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Welcome to DGIAM, the South West Scotland branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. We are a registered charity that’s affiliated, like over 200 other local groups to the Institute of Advanced Motorists – or IAM Roadsmart. Our aim, like the IAM Roadsmart itself is to improve the standards of driving and the advancement of road safety on Dumfries & Galloway’s roads.
We are made up of a friendly group of volunteers, covering all ages, all with a keen interest in better driving & motoring for all. To this end, we encourage all motorists to take the Advanced Driving Test, and offer them guidance, through our associate scheme, on how to prepare for this.
You can join the group as an existing full IAM Roadsmart member, or as an “Associate” member. Associates are members who have not yet passed their Advanced Driving Test, but wish to get involved and take advantage from the coaching & advice given by our Observers.
Dumfries & Galloway IAM Roadsmart caters for both car drivers and motorcyclists looking to take their motoring skills forward.
Gradually as the weeks have passed I have subconsciously adopted the techniques, which come from being an advanced driver. Some of these techniques I have to admit I have not enjoyed or seen the necessity in adopting, for instance the continual commentary which accompanies a drive. I have struggled with this technique as my Observer will testify and came home regularly to complain about it, but in this case I seem to be wrong. I now see the benefits of commentating, as it helps keep your concentration whilst driving, which is of course essential. It may take time as I am sure you all understand since it is a difficult technique to pick up and adopt easily, but I know it will be beneficial to my driving in the long term.
Another technique essential to being an advanced driver is the planned system of driving, which once understood and memorised becomes an automatic response in dealing with any hazard. This five point system: information, position, speed, gear and acceleration, when applied, come as close as possible to a fool proof system at avoiding hazards. However, yet again I admit this system of driving has not come as naturally or as quickly to me as I had hoped, but I know it is crucial and I will continue to persevere.”
Lucy
