I am still recovering from a high speed car accident that happened over 11 weeks ago and it has changed my driving behaviour, I think for the worse. My decision making is not as good as it was and I trust no one.
Previous to the accident I believed I could only measure my driving ability by comparing it to other road users, my partner always felt safe with me but because of the actions of another driver I have lost a certain amount of confidence.
What I now see when I am out in the car scares and angers me, poor and often dangerous driving done with impunity. I have often heard it said that it isn't speed that kills, well let me tell you that is the biggest load of hogwash you are ever likely to hear. Of course you need to couple speed with poor driving but unfortunately there is plenty of that out there on the roads.
Most of us believe we are better than average drivers, and most of those are male, but "average" is the wrong way of looking at it, there ought to be a minimum standard which perhaps should be labelled "safe".
I will not travel in another car as a passenger unless I am sure they are a safe driver. Tailgating terrifies me and is a major cause of accidents yet it is experienced on virtually every car journey you make and still nothing is done about it, I have even seen police cars and learners doing it.
Using devices whilst driving should also incur much higher penalties, I even have my doubts about sat nav as this requires you to look away from the road.
If you have been in a major accident where you escaped with your life against the odds you will understand what I have said, if you haven't you might not.
When I concentrate while I am driving I am safe, when I don't, I am poor at best.
Sorry if that was a bit rambling but it actually helps to write about this at the moment.
