IAM RoadSmart has announced key organisational changes to prepare for advances in vehicle technology and accelerate its mission to reduce road deaths to zero.

IAM RoadSmart will continue working with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to create one National Observer qualification standard.

The charity will also be working with key academic partners to research new automotive technologies and the impact on driver behaviours.

With new automotive advancements, such as autonomous technology and e-scooters, which are currently unregulated on most UK roads, urgent change is needed to drastically bring the number of incidents down, it says.

In 2021, there were over 1,500 deaths in road incidents in the UK, while deaths involving e-scooter collisions have trebled year-on-year, with 12 fatalities in the past year. 

Antony Kildare (pictured), CEO at IAM RoadSmart, said: “We want to work with Government to build a future-fit and safer road network that actively reduces harm, urging them to act now to create safe and much-needed regulation around new mobility developments, such as electric vehicles, autonomous technologies, and decarbonisation strategies.

“New partnerships will help us adapt how our charity operates in a changing road safety landscape to be equipped for the future.

“We must adapt to meet changes in technology and infrastructure – keeping road safety our number one priority.”

IAM RoadSmart will also be welcoming two new trustees to the charity.

Victoria Milford will bring her 14 years of operations experience in HR and finance specialising in the retail, hospitality and service sectors to the board of trustees.

She will be joined by Tom Kelman; a chartered accountant with more than 35 years' experience, firstly at KPMG, and for the last 17 years in the not-for-profit sector, including three membership organisations.

Current trustee, Dr Bran Poulson, will be standing down after supporting with strategy development and progressing IT initiatives, both helping to position IAM RoadSmart for the future.

Also standing down are John Jenkins who supported strategic development and local interests, Tony Cearns who chaired the Finance and Audit Committee and Samantha Kane, Chair of the Renumeration Committee.

They have all made a difference volunteering their time to help position IAM RoadSmart for the future, it said.

Kildare said: “As an IAM RoadSmart community, every one of us plays a part in making UK roads safer by improving skills, embracing new technology, and working with our partners in the road network.

“I am excited to get our charity ready for the fight for safer and more enjoyable driving and riding in 2023 and beyond.”

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