ON a perfectly clear day with little or no traffic you are travelling at a speed where if you need to stop suddenly you would be able to do so in comfort.

There are a few extenuating factors, such as houses and streets. Those that exist can be seen well in advance.

All the children are in school, no obvious hazards can be seen and your eyesight is good.

You are not under the influence of either alcohol or drugs and your mobile is tucked out of harm’s way.

You do not even have the luxury of a radio.

You also have not had a row with your wife and you slept well the night before.

Since 1964 your driving licence has been as clean as the day you got it.

At that moment you are subconsciously giving yourself a little pat on the back.

Then alongside the road the ‘man in the van’ has had his brew and checked his lottery tickets and is ready to earn much needed revenue.

He soon finds his first victim – me.

Travelling at 37mph in a 30mph zone.

That evening I had a row with my wife, hit the Guinness and did not sleep very well.

Am I a better driver for the experience? I am certainly more nervous, which in my book is a huge negative.

A Higher Folder