On Wednesday 7th August 2024, RAF Brize Norton hosted a Road Safety Roadshow in collaboration with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The focus was on increasing safety on the roads through practical and theoretical training and education. In total, 19 Station personnel, both military and civilian, were able to increase their knowledge in critical skills including accident scene management and on-road driver and rider training.
Flight Lieutenant Chris Fawcett, event organiser, said:
“As a former police officer I have witnessed first hand the impact of poor driving and decision making and the devastation this can bring to individuals and families. I completed the police driving courses several years ago and as a driver and rider with the IAM I have seen the importance of education and training in both developing a safer motoring mindset and practical skill on the road.”
Flight Lieutenant Fawcett
Event Organiser
With the day split into two, participants completed a four-hour session with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who first delivered ‘Choices and Consequences’, exploring driver attitudes and decision making, followed by the nationally recognised ‘Biker Down’ course, focusing on accident scene management, casualty care, and the ‘Psychology of being seen’ when riding a motorbike.
Chief Technician Mick Gresty, course attendee, said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I now feel empowered as a result of the Biker Down course and although I hope I never have to deploy any skills, I have enhanced confidence should a situation arise. I would urge all drivers and riders to attend this course in the future.”
Chief Technician Mick Gresty
Course Attendee
Four nationally qualified motorbike observers and two car observers from the IAM then took over, with ten drivers and seven motorcyclists completing practical on the road training and development based upon the police system of car or bike control. This aims to improve motorists’ observation skills, develop their ability to plan and anticipate hazards, and equip them with the skill and confidence to react quickly and smoothly.
Mrs Yvonne Parsons, course attendee:
“The whole day was fantastic, and I learnt a lot, I enjoyed it so much that I have registered on the IAM Advanced Driver course.”
Mrs Yvonne Parsons
Course Attendee
Flying Officer Joe West, course attendee:
“It was a really good introduction to the IAM Advanced Rider courses, and I will definitely be taking away a lot of points to develop my riding in the future. I think it is awesome what they are doing to spread awareness of road safety.”
Flying Officer Joe West
Course Attendee
Flight Lieutenant Fawcett said:
“This investment in training cannot be underestimated and it was great to be able to bring this partnership between the fire service and the IAM to RAF Brize Norton. It was encouraging to see the participants fully engaging in the sessions and I hope that their introduction to advanced motoring is something that they can take away and apply practically whenever they are on the road."
Flight Lieutenant Fawcett
Event Organiser
The course, 'Biker Down', has been developed by the Fire Service following an off-duty firefighter witnessing a Motorcycle accident and using his own training as a Fire-fighter to assist at the scene. On reflection, he realised the skills and knowledge he had would be well shared with fellow Bikers. Biker Down – Would You Know What To Do?
The Institute of Advanced Motorists are a national road safety charity founded in 1956. Their mission promotes being a force for good, with skills development and education at the core of what they do, teaching post licence holders (drivers and riders) new skills to create fulfilling and safe journeys on the road. IAM RoadSmart | UK Road Safety Charity | Advanced Driver & Rider Courses
