IAM - Image Problem ?
Discussion
Noticed an IAM leaflet in the brew room at work, had a quick look then put it down as images of sanctimonious road captains, string backed gloves and Cravates sprung to mind, my only dealings with them was a driving day that obviously needed filling so we got our driving checked by an IAM guy, he was ok but a bit of a plonker, he drove a Chrysler Neon which kind of spolit it a bit. The other guy I know who is a member is also a bit of an expert at everything, all he does is one upmanship, if you have done it, he has done it bigger, better, faster.
So, am I tarring a good organisation based on my experiences, should I join and get some much needed advanced training or are they all really knob sockets of the highest order ?
So, am I tarring a good organisation based on my experiences, should I join and get some much needed advanced training or are they all really knob sockets of the highest order ?
There are quite a few IAM (and other AD organisation members) on PH and we're definitely not like the OP's image of the IAM.
On the whole, I'd agree. IAM have a big issue (IMO) with their image however every single IAM member that I've been out driving with have been completely different to that image. They need to adjust their attitude or else they're going to struggle to attract new members
I feel that my experience with IAM has been positive but I do feel that I've been lucky
On the whole, I'd agree. IAM have a big issue (IMO) with their image however every single IAM member that I've been out driving with have been completely different to that image. They need to adjust their attitude or else they're going to struggle to attract new members
I feel that my experience with IAM has been positive but I do feel that I've been lucky
The problem with basing your opinion of an organisation on two members is exactly that, it's not exactly a large enough sample size. Like with any organisation though, it'll will attract people who are twits, and people who aren't (and I'll be the first to admit it does attract all sorts). So for every 'Mr expert' (and there are plenty of those on PH too) or Neon driver, there might be a PHer. The most important thing is to associate yourself with those who you respect the opinion of.
Incidentally, the cars in my group range from a 7 litre AC Cobra replica to a Lotus Elise, with most things in between (540i, Focus ST, my T5 Volvo, VRS things, GTI things, classic things, MR2s, MX5s, etc...) so as you can see, it's not all Neon drivers
Incidentally, the cars in my group range from a 7 litre AC Cobra replica to a Lotus Elise, with most things in between (540i, Focus ST, my T5 Volvo, VRS things, GTI things, classic things, MR2s, MX5s, etc...) so as you can see, it's not all Neon drivers
MagicalTrevor said:
There are quite a few IAM (and other AD organisation members) on PH and we're definitely not like the OP's image of the IAM.
On the whole, I'd agree. IAM have a big issue (IMO) with their image however every single IAM member that I've been out driving with have been completely different to that image. They need to adjust their attitude or else they're going to struggle to attract new members
I feel that my experience with IAM has been positive but I do feel that I've been lucky
+1 to all of that. Well, most of it.On the whole, I'd agree. IAM have a big issue (IMO) with their image however every single IAM member that I've been out driving with have been completely different to that image. They need to adjust their attitude or else they're going to struggle to attract new members
I feel that my experience with IAM has been positive but I do feel that I've been lucky
I'm probably not the typical perceived IAM member: did my IAM just turned 30 and in a Z4 roadster (don't quite know what THAT says about me though...). My observer was decent enough as was the examiner, an acting police trainer who told some great stories about interesting moments in RWD motorway patrol cars.
The biggest turn-off for me was the local group meetings/lectures. Attended a few while undergoing observing but they were so poor and old-fashioned that I've not been back since. Perhaps I was unlucky but they were certainly more in fitting with the general perceived image of the IAM than what I experienced on my actual drives.
Overall though it was well worth doing and I'd suggest it to anyone thinking about it.
My dad used to be a member and I used to read their quarterly magazines when they turned up. It occured to me then that the organisation seemed a little fun-free. I know they're trying to be serious and road safety awareness etc is no laughing matter, but they didn't seem to give the impression of driving as being something that may be enjoyed. I think a lot of their advice and training is worthwhile, but it all seemed to anal to me. I'd go so far as to say they seemed a bit self-satisfied and arrogant in that they were rightly proud of their high standards, but hadn't realised that perhaps things have to evolve with time in order to remain relevant.
I think a slightly less fuddy-duddy image would result in more members, especially if they were to play more heavily on the "enjoy your driving" and "get the most from your car" angle rather than the sensible-but-dull "lower insurance / safer" story and appeal to driving enthusiasts rather than just people who want to be all pompous about the proper way to do things. Despite the rising costs involved in motoring, I'm occassionally surprised how much enthusiasm there is for cars and car culture. PH is evidence that there are plenty of people who regard their cars as more than a simple means of conveyance and see driving as something to be enjoyed rather than endured. Making the undoubtedly good work and valuable lessons of the IAM relevant to these people would result in more membership I think.
My dad used to say I should join as I was/am probably more of a car and driving enthusiast than he is, but while I'm sure I could have learned a lot, the idea didn't and doesn't really appeal.
I think a slightly less fuddy-duddy image would result in more members, especially if they were to play more heavily on the "enjoy your driving" and "get the most from your car" angle rather than the sensible-but-dull "lower insurance / safer" story and appeal to driving enthusiasts rather than just people who want to be all pompous about the proper way to do things. Despite the rising costs involved in motoring, I'm occassionally surprised how much enthusiasm there is for cars and car culture. PH is evidence that there are plenty of people who regard their cars as more than a simple means of conveyance and see driving as something to be enjoyed rather than endured. Making the undoubtedly good work and valuable lessons of the IAM relevant to these people would result in more membership I think.
My dad used to say I should join as I was/am probably more of a car and driving enthusiast than he is, but while I'm sure I could have learned a lot, the idea didn't and doesn't really appeal.
nottyash said:
Image problem? Yep, a load of bell ends in an exclusive gentlemens club for bell ends
Over 100,000 members doesn't sound very exclusive to me, and our current local course has more females than males signed up.There's definitely an issue with the perception of the IAM, not helped by the lack of retesting and standards maintenance.
I think a large part of the problem though is tied up with the psychology of driving. Many people get very defensive about the suggestion that they might not be as a good a driver as they could be. This leads them to attack the messenger in any way their prejudices allow.
a11y_m said:
MagicalTrevor said:
There are quite a few IAM (and other AD organisation members) on PH and we're definitely not like the OP's image of the IAM.
On the whole, I'd agree. IAM have a big issue (IMO) with their image however every single IAM member that I've been out driving with have been completely different to that image. They need to adjust their attitude or else they're going to struggle to attract new members
I feel that my experience with IAM has been positive but I do feel that I've been lucky
+1 to all of that. Well, most of it.On the whole, I'd agree. IAM have a big issue (IMO) with their image however every single IAM member that I've been out driving with have been completely different to that image. They need to adjust their attitude or else they're going to struggle to attract new members
I feel that my experience with IAM has been positive but I do feel that I've been lucky
I'm probably not the typical perceived IAM member: did my IAM just turned 30 and in a Z4 roadster (don't quite know what THAT says about me though...). My observer was decent enough as was the examiner, an acting police trainer who told some great stories about interesting moments in RWD motorway patrol cars.
The biggest turn-off for me was the local group meetings/lectures. Attended a few while undergoing observing but they were so poor and old-fashioned that I've not been back since. Perhaps I was unlucky but they were certainly more in fitting with the general perceived image of the IAM than what I experienced on my actual drives.
Overall though it was well worth doing and I'd suggest it to anyone thinking about it.
S. Gonzales Esq. said:
Over 100,000 members doesn't sound very exclusive to me, and our current local course has more females than males signed up.
There's definitely an issue with the perception of the IAM, not helped by the lack of retesting and standards maintenance.
I think a large part of the problem though is tied up with the psychology of driving. Many people get very defensive about the suggestion that they might not be as a good a driver as they could be. This leads them to attack the messenger in any way their prejudices allow.
S.Gonzales Esq.There's definitely an issue with the perception of the IAM, not helped by the lack of retesting and standards maintenance.
I think a large part of the problem though is tied up with the psychology of driving. Many people get very defensive about the suggestion that they might not be as a good a driver as they could be. This leads them to attack the messenger in any way their prejudices allow.
You MUST be an exclusive sort of gentlemanny-club type!
I'm a member.
The biggest problem is that they refuse to modernise. The policy of no overlap, push-pull steering etc. was great when cars ran on cross ply tyres but times have changed.
It also grates that they do not attack Brake. The IAM is supposed to be a road safety charity so they should crush this vile organisation. The way Brake get in the media to respond to motoring issues instead of the IAM (even with it's faults) boils my piss.
Steve
The biggest problem is that they refuse to modernise. The policy of no overlap, push-pull steering etc. was great when cars ran on cross ply tyres but times have changed.
It also grates that they do not attack Brake. The IAM is supposed to be a road safety charity so they should crush this vile organisation. The way Brake get in the media to respond to motoring issues instead of the IAM (even with it's faults) boils my piss.
Steve
To be honest any club that sets limits to who can be a member and then has different levels of membership depending on experience tends to be full of self important idiots. Not exclusively by any means. Some people wish to better themselves simply for the sake of self improvement. However a lot it seems just love to lord their 'imagined' superiority over others.
I've listened to senior IAM members wax lyrical about their driving skills while rubbishing everyone else on the road. But then I know two members of the IAM who if you didn't ask you wouldn't have known.
It's no different in my experience to chartered engineering institutes. Full of idiots who are consumed with their own self importance.
I've listened to senior IAM members wax lyrical about their driving skills while rubbishing everyone else on the road. But then I know two members of the IAM who if you didn't ask you wouldn't have known.
It's no different in my experience to chartered engineering institutes. Full of idiots who are consumed with their own self importance.
S. Gonzales Esq. said:
nottyash said:
Image problem? Yep, a load of bell ends in an exclusive gentlemens club for bell ends
Over 100,000 members doesn't sound very exclusive to me, and our current local course has more females than males signed up.There's definitely an issue with the perception of the IAM, not helped by the lack of retesting and standards maintenance.
I think a large part of the problem though is tied up with the psychology of driving. Many people get very defensive about the suggestion that they might not be as a good a driver as they could be. This leads them to attack the messenger in any way their prejudices allow.
There's a lot to be learned mate you just need to suck it up when they start coming out with b
ks like, "always stop the car in the gear you're in - there's no need to downshift on a modern vehicle".
They genuinely do teach you some handy things like looking ahead, looking for vanishing points (a great thing to be able to do) and make you more aware of road signs and the like.
The condescending ex-copper examiner at the end is always good for a laugh as well. (Not literally of course, I think they're partially lobotomised as a matter of course).
I don't regret doing mine, I maintain my subscription but won't be doing it all again for the bike.
ks like, "always stop the car in the gear you're in - there's no need to downshift on a modern vehicle".They genuinely do teach you some handy things like looking ahead, looking for vanishing points (a great thing to be able to do) and make you more aware of road signs and the like.
The condescending ex-copper examiner at the end is always good for a laugh as well. (Not literally of course, I think they're partially lobotomised as a matter of course).
I don't regret doing mine, I maintain my subscription but won't be doing it all again for the bike.
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