The Gloucestershire Group

of Advanced Motorists

NEWSLETTER

Summer 2011

A warm welcome to new members, associates and friends to the Group. 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. Christopher Neill, Martin Lamb, Rowen Lawson, Rebecca Joy, Oliver Palmer, Danny Maloney, Joanne Baynes, Sylvia Johnson, James Frost, Benjamin Castle, Ruth Pitt Congratulations to the following associates who recently passed their Advanced driving test and are now full members. Candidate Observer Sarah Fox John Kitchen Chris Allen Brian McGarry David Morse Peter Davies Rosemary Dillworth Peter Davies Jean Sheraton Peter Davies ************************************************************************************************

Glenn's Summer News Welcome to the first of my newsletter articles as your new Chairman. I believe there is a wealth of talent and experience within our 'Club' and would like to see more members and non-members coming along to the meetings and supporting our common goal which is to promote safer driving by training better and safer drivers. Earlier this year we had planned to have a free display stall at the Berkeley Castle Classic Car Show which was held on the 30th of May but the weather turned nasty and we had to cancel the event but P3

hopefully we can try again next year. On 11th and 12th of June we had another stand at the Gloucestershire Motor Show at Highnam Court. This was manned by members of the committee except that on Sunday when the heavens opened up we decided to abandon the day at noon because very few people were attending by that point. Even so we did have 16 members of the public expressing an interest and taking leaflets with them. Forthcoming events to be aware of are the 'Slow Manoeuvring Day' at Ribston Hall High School (Stroud Road, Gloucester), on 24th September which is happening because of the hard work and all the arrangements of our Editor David Sheppard. This will be 'manned' by volunteers from our group and will be for our members, teachers and students of the school and also members of the public. There are various opportunities for people to officiate the manoeuvring sections and enjoy the day so please feel free to contact David Sheppard, Mac McGarry or myself for ways to help. The committee is busy working on getting a program for next year so that you will have it in the Christmas issue and if members know of anyone whom they would like to see giving a talk at one of our evening meetings or would like to give a talk on a subject they know well, please let me or any of the committee, know. We will do our best to try and incorporate the idea. I would be happy to put on extra event evenings and have a full dairy for the future rather than see an empty timetable. I would encourage members to bring someone along and fill the venues and I would especially like to see a younger element in the seats to talk to the existing members and tap in to the experience they hold. I'm sure the more experienced among you would also like to pass on some tips and skills too. May I thank ALL the members of the committee for their commitment to giving up their free time to organise and make things possible without which Gloucestershire could not have an IAM group at all.

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Despite having relinquished his post some weeks ago, tributes to Peter and his work are still coming in. From Stella Boyd-Carpenter When I retired from my life in London – running a recruitment company in the West End - I wanted a new challenge. So I looked around the beautiful county of Gloucestershire to see what I could do – something I would enjoy of course, and perhaps something that might be helpful to others. I have always been interested in driving, and exploring the glorious countryside made me aware of the roads and driving conditions were very different from the crawling traffic in London’s West End. I came across the Gloucestershire Advanced Motorists and with some trepidation (wondering about my own standards of driving) I decided to join. I attended an Open Day with Mike Addis and was then lucky enough to be allocated to Peter who was to become my Observer. Peter was so patient and so helpful and we spent many hours driving around the county. I gradually started seeing things I had never noticed before – I saw more traffic signs, I learned to look for hazards, learned to anticipate problems, learned to take corners properly and when Peter felt I was ready I took the Advanced Driving Test - and I am glad to say because of Peter’s help, and to my delight, I passed - and there is no doubt that it has made a big impact on my driving habits and awareness. Since then, I too have become an Observer and I find it really satisfying to help other motorists become “Better Drivers – Safer Drivers”. Say that to most young people - and their unspoken response is likely to be “boring driving”. This is simply not the case – just look at the number of accidents, many fatal, that affect young drivers. Anyone reading this should ask their neighbours, friends, sons, daughters, nephews and nieces to take the same approach to their P5

don’t learn to do it safely and well. When you want to become a

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–

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London’s West End. I came across the Gloucestershire Advanced

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say because of Peter’s help, and to my delight, I passed

satisfying to help other motorists become “Better Drivers –Drivers”. Say that to most young people response is likely to be “boring driving”. This is simply not the case –

driving as I did. Driving is a skill that really has to be taken seriously because any mishap means you risk endangering others as well as yourself if you don’t learn to do it safely and well. When you want to become a seriously proficient player of any sport, you look for someone to advise and coach you; so why not take the same approach to your driving? If you are interested in having an assessment of your driving; just want some tips on how to improve or want to become a qualified Advanced Driver, do what I did and get in touch with the Gloucestershire Group of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, either through their website (www.Glosiam.org) or by telephoning the Group Secretary, Dennis Sutton – 01242 525 567. Thanks to Stella. From Dennis Sutton

Peter Davies retires as Chairman of the Group Peter passed his advanced driving test in March 2000. In the ten years following he has made an enormous contribution to the success of the Group. He was immediately elected to the committee in April 2000 and was appointed as Membership Secretary in October 2000. Peter was elected Chairman to the Group in January 2005. As Chairman, he chaired the Group meetings and the Group Committee meetings. As Chairman he also attended most of the meetings of the Regional Liaison Forum (twice a year) and the National Car Conference. Other responsibilities he has carried included organising the Group meetings Programme (4 per year) ( 6 this coming year) since January 2005 and Driving Course days (4 courses per year) since September 2004. P6

Peter’s role as Observer and Senior Observer Peter started observing in March 2000, the week following passing the advanced driving test. Since then he has prepared nearing 50 successful IAM driving test candidates. He qualified as an Observer in November 2001 and was appointed Senior Observer in November 2003. Now, as Chief Observer he has a number of responsibilities including Group Observer training. Initial on-the-road SFL driving assessments since November 2003, Associates pre-test assessments, (when requested by an Observer), completing all Drive-Check allocated to the group since inception by HQ.

Promoting IAM to other organisations These included representing the Group on the Cheltenham Road Safety Forum and the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership. He has also given talks to a number of local organisations including Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Staff, Western Colleges Management Group, Local Fire Stations and Road Safety forum meetings to invited delegates.

Finally

The Group is particularly grateful to Peter for holding the Group together during the difficult year of 2007 when it could easily have folded. Peter is remaining active in the Group and now wants to focus on his role as Chief Observer. He will still be a valued member of the committee. So, whereas we are acknowledging Peter’s huge contribution to date we look forward to a different but equally valued continuing involvement. Dennis Sutton (Group Secretary) Thanks Dennis. ADVANCED MOTORISTS AWARD After 6 years as Chairman of the Gloucestershire Group of Advanced Motorists, Mr. Peter Davies is pictured being presented with a

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Peter’s r

er’s huge

'certificate of appreciation' for his outstanding contribution to the IAM, and promotion of road safety in Gloucestershire. The certificate was presented at a group meeting on 19th May by Dr Timothy Brain, retired Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, who has been the Group President for a number of years. This is an IAM national-level award which recognises his major long-term contribution to the Group, and the citation on the certificate reads: In recognition of your devoted service to the Gloucestershire Group in your many different, demanding roles but, in particular as Chairman of the Group for six years and Observer, Senior Observer, then Chief Observer over the past ten years. Peter remains an energetic member of the Group, and retains the important role of Chief Observer.

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The report ‘Comparisons England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’ shows substantial diffe

England’s north

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “While the UK is

“Bringing the worst areas in the UK up to the same level of the best

plans.”

While England’s northern re

households don’t own a car. Over 80 per cent of households in the

Greig said: “Car ownership is a good measure of prosperity. Regional

cts the UK’s economic and employment trends.”

Thanks to Mike Addis for sending the following article England tops UK road safety league England tops the UK road safety league table with the lowest rate for deaths on the roads, ahead of Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland firmly at the bottom, according to a report published by the IAM. The report ‘Comparisons -- England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’ shows substantial differences in the safety of roads and levels of car ownership around the UK. England’s north - south divide is also a significant factor. In England the north east and the north west are the safest places to drive, while the east Midlands is the most dangerous. IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “While the UK is now top of the European road safety league, the risk of being killed on UK roads varies considerably around the country. Road deaths in Northern Ireland are twice that of north east England. “Bringing the worst areas in the UK up to the same level of the best would save many more lives and reduce serious injuries. This should be a prime focus for central, devolved and local government road safety plans.” While England’s northern regions are the safest, they are at the bottom of the car ownership league table -- more than a quarter of households don’t own a car. Over 80 per cent of households in the south east and the south west own one or more. Overall in England car ownership fell in 2009, in Wales there was no change, and in Scotland there was a modest increase on 2008. Greig said: “Car ownership is a good measure of prosperity. Regional declines in ownership and the fact that ownership is much higher in the south of England reflects the UK’s economic and employment trends.”

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1. The UK road safety league table 2009 – source ‘Comparisons - England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’. Figures exclude London. Fatal casualty rate – all road users 2009 Fatalities per 100,000 people UK 3.8 England 3.6 Scotland 4.2 Wales 4.2 Northern Ireland 6.4 England North east 2.8 North west 3.4 South east 3.5 South west 3.9 Yorks and Humberside 3.9 West Midlands 4.1 East of England 4.1 East Midlands 5.1

2. Car ownership 2008/9 – source ‘Comparisons - England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’. Figures exclude London. Cars per 1000 population 2008 2009 England 470 466 Scotland 435 436 Wales 482 481 Northern Ireland 476 n/a England North east 404 404 North west 468 458

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England’s regions, Scotland, Wales

“PushPull is best”. Indeed it is! The Push Pull system, since its

because, with regard to steering which doesn’t happen on rail

– ‘Comparisons England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’.

–

– e ‘Comparisons England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’. Figures

Yorks and Humberside 433 428 East Midlands 487 486 West Midlands 509 505 East of England 506 506 South east 540 543 South west 520 524 3. The IAM report Comparisons - England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in its series IAM Motoring Facts 2011 can be downloaded from http://www.iam.org.uk/policy_and_research/policyaresearch.html

Push-Pull or Pull-Push I was interested in the title of the article in the last newsletter, “PushPull is best”. Indeed it is! The Push Pull system, since its development by British Rail at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby some years ago, is still widely used where a train can be driven, from the front of course, by a driving trailer type vehicle which has no engine or any type of power generation. The train meanwhile is powered by a locomotive which, although controlled by the DrivingTrailer at the front, is actually pushing the train from the rear. Push Pull can also be driven or controlled in the opposite mode with the locomotive leading at the front and the Trailer Vehicle, then in a passive situation at the rear. The benefits of the system is when a train needs to be turned around, such as most of the mainline services stopping at Gloucester Central, where the train needs to go back the way it came in order to return to the Midland Main Line, the driver merely walks from one end to the train to the other to change driving ends. In other words, the train can be driven from either end although it is powered only from one end, in one mode being pushed and in the other it is being pulled. However, please read that article in the newsletter again (p17) because, with regard to steering which doesn’t happen on railways, Chris Gilbert, correctly, writes about the benefits of Pull Push which, as he

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describes, is still the best and indeed he warns about the dangers of hand over hand steering. But if you want to do it right, please believe me and Chris, it is the Pull before the Push, unless of course you are talking about railways. Peter Thanks to Peter and the many eagle-eyed readers who spotted the error in the last issue. It is, of course, Pull-Push not Push-Pull. Apologies to the author, Mr Chris Gilbert.

******************************************************************************* Who is best? I was pleased to read a summary of the IAM report, “Licensed to kill”, Contributory factors in road accidents, published in the motoring section of a recent edition of a local newspaper recently. The statistics and facts make interesting reading and the whole report, without remarks, can be found on the IAM web site: www.iam.org However, going back to the newspaper publication the so often found, reporters’ licence is shown by the unofficial caption under the official IAM photograph which says, “It’s official: research shows that women are better drivers than men”. The report did not actually say that. Nevertheless, what about some reaction! What do you think? HSR Allowing hard-shoulder running (HSR), where drivers can use the hard shoulder of motorways during peak times, has cut accident rates in England and reduced journey times according to Government figures. The statistics were produced as Roads Minister Mike Penning officially opened the latest HSR scheme - on a 6.7-mile (10.8km) stretch of the M6 in the West Midlands. HSR on this stretch is also being combined with a UK first which will see the hard shoulders between the slip roads at J10 converted into full-time running lanes on both sides of the motorway to ease congestion.

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I was pleased to read a summary of the IAM report, “Licensed to kill”,

’IAM photograph which says, “It’are better drivers than men”. The report did not actually say that.

The Minister claims that accidents had more than halved since HSR was introduced on a stretch of the M42 (from junction 3A to junction 7), to the east of Birmingham in 2006. Journey times have also improved between the M40 junction 16, near Lapworth and M6 junction 5, near Birmingham, since the introduction of two sections of HSR. The M42 latest statistics follow earlier figures which showed that over a 12-month period journey time reliability improved by 22 per cent on the route and emissions were reduced by up to 10 per cent due to traffic flowing more smoothly.

Managed Motorways use a range of technologies and operational systems to actively control traffic. Features such as variable mandatory speed limits and opening up the hard shoulder to traffic at peak times improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, whilst delivering safer journeys. The M6 scheme includes 137 lane specific signals, 34 driver information signs and 21 overhead lightweight gantries. The signals show drivers which lanes are open to traffic and when mandatory speed limits are in operation. The driver information signs use text and pictograms to give drivers information about the road ahead. In addition there are 15 emergency refuge areas with emergency telephones for use when hard shoulder running is operating.

However, have you any experience in driving these sections during peak traffic times and what do you think of these ideas? Replies to the Editor for future publication or debate will be appreciated.

******************************************************************************** The Under 17's Car Club On Sunday 27th March we arrived at Long Marston, at the old disused airfield, where we were met and escorted to the Under 17 Car Club's main cabin. The day starts with a briefing to ensure that everyone is up to date with the circuit layout, speeds, news and things to be mindful of.

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After meeting with the club President Mr Paul Silverwood, who made us feel at ease and very welcome, he put us in the hands of Alan Mcaulay,one of the instructors, who showed us what was involved and what was expected from the five different grades of qualification that all of the youngsters could attain. The first drive of the day was in the back of a people carrier with the instructor in the passenger seat, Frances and I (as observers) in the back and the driver giving us a very good demonstration of a grade 3 competency level drive. As he went through the various stages of the course, laid out with hundreds of cones, we felt extremely confident through various junctions, parking set-ups, roundabouts and speed zones (60 mph max) with thoughts that if this young lad was on the road you would probably not notice him from anyone else except, perhaps, his standard of driving was BETTER This young lad was 13 years old and had the driving maturity of an experienced 20 year old. Our next observed drive was a young lad of 15 whose legs were too long and his knees were touching the steering wheel. Again the instructor in the passenger seat but his father in the back with us so that everyone learns. We went up and down the beginners sectioned off area (ungraded zone) and after a while the instructor encouraged the best out of him and felt that he would do well on the main circuits. At the end of this period of close harmony with the instructor he drove back to the main cabin and was awarded his 'Grade 5'. As each grade is reached the young driver places a magnetic number on the back of the car being driven by him/her and everyone respects everyone else’s level of skills. At this point there were about another 50 – 70 cars out using the whole of the facility and we were informed that adults were not allowed on the track during this time so this meant that every one of those moving vehicles was being driven by children. N.B. In 36 years existence of the club they have only had 2 minor bumps.

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everyone else’s level of skills. At this point there were about another –

Some of these youngsters finish the club and go straight to the department for transport driving test, some with no official driving lessons and 'Pass' the driving test. One such club member took and passed his DfT driving test on his 17th birthday. On reaching 17 their membership continues for the remainder of the season in which they reach 17. If they attain a Grade 1 they are invited to be 'Marshals' as they are fully conversant with the club rules etc... some become instructors themselves. These students don't just 'drive' they have to master first-aid, mechanical knowledge, driving theory and most importantly attitude. Some of the students are the next generation of previous students therefore perpetuating the good work this club has to offer. Having worked with one of the instructors who was always talking about this club that he was involved in we were amazed when we saw for ourselves the high standard being reached by everyone which only reflects the quality and devotion of the instruction by all the volunteers. In terms of statistics, the key findings are the reduction in novice driver accident rates (1 in 5 nationally, 1 in 12 for ex-U17CC Members) and young male driver convictions (down from 144 per 1000 driving years nationally to 22 ex-U17CC). If anyone has children or grandchildren who are old enough I would personally urge them to join in. What a great day out this was!!

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****************************************************************************** The penultimate instalment of ‘Pull-Push is best’ Chris Gilbert. My Experience; I taught hundreds of learner drivers between 1964 and 1972 and whilst serving as a police sergeant, class 1 staff instructor, at the Metropolitan Police Motor Driving School Hendon I taught 999 driving, LGV, PCV, skid pan and high performance advanced pursuit driving. In 1991 I became a DSA PCV/LGV Delegated Driving Examiner and as an ADI I have never held a grade lower than 6.

I feel my experience of training to the very highest level on the public highway is far more relevant experience to judge steering method than Sir John’s experience on a race track.

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–

(Don’t miss the final instalment – to include ‘Hair Raising moments’ and ‘Police Steering in the USA. Ed)

The penultimate instalment of ‘Pull est’ Chris Gilbert.

Sir John’s experience on a race track.

A Million Plus Instructional Miles

During my twenty two years at Hendon I travelled over a million instructional miles, all over the country, by day and night, in all weather conditions. Driving and instructing in a selection of motor cars from V8 Rovers to the BMW M3. Under an Act of Parliament I have driven and trained at speeds of more than twice the National Speed Limit. The public road environment is far more hazardous than driving around a track where marshals are employed track side to wave yellow flags in the event of impending danger. Yet during that time I never had a collision, never caused one, never left the road, never had a lock up or even activated the ABS. I repeat; a million miles of safe, collision free driving, much of it, well above the National Speed Limit.

I owe that achievement to Roadcraft and pull-push method of steering.

DSA–Roadcraft

The DSA driving technique is not that dissimilar to Roadcraft driving at speeds up to 70 MPH. Unless there is a commentary being given, and then the wording would give it away. A DSA Examiner would find it very difficult to recognise DSA or Roadcraft driving.

Pull Push – Accurate & Very Safe.

During all my instructional life I have never found pull-push steering wanting in any way whatsoever, both on the public highway or on the skid pan. Sir John has said pull-push is potentially dangerous. Given the working environment that the emergency workers in particular endure, there is no evidence to suggest this to be the case.

(Don’t miss the final instalment – to include ‘Hair Raising moments’ and ‘Police Steering in the USA. Ed)

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Lecture given by GlosIAM President, Dr Timothy Brain An appreciative audience gathered at Churchdown on Thursday May 19th to hear a talk given by Dr Brain on the History of Police Vehicles. The evening began with Dr Brain being introduced by Glenn who also alerted us to a number of events which will take place soon. The Classic Car Show at Berkeley Castle on 30th May, The Gloucestershire Motor Show on June 11th & 12th and a Vehicle Manouvreing event at Ribston Hall High School on September 24th. Dr Brain began his talk by telling us that the very first mode of transport was, of course, Shanks’s Pony. Then came the pony & trap, followed by a Mounted Section and then pushbikes. Motorised vehicle followed later, though to begin with, they were not for general policing or patrol. It was simply that the public now had access to motorised vehicles, so the police needed them as well. These vehicles were black, which was seen as an appropriate business-like colour. It was also, as Henry Ford once noted, cheaper. Police vehicles were not custom built for the purpose; they were production cars which had undergone a little modification. Motorcycles were also now being used. As time went by, things developed. In the 1960s white police cars appeared. (Anyone remember Z Cars?) This was because white was more conspicuous and more easily seen at night. Safety has always been a paramount issue. More cars were being used because police officers needed to travel more widely due to the urban spread. Crime Response Vehicles with a radio inside the car was a real step forward, although it proved to be a little restricting as the officer could not communicate once he had left the vehicle. The orange ‘go-faster’ stripe appeared on the Ford Granada, prompting the ‘Jam Sandwich’ nickname.

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The next police car to have a nickname was the ‘Panda Car’ Morris

recognised blue and yellow ‘Battenberg’ design.

Helicopters, (the ‘Eye in the Sky’) gave police great advantages;

s, of course, Shanks’s Pony. Then came the pony & trap,

The orange ‘go faster’ stripe appeared on the Ford Granada, prompting the ‘Jam Sandwich’ nickname.

The next police car to have a nickname was the ‘Panda Car’ Morris Minor, with its distinctive pale blue and white colouring. This was a low level response car and was the first level of backup to local beat bobbies. The Mini, Austin Allegro, Austin 1800 and Hillman Avenger followed. Range Rovers and Land Rovers were part of a range of specialist vehicles. Police were now using specific vehicles for specific purposes. The Ford Focus is an example of a Police Support Unit. Officers now had pocket radios which were no longer fixed inside the vehicle. This meant that communication was no longer dependent upon the officer being inside the vehicle. As time has gone by, the colours of vehicles has changed. Black, white, orange stripe, pale blue and white panelling and now the easily recognised blue and yellow ‘Battenberg’ design. Helicopters, (the ‘Eye in the Sky’) gave police great advantages; enormous visibility potential, speed, they were equipped with cameras of different types etc. The increased use of networked computers was also of huge benefit. Car registration numbers could now be recognised instantly via the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system. Dr Brain concluded his talk by mentioning the Honda Evolution, saying that as criminals were using high performance vehicles, then the police needed to as well. His final comment was about dog vans having to be air conditioned ! An extremely interesting lecture which was well appreciated by the audience. There followed a short Q&A session, giving Dr Brain the opportunity to tell us a couple more amusing anecdotes. Glenn offered a vote of thanks to Dr Brain and the evenings formalities ended with Peter Davies being presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from IAM in recognition of his years as Chair of Gloucestershire Advanced Motorists.

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In designing the Falcon XT, Ford engineers set out to discover the anatomy of a car crash and found that the accident is typically over before we’re even consciously aware of it happening. This is a reconstruction of a crash involving a stationary Ford Falcon XT sedan being struck in the driver’s door by another vehicle travelling at 50 km/h [30 mph]. 0 milliseconds – An external object touches the driver’s door. 1 ms – The car’s door pressure sensor detects a pressure wave. 2 ms – An acceleration sensor in the C-pillar behind the rear door also detects a crash event. 2.5 ms - A sensor in the car’s centre detects crash vibrations. 5 ms – Car’s crash computer checks for insignificant crash events, such as a shopping trolley impact or incidental contact. It is still working out the severity of the crash. Door intrusion structure begins to absorb energy. 6.5 ms – Door pressure sensor registers peak pressures. 7 ms – Crash computer confirms a serious crash and calculates its actions. 8 ms – Computer sends a “fire” signal to side airbag. Meanwhile, B-pillar begins to crumple inwards and energy begins to transfer into cross-car load path beneath the occupant. 8.5 ms – Side airbag system fires. 15 ms – Roof begins to absorb part of the impact. Airbag bursts through seat foam and begins to fill. 17 ms – Cross-car load path and structure under rear seat reach maximum load. Airbag covers occupant’s chest and begins to push the shoulder away from impact zone. 20 ms – Door and B-pillar begin to push on front seat. Airbag begins to push occupant’s chest away from the impact. 27 ms – Impact velocity has halved from 50 km/h to 23.5 km/h. A “pusher block” in the seat moves occupant’s pelvis away from impact zone. Airbag starts controlled deflation. 30 ms – The Falcon has absorbed all crash energy. Airbag remains in place. For a brief moment, occupant experiences maximum force

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–

– Crash computer unlocks car’s doors. Passenger safety cell

–Engineers classify crash as “complete”.

–

..................and while we’re on the subject

County’s collision and casualty stats are amongst the lowest

The number of people killed or seriously injured on Gloucestershire’s

oad Safety, said: ““If you look back to 2001, there were 53 road deaths, 340 serious

“This vital information is used to help plan where engineering to improve safety.”

over before we’re even consciously aware of it happening.

XT sedan being struck in the driver’s door by another vehicle travelling

– ernal object touches the driver’s door.– The car’s door pressure sensor detects a pressure wave.–

A sensor in the car’s centre detects crash vibr– Car’s crash computer checks for insignificant crash events,

––

– Computer sends a “fire” signal to side airbag. Meanwhile, B

––

–

s occupant’s chest and begins to push the shoulder away

–to push occupant’s chest away from the impact.

–“pusher block” in the seat moves occupant’s pelvis away from impact

–

equal to 12 times the force of gravity. 45 ms – Occupant and airbag move together with deforming side structure. 50 ms – Crash computer unlocks car’s doors. Passenger safety cell begins to rebound, pushing doors away from occupant. 70 ms – Airbag continues to deflate. Occupant moves back towards middle of car. Engineers classify crash as “complete”. 150-300 ms – Occupant becomes aware of collision. ..................and while we’re on the subject

County’s collision and casualty stats are amongst the lowest ever

The number of people killed or seriously injured on Gloucestershire’s roads is still decreasing year on year. Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership has been compiling casualty and collision data for 2010.

Between January and December, there were 27 fatal collisions and 160 serious injury collisions. These are amongst the lowest figures since 1974, when council records started. In addition the total casualties, which include slight injuries, are the lowest ever.

Cllr Stan Waddington, Cabinet Member for Road Safety, said: “ “If you look back to 2001, there were 53 road deaths, 340 serious injuries, and 2,472 slight injuries giving a casualty total of 2,865 which is almost double the figures seen in 2010. The latest figures show that our targeted road safety advice and training is working across the board and in some cases, has exceeded government targets. “This vital information is used to help plan where engineering improvements should be located to improve safety.”

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The latest figures show that our targeted road safety advice and training is working across the board and in some cases, has exceeded government targets. “This vital information is used to help plan where engineering improvements should be located to improve safety.” Lawrence Elcocks, Road Safety Manager, said: The figures have revealed that although car drivers and passengers make up the largest group and account for two thirds of casualties, proportionately more pedestrians, pedal and motor cyclists are killed or seriously injured.

“We’ve also seen that the casualties peak between the ages of 15 and 24 which is where the Road Safety Partnership will focus its prevention education work.”

Casualties 2010 2009 2008

Killed 27 19 39

Killed or Seriously Injured 187 236 259

Slightly Injured 1347 1490 1610

Total Casualties 1534 1726 1869

Pedestrians 148 156 188

Pedal Cyclists 145 137 161

Motor Cyclists 126 155 151

Car Drivers 720 840 916

Car Passengers 307 359 366

Other (incl buses, 88 79 87

vans, lorries etc)

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5% (mainly ‘ New World ’ reds)!

“This vital information is used to help plan where engineering to improve safety.”

“We’v

prevention education work.”

Drink-Driving A startling statistic is that almost 20% of convictions for driving when over the legal alcohol limit result from a breathalyser test in the MORNING. It is often stated that It takes a healthy liver one hour to breakdown & disperse one unit of alcohol, but this can differ widely from person to person. Wines and beers now on sale seem to have a higher alcoholic content than in the past. To calculate the number of units of alcohol in a drink use the following formula: Amount of drink (in ml) x % alcohol, so a 750ml bottle of 12.5% wine = 9.375 units or just over 1½ units per 125ml glass (NOT 1 unit as widely believed). The standard pub measure for wine has increased from 125ml to 175ml. A small (175ml) or large (250ml) glass of wine contain over 2 and over 3 units respectively. Few wines are now under 11% and some are as high as 15% (mainly ‘ New World ’ reds)! Beers are also getting stronger with a alcohol content varying from 3-6%. A pint of 4½% beer is almost 2½ units and a pint of 5½% beer is 3 units. So if you intend to drive in the morning be very careful of what you drink the evening/night before. A sobering thought. Thanks to Phil for the above statistics and advice. P24

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. These speakers have been arranged for the following dates Thursday July 21st R.N.L.I.

Thursday September 15th

Simon Leach, Monica Frewer and Aneurin Lewis from Red Cross Know your ABC at a Road Traffic Collision Thursday November 17th Alan Fern from Sparrow Crane Hire Saturday Driving courses – ‘A Day with Mike Addiss’ September 3rd November 5th 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.

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David. Please mark them ‘for publication’

– ‘A Day with Mike Addiss’

The theory course days are at Churchown Community Centre. There will be a mid-morning break for coffee, tea and cakes and lunch break is between 1pm and 2pm. 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. Please send any thoughts, ideas, photographs, suggestions, or other items to David. Please mark them ‘for publication’ Apologies to all who sent material in, which has not yet appeared. It soon will! See you next time. Ed.

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