Drive like Spock
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We live in an unfair world. This morning as I drove up from
Southampton on the M3 I became aware of a Renault Magnum tractive unit very close to the back of my car too close. I was driving at 75 mph! I moved out of the way and he passed me. My speedo was indicating 80mph. I witnessed a lorry driver, driving at very high speed, tailgating other motorists and generally driving in a reckless manner.
Later on the same journey, as I passed the M25, a Foden eight-legger, belonging to a reputable, well-known haulier, passed me. He must have been doing over 75mph. Both lorries were R-registered.
I don't believe we have a suspect batch of speed limiters; I believe both were probably disabled. I have since telephoned both of the companies, giving registration details and locations. What they choose to do about the incidents are of course their concern. What worries me is how to defend the indefensible.
I spend my life sticking up for this industry and mornings like this make me feel I'm wasting my time. It's an unfair world—the Well Driven campaigns don't apply to company cars or lunatic motorists: only to us. I have reported incidents like these several times in the past. I suggest that other readers do the same.
Although we don't live in a fair world, we can police our industry.
Follow my example. Convince your driver that he is really valued for his skills and ability to keep his emotions in check when he is pushed by others or tempted to rush.
Nothing is so urgent that you can't drive sensibly. Could you live with killing someone else because of your problems?
I confess like many others I do get emotional when driving, but I am making a real effort to keep my emotions in check. A really good driver is like Mr Spock—he remains logical. I fear for all of us if we don't calm down.
If you want to drive a Magnum at 80mph, take up circuit racing.
David Holmes,
Director,
Hobnes of Heathrow