Whilst I was in the gym this evening I couldn't help but overhear a couple of lads chatting about a friend who had been in a car accident. I've heard so many stores, both first hand and via the news, about people who have been involved in accidents and have sustained serious injuries or died. It often makes me wonder how and why these accidents occur in the first place. Traveling to quickly for the road conditions? Boredom? Isolation? Or simply a lack of training? I think that all of these are viable factors that can lead to a serious accident. Last week I travelled to Manchester and back in a VW Passat. The journey was quiet, smooth and comfortable and at no point did I think we were doing anything out of the ordinary. Little did I know that for the majority of the journey we were into three figures. I have to concede that in hindsight I wasn't particularly surprised by this, but can't even contemplate these sorts of speeds in my own car.

I often see people driving round completely oblivious to other road users and after travelling in newer cars I can understand why. Using a car that isolates you completely from the outside world as a means of simply getting from A o B creates boredom and a loss of concentration meaning that accidents are inevitable, and whilst actually having an accident in a modern car is becoming increasingly safe it begs the question of what happens to those of us in older cars that are crashed into. I'm convinced that driving an older car engages you with the act of driving more and as a result keeps you more alert, more on your toes.

It's not just a lack of concentration that can lead to accidents though. The issue of driver training has got to be addressed. I've seen and heard of countless people who have had a serious accident a few weeks or months after passing their test. Using cars that are more powerful that they can cope with and trying to drive as quickly as possible. When I'd passed my test I was a complete tear-away, simply trying to go as quickly as the car could on some occasions. It was some close calls and the fact that my car couldn't go particularly quickly that saved my skin and helped me to calm down. Time spent on a track receiving proper tuition also helped me gain an understanding of driving smoothly, within my limits and within the limits of the car, something that is sorely missing from the majority of those who have just passed their test. Sod theory and hazard awareness. Just stick new drivers on a track in a mildly warm car and give them proper training. They'll learn everything they need to know.

I've turned this into another rant.
Moral of the story; stick new drivers on track with tuition, get everyone to buy a cheap old car and get them interested in what they're doing. Oh dear, this is how communism started.

Please ignore me and buy a huge car with a V8 please................