North Coast 500 organisers team up with IAM RoadSmart to encourage motorists to boost driving skills before hitting the NC500 route through Caithness, Sutherland and other parts of the Highlands
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VISITORS on the North Coast 500 are being encouraged to "enhance their driving and riding skills" before they set off on the famous Highland touring route.
The move comes after the team behind the NC500 teamed up with IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity.
IAM RoadSmart aims to give drivers the skills and confidence needed to be safe, responsible road users, whatever the driving conditions they face. They do this by improving the skills of drivers and riders through coaching and education, thanks to thousands of volunteers and hundreds of local groups.
Visitors on the official North Coast 500 route, which includes Caithness and Sutherland, now have the opportunity to receive a discount on IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced courses for country roads when becoming an NC500 member.
The organisation’s advanced courses generally last around six to 12 sessions with a friendly IAM RoadSmart observer. Once ready, drivers and riders are put forward for an Advanced Test. Upon completion, they’ll gain ‘Advanced Driver’ or ‘Advanced Rider’ and ‘IAM RoadSmart Member’ status.
Read more: North Coast 500 Ltd executive chairman Tom Campbell to step down
The charity, which was founded more than 60 years ago, endeavours to make Britain’s roads safer and has more than 80,000 members. They also offer short, 75-minute sessions which focus on specific areas of ‘NC500-friendly’ driving.
Craig Mills, director of operations for NC500 said: “While the journey is nearly always beautiful, drivers and riders on the NC500 face a wide range of road grades, from the busy A9 to narrow single-track B-roads where the careful use of passing places is a must.
"The experience can be challenging year-round, but particularly in winter when weather conditions can catch even the most experienced drivers out.
“Yet drivers and riders can have a safe and enjoyable time if they come prepared with the right road-use skills and attitudes. Not only should they prioritise safety; they should always be mindful of and courteous toward other road users, whether in cars, campervans, bikes or on foot, and take particular care to respect those who live and work locally.
“Our collaboration with IAM RoadSmart is about making sure every NC500 visitor knows about the support it can provide through a superb range of advanced driving and road safety courses, many of which are ideal preparation for Highland road use.”
IAM RoadSmart membership, which is discounted to NC500 subscribers, also includes access to competitive insurance quotes, a subscription to the members’ magazine, access to local groups, and exclusive partner discounts.
Antony Kildare, CEO at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “As well as being committed to helping make Britain’s roads as safe as they can be for all road users, we at IAM RoadSmart also believe that driving and riding is so much more than a means of transport, but also a thoroughly enjoyable pastime. “This is why our partnership with NC500 is such a special one, as we are able to align with one of the most popular and iconic road-trip routes in Europe, all while communicating the important message of road safety. NC500 adventurers will benefit from our Advanced training on their journey, developing skills which they can draw upon for years to come.”
