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Keep calm and carry on: How to deal with a stuck accelerator |
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Written by IAM
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 13:44 |
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News Release 3 February 2010
As Toyota recalls millions of its cars due to accelerator problems, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) today offers advice to drivers on what to do in event of an engineering malfunction.
Stephen Mead, IAM Assistant Chief Examiner, said: "Keep calm - surprisingly the perception of the average driver with a stuck accelerator is that they can't brake either, but this is a misconception brought on by panic.
"Press the brake firmly, then the clutch, disengaging the power. In an automatic, drivers should brake, wait for a reaction from the vehicle and then put the car into neutral. You can still steer, too, so a stuck accelerator isn't actually the disaster it sounds," added Mr Mead.
Look for somewhere to stop safely, indicate and make the manoeuvre as you would under normal circumstances. There will be loud revving in the background and you will probably be in a state of shock, but if you remain calm you can avoid serious danger."
Mr Mead offered this advice for owners of car models subject to recall: "Do look into getting a recall as soon as possible. Surprisingly few people actually approach manufacturers for recalls, which means the vehicles get sold on with the fault going unknown." |
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 We are a group of enthusiastic drivers, affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists, one of over 200 groups that makes up the IAM, our number is 7101 and we are also a registered charity. The IAM has about 100,000 full members, all of whom have passed the advanced driving test.
Advanced Driving is based on the system used by the Police and we explain this to new members on a one to one basis. Once aquired, these skills are very much about making driving more rewarding and enjoyable, but of course they make for safer driving and usually result in reduced insurance costs.
The What We Do Page will tell you more about the way in which the 'Skill for Life' programme operates. Rachel's page gives a personal account of progress to passing the test by one of our members.
All drivers who have held a full licence for at least 3 months are eligible. Company car drivers are welcome as individuals however organisations that are considering advanced driver training for numbers of employees should contact IAM Fleet. Drivers with points on their licences are also welcome, there is no longer a limit to the number of points to be able to take the test.
We run a programme of monthly meetings and other social events, usually open to non-members, details on the Events Page. If you are thinking of joining the IAM why not come along to one of our meetings, held monthly at The Cherry Tree on Oundle Road. You will be very welcome. |
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Great new benefit for IAM members families |
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Written by Des Bowen
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Thursday, 28 January 2010 16:39 |
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This is to let you know of a new insurance benefit introduced this month for IAM members’ families.
IAM Surety Family is a competitive car and motorcycle insurance service, offered for the first time to the immediate family of IAM members.
Please note this is a separate scheme from the Adelaide Insurance service, which is exclusively for IAM members.
Details on the IAM website |
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Written by Des Bowen
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Saturday, 30 January 2010 09:03 |
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2010 February Newsletter in PDF*
Contents
3. Committee
4. Where and When do we Meet
4. Calendar of Events for 2010 by Prue
6. Chairman’s reflections by Stuart
7. Editorial
8. Gently Gently by Sandy
9. Welcome and Congratulations
12. AGM announcement, Rules of Nomination
13. Minutes of 2009 AGM
10. Letters
15. News Releases
24. The Back Page with web links
The NEWSLETTER is produced by Des. Bowen
*The Adobe acrobat reader is required to read the PDF file. If you don't already have it, you can download it free by clicking here |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2010 09:30 |
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