Meeting: Rob Braybrooke, a RoADAR car and bike examiner, will be our speaker.

Monday 8th June

Monthly Ride-Outs
Remember that monthly Bike Ride-Outs take place on the 3rd Saturday of every month. 

Monthly meetings are all held at Liddington Village Hall opposite the church.

Welcome to Andrew Perry who has joined the group recently as a member of the car section.

Also welcome back to Diedrick de Bruijn who has re-joined the bike section. 

We are always looking for more articles, ideas and news for the newsletter. Have you been somewhere interesting recently that would make a good story? If you attend any group events then take a camera and send us your pictures!

Please forward all contributions to newsletter@wiltshireroadar.co.uk

 

So far we have only had a handful of members who have expressed an interest in the tour of the Williams Grand Prix collection. Unless more members wish to attend we will not be able to go ahead with this visit. It is housed in the award-winning Williams Conference Centre at Grove, Wantage, Oxfordshire and is Sir Frank Williams' private Williams Grand Prix collection, the largest of its kind in the world, spanning the history of the Williams F1 team since 1978. Tours are composed of:

• Refreshments on arrival
• Introduction and preview video
• Escorted tour of the Grand Prix collection
• Technology room display
• Trophy room
• Williams gift shop
• Free secure parking

Tickets are £35.00 plus VAT per person.
(Note this does not include access to the Williams F1 Factory).

Contact Monica as soon as possible if you would like to come along. 

Mark Sealey hosted a technical evening, developing on from previous topics around the system, focussing on this occasion on hazards and blind spots when driving.

Mark started by defining a hazard, namely anything that is an actual or potential danger. Several examples were given to get the discussion flowing, e.g. vehicles emerging from junctions, oncoming vehicles, poor road conditions, right turns etc.

Hazard classification falls into 3 areas:

1. Static i.e. physical features, bends in the road, road surface, junctions

2. Dynamic i.e. position and movement of other road users/pedestrians /animals

3. Environment i.e. the weather, fog, ice, rain or bright sunshine

As drivers we are a potential hazard for other road users. We create hazards, we are a moving vehicle, we could breakdown and become stranded in a bad position or make poor judgements and so on. Potential hazards happen all the time, for example a ball coming off the pavement between parked cars. We need to react to this to keep safe. Early hazard identification gives us time and space to react, to allow us to do something about it. Hazards tend to develop. We need to see the warning signs and identify issues early and take action accordingly.

Anticipation is essential. It buys time. An example was given of a row of parked cars with one of them at a slightly different angle. Is it moving? Is there anybody in it? Is it moving forwards or backwards? If someone is in the car, are their heads turning? Can you make eye contact? If you can’t see their eyes they can’t see you. There is a lot to assess and make a decision on. If a ball runs into the road between cars it is fair to assume a child will follow it. Good anticipation allows you to check your mirrors and apply the brakes earlier, taking off speed and adjusting your position on the road if required. Always consider your speed, brake if required, ease back, and decelerate when you see a hazard.

There are also following hazards, i.e. the car behind. Is it going to stop? Can you increase the space between you and it in anyway?

Cornering was also discussed. Using the limit point is essential to get as good a view as possible. Chevrons advise a sharper turn and direction. Also look across and through hedges to get the forward view which can help you to anticipate hazards ahead.

Don’t drive too close to footpaths. Position your vehicle towards the middle of the road to give space from pedestrians.  Consider reducing your speed.

Overtaking is particularly hazardous. Examples were given showing where we should not overtake, e.g. junctions on left and right. Extra care should be taken where vehicles are parked, approaching roundabouts etc. Overtaking scenarios in situations involving dual carriageways, lay-bys, lorries and slower traffic were discussed.

Mark then discussed blind spots. We must be aware that not only do we have blind spots, but other road users have them too. Diagrams were used showing blind spots for a car driver as well as for motorcycles, lorries and left hand drive lorries. The acronym EMMA can be used as a good guide - Eyes Moving Mind Alert.

Don’t box yourself in on multi-lane carriageways. Always have a gap or an escape route to follow. Don’t travel alongside another vehicle in heavy traffic.

Parked vehicles create blind spots. Position wide to open up the view. Look out for pedestrians. Motorcycle riders in particular must make sure they position themselves out towards centre of the road. This helps you to see and to be seen.

Low sun creates blind spots, and can dazzle when you use your mirrors.

Be wary of local knowledge. Familiarity can cause complacency, so be more alert. Two thirds of crashes happen local to where you live, never take familiar roads for granted, loss of attention is a major factor in accidents.

Night driving and riding creates problems. Firstly think about your body clock - make sure you are fit to drive/ride. Equipment can create blind spots, i.e. screens and visors can get scratched creating glare and starring. Tinting can be dangerous too.

Make sure lights are aligned properly on your vehicle so as not to dazzle. Always drive at a speed so you can stop in the area you can see safely. Normally 45mph is maximum speed you can stop in on dipped headlights. Be aware when following other vehicles so you don’t dazzle them with your lights.

When vision is restricted exploit reflections in vehicle sides, windows, glass etc.

Road signs and markings give you advance notice of physical hazards. If the authorities have gone to the expense of providing signs, then it is for a reason and you should take notice and react. Ask yourself, why is the sign there?

Roadside hazards were discussed such as pedestrians (especially children), parked cars, cyclists, joggers, concealed junctions, road side water etc.

The presentation was interspersed with audience participation in missing word quizzes covering topics on hazard warning lights, vehicle breakdown, information required if involved in an accident, disabled drives and hazardous goods signs.

This was a good, interactive evening which stimulated good discussion, and re-emphasised many safe driving points.

Ed Deacon

French Alps Trip

My family and I drove to Chatel recently for a skiing holiday. Chatel is in the French Alps and to get there takes approx 12 hours including time in the Chunnel. Journey in miles is approximately 750.

Our car is a 2004 Ford Galaxy 1.9TDi. We had just recently had it serviced so we knew it was in good health. Last year we had a new battery fitted with a bit more power in it knowing we were going to the Alps. The route we took is here:

We have done this trip a couple of times and tend to use the autoroutes as much as possible as it saves a lot of time, even though you are charged for doing so. I think we paid around 56Euros each way in total. En-route, we stay at B&Bs/hotels in Troyes, Reimes and recently Calais. These are cheap, functional and clean. This avoids driving too far in one go and being tired. Knowing we were going into possible treacherous conditions, I insist on an overnight stop. The Calais stop recently was on our way over as we got to France around mid-night; so getting to France late, I wanted a good night's sleep before a long journey.

The autoroutes and roads in general in France are in a much better condition than ours. The route shown turns out to be the quickest in terms of time.

Getting into Switzerland – we had to endure a 3 hour queue – not to show passports, but to pay 50Euros to have the pleasure of using the Swiss motorways.  Next time I think we’ll drive to the South of Geneva as although longer, it will save time in the long run. It may even save us 50Euros too.

Snow chains – the images attached (from last year’s trip) show the chains I used – Michelin nylon material type ones that are actually very quick to put on when compared to traditional metal snow chains. They are much lighter too. Coming home, we had to stop to put them on and drove for approximately 30 miles like that. Without them we would not have got back home that’s for sure. If I did this trip on a regular basis, I think I would have to have winter tyres, just like many of the locals. Winter tyres seemed to be very efficient. 

Driving in France, as many of our RoADAR colleagues will know, is always a treat. Yes you will get “beeped” on the odd occasion but that’s just the French having a bit of fun in baiting the Brits! Driving on the right in a right hand drive car does have some problems, but nothing too serious to overcome. The roads tend to be clearer than ours, but can become busy around major cities and towns, and especially during public holidays. Their style of driving is different to ours – if you leave a gap, it will be filled! Top tips for driving in France – know your highway code especially speeds in towns, country lanes and motorways; carry two red triangles; do not have sat nav speed camera setting turned on; carry hi-viz jackets for everyone in the car (these jackets must be in the cabin of the car, not the boot); carry a fire extinguisher; carry your documents including car and travel insurance and V5. You do NOT need to have a breathalyser kit – this law was rescinded a couple of years back, but the AA and Halfords obviously bought a job lot so are keen to sell them on!  (The fine for not carrying one was only 10Euros!) Saying that though, it might be useful to carry one as a matter of precaution anyway. And if going to anywhere such as the mountains, carry snow chains- and make sure you have practised fitting them before you go (there is nothing worse than putting snow chains on in a blizzard at –10 degrees Celsius!) 

The Alps by the way were spectacular as they always are. Snow covered mountains with pine forests. Photo also attached! This trip I reckon could be a great trip for the motorcycle chaps too. Two days driving down; three days mooching about the Alps; then two days coming back. The costs are quite reasonable if two people share a twin room – I reckon it would be around £300 per person or so in June/July; plus meals, drinks, tolls, fuel, etc. on top.  The skiing by the way was superb! 

Peter Genet 

March Ride Report

The intrepid group were led from the Northern parts of the county by new Ride Coordinator Marky Mark Sealey who brought them to Hyde Towers located deep in South Wiltshire.

The team were provided with fresh bacon baps, teas and coffees by Mrs Hyde. The ride co-ordinator then left his charges with the pathetic excuse that he needed to go the pub to watch the final day of the six nations.  Clearly his judgment is severely impaired as Scotland badly let Wales down.

I then took over the weighty role of ride leader and the Chairman was tail end charlie, the route took us through the Chalke Valley, past Gurston Down, down Fovant Hill to the A30, a quick splash and dash at Shaftesbury for the Chairman. As we were leaving, myself and Julian pushed a stricken Ford Ka off the forecourt for a lady whose Ka wouldn’t start.

Back on the A30 to Sherborne then Northwest to Sparkford, a short ride along the A303 saw us arrive, just in time for a light lunch in the Swordfish restaurant at The Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton. The last time the author had been at Yeovilton was to install an extended aeration plant, a project that he doesn’t want to repeat.

The Chairman and Roger then made their excuses and left for home. The hardy souls left headed North past the largely rebuilt Haynes Museum & on to Castle Cary, Bruton, Gillingham and Shaftesbury. As the Melbury Abbas road is still closed it was necessary to use Zig Zag Hill, as if motorcyclists need an excuse to ride twisty roads!

A brief visit to Moto Corsa saw Julian choose his birthday present, although he would prefer an Orange Laverda Jota, and Jo tried a Moto Guzzi for height and comfort. As we couldn’t find Cerne Abbas airfield (on the ride coordinators schedule) we decided to go to Compton Abbas which is only two miles from Moto Corsa!  Here we enjoyed more hot drinks and cake.

Although it wasn’t the longest ride we have undertaken, it fulfilled all other requirements of bacon, coffee, cake and sun! Obviously these vital ingredients cannot be guaranteed for every rideout but if you want to join us all associates, members and tutors are welcome as are pillions.

Not sure why the local IAM group were riding Monkey bikes (see photo)

Steve Hyde

HGV Speed Limit Changes

Did you know that, from 6 April 2015, the speed limit for HGVs travelling on single and dual carriageways in England and Wales was increased. The national speed limits for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes, travelling on a single carriageway is now 50mph (previously 40mph). The speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes, travelling on dual carriageways increased from 50mph to 60mph. The limits in Scotland are staying the same. European speed limiter requirements also remain unchanged and must be set at 56mph or lower.

Thanks to Chris Gleed for this information.

Highway Code Rule Change: Drugs and Medicine

All members should be aware that rule 96 of The Highway Code has been updated as follows:

You MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. For medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist and do not drive if you are advised that you may be impaired.

You MUST NOT drive if you have illegal drugs or certain medicines in your blood above specified limits. It is highly dangerous so never take illegal drugs if you intend to drive; the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and result in fatal or serious road crashes. Illegal drugs have been specified at very low levels so even small amounts of use could be above the specified limits. The limits for certain medicines have been specified at higher levels, above the levels generally found in the blood of patients who have taken normal therapeutic doses. If you are found to have a concentration of a drug above its specified limit in your blood because you have been prescribed or legitimately supplied a particularly high dose of medicine, then you can raise a statutory medical defence, provided your driving was not impaired by the medicine you are taking.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Kevin Hugo and his wife Catherine on the birth of their son Toby David, a brother for Callum.