Chairman's Chatter February 26
Let me open with a reminder that our February course commences with the Introductory evening on Thursday 5 February, full details on Page 9.
January 11th saw a tragedy on Wigan Road, Bolton, the like of which I have never seen before in our area. Four people killed and 5 injured, some very seriously, in a two car collision in the early hours of the morning. Much has already been written in both local and national press, I need add no more.
Both Wigan/Deane Road and St Helens Road/Derby Street regularly hit the headlines for vehicle collisions – almost always after dark. Several people I know, and including myself, avoid travelling on those roads at night with speeding cars, double parking in bus lanes, and u-turns in the road without warning. At night there is no enforcement of any kind to keep the area safe for all road users. The Bolton News (20 Jan) announced that ‘Police are making changes following tragic crash’ by installing Operation Classify cameras to target the 10 most consistent speeders. Chief Inspector John Haywood is quoted as saying “If someone has gone through a 30mph limit at 62mph once they wouldn’t feature on the list, compared to someone who does 40mph regularly. But now we are going to have the top 10 fastest taking place as well, off the back of what has just happened”. That is excellent news, particularly as I remember an earlier article saying that despite having regular ‘speeders’, the lack of crashes on Wigan Road meant that cameras weren’t justified. That has certainly changed now. It still leaves the problem that regular ‘speeders’ know just where the cameras are and will just speed elsewhere.
A few months ago, similar speed cameras to those mentioned above were installed on Moss Bank Way and Crompton Way. There was also one installed on Beaumont Road, but I’m unsure whether it is for speed prevention – or accident prevention. The camera has been installed northbound on Beaumont Road, between Junction Road West and Glengarth Drive, on the downhill section towards the railway bridge. Maybe there are ‘speeders’, however I’m not aware of any crashes there.
The crashes all happen on the other carriageway between Armadale Road and the hotel, the left hand uphill bend is notorious for single vehicle crashes. Why not place the camera there to deter ‘inappropriate speed for the circumstances’ which has inevitably led to cars leaving the road? In some cases even crossing over the central reservation on to the opposite carriageway and into the field. It takes some excess speed to do that!
Just to comment on compulsory eye tests for drivers over 70. Why is it such a big issue, when in reality it is common sense? I was asked for a comment by The Bolton News, my opinion is that an eye-test should be compulsory for drivers under 70, every 10 years when their photocard is renewed. My eyesight changed in my mid 20’s, I recognised it and began to wear glasses for driving. If others need to have a test to renew their photocard so be it. What is the problem, if you cannot see you should not be driving.
And finally, a thank you to those members who have already renewed their subs for 2025 – that is many of you. On Page 14 of this newsletter we tell you how you can find out if we have received your subs. Sadly, if you don’t wish to renew, this will be your last newsletter – we thank you for your past support and we will miss you.
Roy Sammons
Secretary's Scribbles April 26
Did you watch AI (Artificial Intelligence) Confidential with Professor Hannah Fry on BBC2 recently? This was a three part series, the second part of which, Death by Driverless Car, was very interesting, particularly to drivers everywhere. At the start we hear a driver reporting their car hitting a cyclist. A commentator tells us that a car has crashed in the middle of the night. A woman has been run down in the first death of its kind in the world. A pedestrian has been killed by a driverless car.
This all occurred in Tempe, Arizona, in 2018. Although the car was in auto-drive using Artificial Intelligence there was a human operator inside. A question is posed “Who was to blame? The human or AI?”
Driverless cars are a multi-billion industry which have the potential to save millions of lives. Hannah Fry is shown riding in a driverless taxi. She feels that this is nerve-wracking – she doesn’t really trust it. There follows a description of how it works. A combination of three types of sensors is used as follows.
Firstly, there are cameras, but these struggle in bad weather. Second there is radar, which we are told works well over long distances but not so well closer. And thirdly there is Lidar. This works like radar but uses lasers to build up a 3D picture of nearby objects. It is precise but easily confused by reflective surfaces. Inside the car AI pieces these together, builds up a picture of what’s outside, tries to predict what will happen next and decides how the car should steer, brake and accelerate.
Professor Fry tells us that humans make terrible drivers. In contrast AI doesn’t fall asleep at the wheel, doesn’t drink drive, or get road rage. So, there is a lot of scope for roads to be much safer than they currently are and that is a goal worth pursuing. However the story of how we have got to this point is marked by tragedy.
We now return to that first death. Professor Fry had persuaded the back-up driver, Rafaela Vasquez, to talk on camera for the first time. Rafaela admitted that she was looking down as her vehicle approached a pedestrian, Elaine Herzberg, who was jay walking across the road pushing a bicycle. The car should have detected her but didn’t. By the time Rafaela looked up and slammed on the brakes it was too late. The vehicle struck the woman at 39mph.
The investigation revealed that Rafaela’s cell phone was streaming a TV programme, The Voice. She maintained that she was listening to the programme, not watching it but she was formally charged with negligent homicide, which carries a sentence of up to eight years in prison if found guilty. In July 2023 Rafaela accepted a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, endangerment, and a sentence of three years’ probation.
A second incident occurred in Florida Keys in April 2019. 42-year-old George McGee’s cell phone fell out of his hands. He bent down to pick it up, leaving his Tesla Model S Autopilot to drive the car but something went wrong. The car failed to stop at a stop sign, ploughed through a T-junction and hit 26-year-old Dillon Angulo truck at 62mph. Remarkably, Dillon survived but his 23-year-old girlfriend, Naibel Benevides, was killed.
McGee was charged with careless driving which he didn’t contest but Angulo wanted Tesla to be held accountable as well. He claimed that they shared responsibility. They had identified faults in their car but done nothing to correct them. A jury awarded $243 million in damages. Tesla plan to appeal the ruling.
Professor Fry concluded by stating that, in her opinion, these two cases were not an acceptable price to pay for new technologies. She hoped that they were lessons from the past. Self-drive taxis are to be launched in London later this year! Let’s hope that similar problems don’t follow them across the Atlantic.
Gary Whittle
Electric Avenue April 26
Pothole breakdowns triple say RAC
An average of 225 pothole related breakdowns were reported to us every day in February say the RAC. This is more than three times the number of similar callouts at the same time in 2025 – and has been attributed to one of the wettest starts to the year in recent memory.
Throughout February, almost 6,300 drivers – the equivalent of 225 per day – cited hitting a pothole as a contributing factor towards their breakdown when reporting it to the RAC. This figure peaked at 336 on Friday 6 February, which is two-and-a-half times more than the firm’s record of 141 on 19 December 2025.
Given that an average of just 66 pothole-related callouts occurred each day in February 2025, you might be wondering why this figure has gone up. According to the RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, “In February there was an incredible amount of standing water and puddles on our roads, many of which were hiding potholes, which sadly too many drivers fell foul of”.
Ed; Potholes full of water are lethal, they conceal the real danger. So try to drive away from the gutter if you are able, but be aware that potholes can exist on any part of the road!
The System of ‘Life’ Control ‘continued’ – by Lynn Jordan
Position
In driving, your position on the road is crucial for safety, visibility and stability. You choose where to place your vehicle to be safe and protect yourself and others. Sometimes you position the vehicle to gain a better view or improve your control.
The same principle applies in life: we all occupy different positions in our families, workplaces and communities.
Consider your position in various aspects of your life:
- Family – Are you the youngest, the oldest, the peacemaker or the one who does all the organising?
- Work – Do you see yourself as the problem-solver, the motivator or perhaps the person who prefers to listen?
- Society - What role do you play? Are you comfortable with where you fit in, or do you wish things were different?
Feeling safe and satisfied with your position is ideal – there’s no need for change if you’re content. However, sometimes you might feel stuck, then a shift in perspective can reveal new possibilities. For example, at work ask yourself: ‘Am I happy with my current role?’ If you consider pursuing a promotion, think about what you might gain (status, pay, new experiences) and what you may lose (time with family, work-life balance). Weighing up the pros and cons helps you make informed choices.
Remember, your position is not fixed. Life is constantly developing. Changing your position isn’t just about moving up or down – it’s about finding the place where you feel secure, fulfilled and true to yourself. Take time to reflect on your current position, explore alternatives and consider what matters most to you. By doing so, you can navigate life’s journey with greater confidence and clarity
Speed
In advanced driving the speed phase is key. If the speed phase is not right then it affects all the other phases. The speed phase isn’t about going faster – it’s about approaching hazards at a pace that keeps you safe and in control. Life is much the same. When faced with problems, some people slam on the brakes and avoid the issue, which others rush in without a plan, leading to stress, mistakes and overwhelm.
When a challenge arises, the key is to find a balanced pace, slow down enough to think clearly, but keep moving forward so you don’t get stuck. Develop self-awareness and ask yourself: How do I usually respond to challenges? Do I freeze, rush or take things step by step? Recognising your pattern is the first step to changing it. Remember, whatever your response, it is shaped by your current knowledge, skills and emotional state. Do not judge yourself harshly, but instead consider what resources you have to handle the situation better. If your decisions don’t work out, learn from it and try again. Remember your perception of a problem may not be the full picture. By slowing down you give yourself time to gather more information and consider alternative viewpoints. These strategies encourage self-compassion, transform setbacks into stepping stones and help you respond more flexibly and creatively.
By mastering your own ‘speed’, you’ll handle life’s hazards with greater ease and less stress. It’s not about always moving quickly or slowly, but about choosing the pace that serves you best in each moment. With self-awareness, flexibility and a willingness to learn, you can navigate life’s journey with confidence and resilience.
Gear
In advanced driving we talk about using a responsive gear, giving good acceleration and deceleration as required. Just as drivers select the appropriate gear for hills, bends or overtaking, in life we need to adapt our approach to suit family, relationships, duties, work, leisure, hobbies. Sometimes we need to slow out pace, conserve energy or focus on detail. Other times we need to take bold action, accelerate progress or embrace new challenges.
In life, your ‘gear’ could be your mindset, skills, emotional state or support systems. Consider:
- What resources do I need right now?
- Do I need to slow down and reflect, or is it time to push forward?
- Am I using the right strategy for this situation?
Flexibility and adaptability is essential. Being able to ‘shift gears’ – change your approach, try new strategies or adjust your attitude – gives you more options and greater control over your goals and dreams. If whatever you’re doing isn’t working, do something different. If you feel stuck in life, it’s a sign to try a new approach.
Just as learning to drive and change gears smoothly takes practise, so does learning to shift ‘gears’ in life. Mistakes are part of the process, use them as feedback to refine your learning and approach to challenges. By learning to select the right ‘gear’ for each situation, you’ll move yourself out of surviving and into living.
Acceleration
In advanced driving, the acceleration phase is about moving through and away from a hazard, leaving the challenge behind and returning to smooth progress. It’s the moment when, having assessed and dealt with the hazard you commit to action and move forward confidently. In life, acceleration represents growth, progress and the pursuit of your goals. It’s about taking decisive action, after careful preparation, moving beyond obstacles and towards what matters most to you.
Having clarity with your goals is important. Many clients will tell me what they don’t want, but are unsure of what they really want. Define your goal in positive and specific terms. Once you have set a goal the acceleration phase is where intention becomes action. Ask yourself:
- What is the next step I can take towards my goal?
- How will I know I’m making progress?
- What skills and strengths can I draw on now?
- What support do I need to keep moving forward?
Acceleration is about taking ownership of your actions and results. Recognise and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. Acknowledging progress, fuels motivation and builds momentum. Visualise yourself moving confidently towards your goal, see yourself as having achieved the goal and imagine how it will feel when you succeed. Sometimes acceleration means pushing through discomfort or uncertainty. View any setbacks as ‘learning opportunities’, reset and try a different approach.
Remember growth is a journey, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but always forward.
Conclusion
Just as a skilled driver navigates the road with awareness, adaptability and purpose, so too can you steer your life with confidence and clarity. Life, like driving, is not about avoiding hazards, but learning how to move through them with skill and resilience. Each phase of this system – gathering information, choosing your position, managing your speed, selecting the right gear and accelerating towards your goals – invites you to reflect, adapt and grow. The road ahead is bound to have its twists and turns, but with these principles you are well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Trust in your ability to choose your own path and attain your own goals.
Website - www.byb-beyourbest.co.uk
Full article - https://www.byb-beyourbest.co.uk/resources/
Email – lynn.byb@gmail.com
Phone – 07766 651418
Traffic Management
New Advanced Driving Course
Now Easy to Do at Home Using AI from IAM RoadSmart
Exciting news for readers of the Bolton Group newsletter for motorists: a new IAM RoadSmart advanced driving course is available from 1 April 2026, to complete at home, thanks to cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology.
The programme offers interactive tutorials, real-time feedback, and personalised progress tracking, making it accessible and convenient for learners of all levels.
Participants can practise essential manoeuvres, hazard perception, and decision-making skills in a simulated environment, all from the comfort of their own living room. This innovative approach aims to improve road safety and driver confidence without the need for traditional classroom sessions, on the road tuition and an end of course practical driving examination.
This is all part of RoadSmart’s drive to full digital operation, and will cut out the need for National Observers and Examiners. This follows “hot on the heels” of digital membership cards, digital course pass certificates and automatic renewal of annual subscriptions.
This new AI generated course will give associates the confidence to work towards the “Digital Masters” course that will allow them to acquire the skills that previously would have only been possible with a fully qualified National Observer / Masters Mentor. (NOMM).
Commenting on the new innovation Bolton and District Chair said. “Wow, who would have thought that you could do a complete advanced driving course, from the luxury of your armchair just a few years ago.” He continued by saying “This means that I can have full English breakfast, with toast and fresh orange juice, in bed every Sunday morning from April 1st onwards.
It will make life a lot easier for me, the group, and the IAM as we can now deliver the course without lifting a finger!”
A spokesperson for the IAM was unavailable due to an IT failure.
This article was written and brought to you for the April edition of the Bolton and District Group Artificial Intelligence newsletter.
A message to new Associates
If you are one of our new associates on the August 2025 course, I’d like to give you a big welcome to Bolton Advanced Motorists. I hope that you will enjoy your time with us as much as I enjoyed my course. We will be asking you to change some of your driving habits so that you can pass your Advanced Test. Some associates find this difficult. If you are one of these please persevere. You must attend consistently; if you go out with an observer on one Sunday and then miss the next two, when you next have an observed drive you will have forgotten much of what you were taught during the initial session. During the week you must practise what you are learning on a Sunday morning. Then you should find that around Session 5 it all starts to come together and you can see the benefits of driving using the System of Car Control, IPSGA. If you find that it takes longer, don’t worry. Tell your observer and, if necessary, speak to your mentor. The Group has over 55 years’ experience of preparing drivers for their advanced test and, whatever your problem, I’m confident that we will have the answer. Gary Whittle
2026 Annual General Meeting
In accordance with Rule 4.12 of the Group Rules, as Secretary of the Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists (affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists Ltd), I hereby give notice of an Annual General Meeting which will be held on Tuesday 5th May 2026, at Lostock Parish Centre, Tempest Road, Lostock, Bolton. The AGM will commence promptly at 7.00pm.
The Charity Commissioners for England & Wales have set out the following rules and guidelines for those considering becoming, and those serving as, a Charity Trustee (Committee Member):
- A Charity Trustee cannot benefit from his or her position as Trustee.
- Some people are automatically disqualified from acting as a Charity Trustee, including; people who have been convicted of offences involving dishonesty, or who are bankrupt, or who have previously been removed by the Court or Commissioners from being a Trustee of a Charity. It is an offence for a disqualified person to act as a Trustee.
- Trustees must be active in carrying out their duties. They must involve themselves in the running of the Charity. They cannot be a Trustee in name only and leave the running of the Charity to others.
- Trustees must manage and protect the property of the Charity. They must act reasonably and with a high standard of care. Trustees who cause loss to their Charity through negligence or dishonesty may be required to repay the loss from their own pockets.
- Trustees must use the property of the Charity for the purpose for which it was given and not for their own benefit.
- Trustees must not place themselves in a position where personal interests might conflict with their duties as Trustees, except in rare cases where this has been approved by the Commission.
Dr Gary Whittle
Honorary Group Secretary
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TUESDAY 5 MAY 2026
NOMINATION FORM
Nomination forms must be returned to the Honorary Group Secretary (see below for address) by 21 April 2026, ie 14 days prior to the AGM. Nominations can only be accepted from Full-Members of both the Group and the IAM, in accordance with the ’Rules for Groups affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists Ltd’, adopted by the Group in May 2000. All nominations must be proposed and seconded by Full-Members of both the IAM and the Group.
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Nomination for the post of:
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Nominee Signature: Caps:
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Proposed by: Caps:
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Seconded by: Caps:
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Send completed Nomination Forms to: Dr Gary Whittle, |
Test Passes and Masters and National Observers July 25
The following Associates have been successful in their Advanced Test since the last newsletter went to print:
Masters success:
Test Passes:
Paul Dunning
We now have fifty fsix IAM F1RST passes in the Bolton & District Group since the F1RST award was introduced.
Congratulations on your achievement and we hope you will enjoy your driving and continue to support the Bolton & District Group for many years to come.
Your next challenge is to maintain (and build on) the skills you have achieved during your course.
National Observer:
Congratulations to IMI National Observer Passes
We offer our congratulations to the following who have recently taken their National Observer Assessments and passed;
Pete Pritchard
We now have a full complement of National Observers in the Bolton Group and are ‘leading the way’ in our region of IAM RoadSmart in completing conversions from Local Observer status to National Observer.
This follows many months of training, both classroom and driving assessments, and we are delighted with your success and proud of the results. We now have an additional five National Observers on the books, with the possibility of two more interested and who will soon be starting training.
This his places the Bolton and District Group in a strong position with fifteen National Observers and we intend to celebrate this success. This includes three of our current National Observers who recently took their N.O. five yearly reassessment. Geoff Baker, Dougie Phillips and David Wilkinson all completed their assessment and passed without issue.
Many congratulations to you all on these fantastic achievements and thank you for ensuring the continued and future success of the Bolton and District Group.
It will help if you buy a badge for the front of your car – it will give you a ‘conscience’ to drive behind! Also one of the Bolton Group window badges helps to advertise the Bolton Group. Please speak to Chris Knowles.
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2026 Annual General Meeting Summary Report
2026 Annual General Meeting Summary Report
On 5th May 2026 the Chairman, Roy Sammons, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting. TBA
Group Required Contract Statement to Members
Here at the Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists we would like to thank you for renewing your membership with us, as part of your membership contract with us, we will contact you with information on training, committee, and social events, together with newsletters/magazines relating to the group and Road Safety.
Pictures, videos and written updates of Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists, events such as training, committee and social events at which you may be in attendance or referred to, will also be regularly published on Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc, group newsletters/magazines and group related websites.
Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists also shares your information with IAM RoadSmart in order to administer membership activities.
Option to Withdraw from the above
You have the right to withdraw from receiving or participating in any of the above, by contacting Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists.
I DO NOT WISH TO:-
□ receive information on training, committee, and social events, together with newsletters/magazines relating to the group and Road Safety.
□ to appear in or be referred to in or on any group social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc, group newsletters/magazines and group related websites.
Signature: ______________________
Name (in capitals): ______________________
Date: ______________________
Membership Number ______________________
Please notify the Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists by email to gkwhittle@btinternet.com or by letter to:-
Gary Whittle,
Group Secretary
Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists,
50 Albert Road West
Bolton
BL1 5HG
If you do not return this document with your Subs renewal form we shall continue to communicate with you as we do now.
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Reg Local - a series of video’s on How to Pass an Advanced Driving Test
There are 9 modules and can be found by clicking the following link;
https://www.youtube.com/c/RegLocal/playlists
Introduction
System of Car Control
Steering
Braking
Acceleration Sense
Cornering
Overtaking
Signalling
Commentary
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