As Chief Executive at the
IAM(
Institute of Advanced Motorists), he leads the UK’s leading independent road safety charity.
“Everybody sees bad driving everywhere,” he says, a sentiment that many motorists would agree with.
The
IAMhas around 100,000 members, 20% of them motorcyclists. It has 200 local groups and provides commercial training as well as remedial training, such as speed awareness courses.
“We champion continuous learning new skills and behaviours on UK roads. There are around 6,000 advanced tests completed annually, that is set against the 600,000 who pass their test every year.”
Best, who joined the
IAMin 2008 from GE Capital Solutions, says the institute’s core function is to “improve safety from a driver and rider perspective”.
The
IAMis best-known for its advanced driving test, which more than 400,000 people in the UK have completed. They also have an advanced test for motorcyclists.
“I took the advanced test in 1993 and I have also taken the motorcycle advanced test,” says Best.
“We know that loss ratios are significantly lower and the risk profile is reduced in those who have taken an advanced test.”
He adds: “At its heart the
IAMis a road safety charity, we have been going since 1956.
“Historically we have concentrated on the development of drivers and riders to attain their advanced test.
“The business still focuses on the advanced test and well as the delivery of driver education to offenders and things like speed awareness.”
The
IAMalso puts significant resources into its road safety research projects.
“As experts in the field we want to inform everybody from stakeholders and the public and to influence UK and EU politicians, especially when changes in legislation take place,” explains Best.
“We have a series of projects focused on young drivers, they are a major concern, and mature drivers – the two ends of the spectrum.”
The number of drivers over 70 is rising every year.
“They tend to be safe drivers, but some older drivers may have problems with mobility, such as turning round in the car,” says Best.
“We don’t need compulsory re-testing, but we are also looking at how best to support and help them in cases where they are becoming too old to drive.
“There are many adult children worried about their parents’ driving and we want to support them.”
There is also change in the profile of people who use a motorcycle.
“There are people commuting on smaller machines, and they have lower visibility from a driver’s perspective,” says Best.
“Then there are a growing number of people who could be classified as car drivers who happen to ride a motorcycle.
“Our motorcyclists are deeply concerned about the state of the UK’s roads. If you hit a pothole on two wheels there can be very serious consequences.
“We are spending £25bn on HS2, for which there is not justified business case.
“Look at it from our perspective; it would cost £11bn to fix the country’s roads.”
The government is unlikely to cancel HS2, but a Green Paper from the Department of Transport has allowed the AIM to put forward their proposals on improving the safety of newly qualified drivers.
Best suggests that a minimum amount of training is required.
“We are sort of in parallel with the Association of British Insurers, but our recommendations are more practical,” he says.
“They talk about a minimum 12 month learning period
“We say you may not have learnt more in 12 months – we want 100 to 120 hours, the problem is that the cost of learning to drive could double
“Some of that can be done by parents and by the community – we have more than 5,000 volunteers who can support that.
“Another suggestion is to limit the number of people who can be in the car with a new driver or bar then from night time driving.
“But if you delay that, they will still face the challenge, but with no support.”
Best says that 17 and 18-year-olds are not taking their driving test as readily as in the past.
“We know that the cost of taking the test, running a vehicle and the cost of fuel is putting a large number of people off.”
As well as its call for a minimum level of training, the institute supports staggered learning periods, depending on the age of the new driver and engaging parents more in the process.
The
IAMalso supports some temporary sanctions and restrictions to young driver licensing as part of a graduated licensing scheme.
“We would like to see rural roads and motorways on the test or on a compulsory post-pass course,” says Best.
“That fits will our focus on continuing learning and in Europe there are some very good examples of post-test learning.
“We want to improve young driver deaths and injuries.”
For more information about the
IAM, visit their website.