Connect and Grow with Swindon Advanced Motorists
Join Us for Monthly Meetings!
At Swindon Advanced Motorists, we're not just about improving driving skills; we’re creating a community. You can become a member and participate in our engaging monthly group meetings. These gatherings are designed for like-minded individuals who share a passion for driving and want to enhance their abilities on the road.
Meet the first Wednesday in February, April, June, July, September (AGM) and December at Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon, SN26 7AS @ 7:30pm. Let us know if you'd like to come along.
For just £12 a year, you’re investing in not only your driving excellence but also in lifelong friendships. Sign me up! Payment by Standing Order is preferred to help us keep administration to a minimum.
Note - you must be a member of IAMRS to join SAM - info here.
No Group Meetings in October & November
There are no group meetings in October or November. Our next group meeting is on 2nd December at Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon at 7:30pm.
We have reduced the number of group meetings to help manage costs. We will review periodically.
Why observation matters more than ever
One of the most valuable skills an advanced driver can develop is observation. It sounds simple enough. After all, we've all been looking through a windscreen for years. But advanced driving teaches us that there is a significant difference between looking and seeing.
Many collisions and near misses occur not because drivers lack vehicle control, but because they fail to gather, process, and act upon information early enough. Effective observation gives us time. Time to identify hazards, time to plan, and time to avoid sudden reactions.
The IAM RoadSmart and Police System of Car Control places observation at the heart of safe driving. Good drivers are constantly scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors, monitoring side roads, reading traffic behaviour, and anticipating what might happen next. Rather than reacting to events, they are preparing for them.
A useful technique is to think in terms of layers. The first layer is the road immediately ahead. The second is further into the distance. Beyond that are the wider clues: pedestrians approaching a crossing, a ball rolling into the road, brake lights several vehicles ahead, or a tractor emerging from a field entrance. Each clue contributes to the overall picture.
Observation is particularly important in today's driving environment. Modern vehicles are quieter, cyclists and e-scooters are more common, and distractions are everywhere. Drivers who develop a disciplined observation routine are far better equipped to deal with the unexpected.
The benefits extend beyond safety. Improved observation often leads to smoother progress, better fuel economy, reduced wear on brakes and tyres, and a more relaxed driving experience. Instead of constantly braking and accelerating, the observant driver maintains momentum through planning and anticipation.
Many advanced drivers adopt the habit of asking themselves a simple question: "What can I see, and what does it mean?" The second part is crucial. Seeing a queue of traffic is useful; recognising that it's likely to affect your next junction is better. Spotting a pedestrian is good; anticipating that they may step into the road is even better.
The next time you're behind the wheel, challenge yourself to look further ahead and gather more information than you normally would. Notice the clues, build the picture, and plan accordingly. You may be surprised by how much calmer and more enjoyable your drive becomes.
As advanced drivers, we often say that the driver who sees the most has the most time. And in driving, time is one of the greatest safety margins we have.
SAM Driving Tip: On your next journey, try looking at least 12-15 seconds ahead rather than focusing only on the vehicle in front. You'll quickly find yourself anticipating events rather than reacting to them.
