HISTORY LESSON
Page 20
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It was disquieting to read that no detailed investigation is to be held into the accident which caused nine vehicles and a car transporter to be severely damaged and a motorway to be closed for seven hours ( CM15-21 June).
Accidents are not mysteries. This accident, like any other, must have had a cause. The fact that no one was injured is no excuse for ignoring it. Recently, a lorry laden with heavy timber shed its load at a local roundabout, fortunately without injury. Coincidentally, in the same week, a near-identical accident in Scotland resulted in several deaths. Despite the similarities, both will no doubt be treated quite differently by the authorities.
The aircraft industry has a more enlightened approach. Every major accident, and many incidents, are thoroughly investigated with a view to preventing similar events recurring. Information is widely shared. Everybody gains, and countless lives are undoubtedly saved as a result.
To paraphrase the American philosopher Santayana: those who fail to study the mistakes of others go on to repeat those mistakes themselves.
Anthony C PMIlips, Salisbury. Wilts.