Pots calling kettles...
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T welcome the challenge set
by Ms Steele (CM 29 Feb-6 Mar) regarding the "appalling standard of lorry driving." At our company we promote a safe environment for our staff and the public. Our drivers are trained to advanced level, and we welcome comments from the public.
However, Ms Steele's comment that "at least six times on one journey" she was forced to take evasive action when just about to overtake lorries, leads me to believe that there may be an element of blameworthiness with Ms Steele's own driving.
To have got herself into such a potentially dangerous position surely implies her own powers of observation and anticipation could perhaps need a little improvement! Had she not seen and predicted that the lorry may want to pull out to pass the vehicle in front of it? Had she not considered using lane three, to give herself a safer passage? These things are taught on advanced lessons which she herself recommends for others!
Marx is quoted as saying: "The condemnation of another's actions is paramount to the acquittal of oneself." I rest my case! David Footit, MIAM, ROSPA LGV Gold, RoSPA Diploma P.S. I would be more than pleased to further a more constructive and longer reply directly, or indirectly.
Night sight
T would like to comment on the eye testing of HGV and public service drivers.
It would appear a certain standard of day-time sight will be required of drivers, prior to the wearing of glasses or contact lens.
There is, however, a far bigger problem that should be addressed and that is the testing of all drivers for "night blindness". This is a cause of many an accident after dark and a worry for the many drivers who suffer from this condition. I have been researching and treating this area of sight for 15 years and have interest shown, and back up, from around the world.
I would be pleased to offer the possibility of help to your readers before the condition becomes too bad.
Professor Paul D Cook, Night Vision Clinic, 78 Bobo Bridge Rd, London W3 8AU.
At your service
With reference to your article in CM29 Feb-6 Mar, I would like to point out that the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators, which is a member of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, offers its members a legal service on trading regulations, employment law, customer
relations, dealer agreements, property, credit, etc. It also provides support for test actions on issues important to the trade.
Training is also a major benefit of AVRO membership and a programme of both management and staff training courses tailored to the needs of the trade are provided by the Institute of Vehicle Recovery.
Sue Robinson Press and public relations manager, Retail Motor Industry Federation, London.
Commercial Motor welcomes readers' letters, which can be phoned in on 0181-652 3689 (24hour service] or faxed on 0181-652 8969. They may be edited for length and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.