Safer at Speed
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Sir,
In connection with your recent correspondence in “Motorway Speed Limits” I think the following story highlights a similar problem.
I was recently driving north on the MI towing a small, empty, box trailer behind my Golf GTi. The weather was foul with persistent rain. At one point I became “jammed” in the middle lane with juggernauts solid on the inside lane, in front of me and behind. This situation was made worse by the driver of the lorry behind flashing his light and sounding his horn, in an attempt it seemed to “close ranks” with his pal in front. At this point I became rather nervous as I was driving into a “wall” of white spray and could see nothing of the situation ahead, and had visions of multiple pile-ups etc. I decided to pull into the fast lane and get away from this maniac joker behind me, and well clear of this 200 yard convoy of lorries.
Having done this I felt safe and relaxed in the clear centre lane ahead. Needless to say one mile ahead I was stopped by police, cautioned and subsequently fined and endorsed for driving in the fast lane and in excess of the 50 mph limit.
The stupid thing was that to remain in my previous situation was far more dangerous than my 1/2 mile spell in the fast lane in such a safe and stable car, a fact which the officer at the time was in full agreement with. I feel 50 mph for empty trailers is as daft as 70 mph.
Name and address supplied.