Drivers' view
Page 30
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The Driving Action Movement would like to comment on the "Sound Off" by Stewart Brown (CM 30 May-3 June).
We totally agree that WV drivers are a skilled workforce that works in various conditions, day and night. We also believe that 'how am 1 doine messages on the back of trucks are not the way to solve bad driving.
Most motorists don't understand the skills needed by an LGV driver and there is no mention of large vehicles when small vehicle drivers take their tests. There is little or no education given to other drivers about the space needed by an I,GV when manoeuvring.
Most motorists believe juggernauts are a pain, and don't understand the need for such large vehicles on our roads. This attitude alone can create barriers.
The car driver is not blame free, especially those drivers who hog the middle lane of a motorway and somehow believe a 38-tonne vehicle can stop on a sixpence when they pull out in front.
But what really concerns our group are the dangers involved. If a following driver feels aggrieved by the actions of an LGV driver in front is he going to start writing down all the details while driving? Or will he start phoning the number given? Both could cause a danger to other drivers. If a driver is reported this could lead to him being disciplined or even sacked. This type of Big Brother exercise may seem OK but will create problems both for the driver and the police called in to investigate.
Why don't we leave bad driving to the ninny cameras on our roads and let the proper officials take the action necessary to bring the culprits to justice?
Jack Crossfield.
Drti'ers Mimi Movement.
How long must we wait for our Government to start negotiating for the release of our men who have been sentenced on drug trafficking offences and are serving very long sentences in various countries? Our men are being used as carriers for the big fish in the sordid world of drugs.
They are held in cramped, deplorable conditions that are infested with rats and ' cockroaches. They often have to sleep on the floor with no blankets or covering and use a stinking hole in the floor for a toilet. Slops and fish stew made from fish heads are the normal food. I wonder if our MN would like to exist like this?
Who do we ladies and family members turn to for help or advice in such circumstances? Money to travel to visit (to Turkey in my case) is out of the question. This is where haulage companies could help, by offering to get us out to our men with lifts or by taking parcels to leave with the various consul generals.
If, as Neil Kinnock wrote to me, drivers cannot be held responsible for what is found in their cargo, what are our men doing in these foreign prisons ? We who are left at home are doing all we can but we need you, the reader, to help also.
If any one wishes to help please could they contact me on 01723 351425.
Damieke Neale, Partner of Mickey Chinnick.
Ihave just read your test between our Fourtrak Fieldman TDS and the commercial Discovery and Maverick (CM 6-12 June).
While you have stated that each vehicle has its own merits, I feel you did sell the Fourtrak short on a number of points:
1. You tested the shortwheelbase model which, at 87in. is far shorter than either of the other two. There was no mention of the longer wheelbase (100in) TIN. which would have been a much more suitable comparison, being similar in size to the Discovery.
2. Your payload figure was also incorrect. It is the longer TDL that has the 830kg payload; the short wheelbase that you tested is 950kg. Admittedly there is not a huge amount of interior space in the TDS, hut what is the old adage about a pound of feathers or a pound of lead? It is certainly suitable for currying dense items such as engines or machine parts.
3. I find your remarks about the steering and handling a little unusual. In my experience the Fourtrak is one of, if not the best performing and precise handling "proper off-roaders" when on the road. I can only attribute your comments to the fact that the vehicle tested was fitted with serious "mud terrain" pattern tyres, although I find even these very sure-footed when pressing on. Perhaps it was very windy that day!
4. The dash may not be all "swoopy" curves like the Ford, but it is of much more use in a working vehicle to have flat surfaces for your flask, phone, drink can, notepad or whatever. The Fourtrak dash is much more practical than you first imagine, yet with far better ergonomics than some other "working" 4x4s.
5. Finally, price. I would suggest that a saving of over £1,400 is actually quite considerable against the Maverick, never mind that the Fourtrak is £3,655 less than the Discovery!
Come on, when all is said and done, people have to buy these vehicles with their own money you know!
As you suggested, the "stalwart" Fourtrak is built for a purpose, and built to last thousands of farmers can't be wrong!
David Morgan, Daihatsu (UK).
CI Thank you for your observations, David—let's deal with them in turn: 1. The TDS was the only variant that was offered for test.
2.0ur figure was incorrect-it should have been 875kg (making allowance for a 75kg driver)—but we could not be load the TDS fully without exceeding the rear axle rating
3. The Fourtrak had offroad tyres _fitted, hut we still felt that its on-road handling was relatively poor, and all three test vehicles were driven by the .same staff members on the same day
4. CM was quite specific about the Fourtrak's interior: we fivl it's outclassed by more modern opposition. 5. The Daihatsu is a fine ofilroader, but the pricier competition can offer better all-round comfort and purpose ability You pays yer money and you takes yer choice Ed.