Foreword
The Fédération Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA) is a signatory to the European Commission’s Road Safety Charter (RSC) which is a part of the Commission’s project to reduce the number of road deaths by 50% by 2010. Most signatories to the RSC are adopting measures that will make a direct contribution towards either a reduction in the number of accidents occurring or in their severity – or both. Neither is possible for FIVA because accidents involving historic vehicles are so rare. Instead, FIVA’s contribution is to do all it can to maintain the existing high levels of road safety achieved by owners of old vehicles. This guide seeks to achieve that purpose both by encouraging the continuation of safe and sensible driving habits amongst existing drivers and by highlighting the wise techniques that those new to the use of historic vehicles should consider.
Introduction
Traffic conditions throughout Europe have changed substantially in the last quarter century, so even when the youngest “historic” vehicles were made, the roads were quieter and cruising speeds in freely moving traffic on trunk routes were generally slower. Historic vehicles were not designed for the conditions one is likely to experience on today’s roads so today’s historic vehicle drivers have to compensate accordingly. At the same time, old vehicles are frequently the centre of attention wherever they travel: this gives drivers of such vehicles an opportunity to set an example of courteous, considerate and safe driving.
Overview
To drive an historic vehicle safely and considerately, one needs to:-
• Ensure the vehicle is properly maintained; (section 1)
• Know the vehicle and appreciate its limitations; (section 2)
• See, be seen and make one’s intentions clear; (section 3)
• Drive with thought for, and understanding of, other road users; (section 4)
• Understand that events on the road can cause problems for other road users and behave accordingly. (section 5)
1. Maintenance
Twenty five years ago, servicing was required at far more frequent intervals than is necessary with today’s vehicles, and fifty years ago it was even more frequent than that. There have always been two considerations for routine maintenance – elapsed time and distance travelled. Owners of historic
vehicles, especially those that are used infrequently, need to remember the importance of regular servicing even if the distance travelled since the last service is insignificant. FIVA recommends that:-
• All historic vehicles that are used should be carefully inspected at least once a year. This is especially important in countries where vehicle testing is not compulsory. The inspection should include –
