CHAPTERS.

24. SPEED.

'ALL DRIVERS WILL BE ROAD-HOGS IF THEY ARE ALLOWED'.

            The one, simple word speed for decades has provoked a 'discussion' but the subject does deserves close attention. We must look beyond the brain-washing doctrines which easily can be propaganda. As long ago as 1904 people were horrified  that motor cars could travel at twice the 'normal' speed; let the problem begin!

    It is purported that approximately twenty per cent of crashes, involving death, do not involve another vehicle. Many children are involved because parents do not teach road safety: why, because it is too much like hard work.

    Whatever tables or statistics we are able to understand, the simplistic solution is never travel at a speed higher than that which permits bringing your vehicle to a properly controlled stop - within the distance at our disposal. The second line of defence is driving at a speed where we are able to take appropriate, avoiding action. A driver must know his speed at all times. It must be appropriate to the driving conditions - always.

   Bureaucracy's only interest in road safety is charging a fee for a dubious result. Because we are all reduced to the 'convoy' syndrome there is little incentive improving our, driving performance. However, there might be more success if we have greater involvement in insuring our vehicle and retaining our funds when they are not required. Year on year our 'fund' will rise nicely. Invariably the cause of a crash is not speed, the crime is the 'duffer'.

    'A good driver must keep his mind sharp and his skills constantly honed'.