Speed isn’t everything

Driving from Auch to Condom, at 80kph, I glanced in my rear view mirror to see the massive radiator grille of a heavy goods vehicle filling the mirror. The HGV was obviously in a hurry; I increased speed, to no effect. The HGV kept roaring up closer and closer. Finally, I pulled over and let it thunder past.

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The new limit is well-intentioned but is only part of the solution to the road death-toll. A massive re-education programme is needed, addressing dangerous overtaking, tailgating, motorcycle awareness and not using a mobile phone while driving.

I see media reports that an accident was caused by fog or ice. This is ridiculous. Accidents are frequently caused by a failure to adjust speed to take road conditions into account.

Every motorist should spare a thought for emergency services who are obliged to assist at horrific accident scenes.

A driving licence is a privilege, not a right – we should all strive to achieve best possible standards when we use the roads. The aims is to get from A to B safely, without endangering others.

Why is it that people are courteous and patient in supermarket queues yet there is so much aggression on our roads?

Peter Bradley, Gers

cars road safety driving licence driving letters and comment

cars road safety driving licence driving letters and comment