A road safety group has worked in numerous ways to encourage and enforce better practices among motorcyclists.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has also recently praised the success of a drink-driving campaign, which was set up to make the UK roads safer. Each year, the police are said to introduce campaigns that aim to identify and apprehend drink-drivers to help reduce the number of accidents during busier seasons, such as Christmas and New Year.

Campaigns against drink-driving

Figures, released in relation to the Christmas period last year caused the IAM, to state that it was encouraged by the effectiveness of such operations in improving road safety for bike insurance customers and other road users. Police caught out more than 9,000 offenders between December 2008 and January 2009 after breathe testing 183,000 motorists.

IAM’s director of research and Policy Neil Greig stated that it was “encouraging” to see that the initiative was cutting down on the number of irresponsible motorists.

Although he did warn that too many people are still putting the lives of themselves and others on the line, at risk by being on the roads, when they are over the limit.

He said; "We need more targeted enforcement all year round; safety is for life - not just for Christmas."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), also issued a similar response to the figures with the group, stating that they were also disappointed with the number of people who continue to drink and drive.

Kevin Clinton, the head of road safety at RoSPA said: "This clearly demonstrates the need for the police to be out there enforcing the law."

IAM awarded for road safety

The IAM has also recently received an award for its contributions towards improving safety for motorcyclists during 2008. The firm received the award, for the first Adelaide Insurance Services Safety Award at this year’s, Irish Racer Magazine awards ceremony.

The awards typically recognise the talents of racers in Motorcycle Road Racing. However the Safety Award is a new departure, recognising the dangers associated with motorcycling and emphasising the importance of practical rider safety.

Simon Best, IAM Managing Director, was at the award and said: “It is great for us to receive encouragement for our work, and I have pleasure in accepting the award on behalf of our 18,000 motorcycle members. Our advanced driving and riding techniques are complemented by our influence on road safety policy through the IAM Motoring Trust.

He added: “Our belief, and one which has been proven over the years, is that better riders are safer riders. As a result of our work, we are helping to reduce the agony and expense of death on the roads of the UK and will continue to do so.”

The IAM directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users every year – full members, associates and commercial clients – in the UK and Ireland by providing advanced driver training. These techniques, as practiced by police motorcycle patrols, make crowded roads safer and crucially, more enjoyable. The IAM has six dedicated groups that are based in Northern Ireland.