way to negotiate these.
From the Press
DRIVER LICENSING FOR PEOPLE WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS
There has been much press speculation and scaremongering since the DVLA announced its call for evidence regarding medical fitness to drive whereas at this stage it is looking to draw on evidence about any future changes that there should be particularly with an aging population.
It has for instance recently been announced that there are now in excess of 500 people who have a driving licence who are over 100 years of age although that does not mean that they are driving. The call for evidence however recognises that medical conditions which affect ones ability to drive is not just confined to older people.
DVLA determines medical fitness to drive for holders of and applicants for driving licences relating to all classes of vehicle in GB (driver licensing is devolved in Northern Ireland).
DVLA administers this statutory function on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, who is ultimately responsible for deciding whether the holder or applicant for a driving licence meets the required medical standards for driving. DVLA assesses the fitness to drive of individuals with medical conditions and makes licensing decisions to make sure that driving licences are only issued to those who meet the required medical standards.
It is important that licensing decisions are made based on the correct information and strike the right balance between the road safety risks and the needs of a driver to maintain mobility.
This call for evidence explains the current driver licensing framework and provides an insight into other countries’ medical licencing processes. This is not a consultation on developed proposals, but rather an early-stage request for input to help formulate proposals that could support potential future changes to the legislative framework.
A copy of the call for evidence, well worth a read can be found at https://www.grahamfeest.com/resources/latest-uploads/ and submissions should be made by 22nd October 2023.
DRIVING TEST NOT SUCCESSFUL
The DVSA have released the top ten reasons why people failed - oops are not successful - the driving test between April 2022 and March 2023.
Not making effective observations at junctions
Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction
Not moving off safely
Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
Not having proper control of the steering
Not responding appropriately to traffic lights
Not responding correctly to traffic signs
Poor positioning on the road during normal driving
Not responding correctly to road markings
Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking
In general we accept that drivers make mistakes and get it wrong but it is noteworthy that many mistakes are as a result of not looking properly ie making effective observations.
The DVSA have done a great deal of work recently in a campaign about being test ready to try and ensure that people do not come to the driving test before they are ready. Despite the confidence shown by the driver trainer in their pupils the pass rate is still less that 50% so clearly there are other factors which come into play. Drivers must be competent if they are to pass but are we doing the test in the right way nowadays?
And finally,
After more years than I can remember, I am stepping down from being Editor of the Newsletter and so if anyone would like to take over this job then please get in touch.
Safe driving,
News Editor
Back to top
IAM RoadSmart © 2016.