The Anonymous Widower

Bad Driving

There has been a lot of reports about the reasons why people drive badly today. Various solutions are being proposed including restrictions on young drivers.

I have driven for many years, but don’t now and I may never do again.  But I’m happy to use buses and trains, with lifts to the nearest station.

I sometimes think that the reason we have a lot of bad driving is because people are pressured to use their cars, by lifestyle, family or jobs.

Let’s look at some categories, who get blamed for bad driving and accidents.

1. Young drivers often have no other means, except a battered car to get to work or have a night out.  It will be interesting to see if things like the new East London Line and the extensions to the Manchester Tram, actually cut accidents involving young drivers, as they take quality public transport instead.
2. Elderly drivers who won’t give up their car, as they need it for the shops etc. You see quite a few round here, who should not drive.  But there is no alternative.
3. Company car drivers, who feel pressured to use the car, rather than perhaps take the train. How many companies refuse train expenses to people with company cars?
4. And what about wives who are pressured to drive their husbands after a good meal out!

I have recently seen a change in that some people  I know have swapped their cars for trains on longer journeys.

This needs to be encouraged, by more comfortable trains, better stations, more parking at stations, better connections and perks like free WiFi.  I know of one person, who now commutes to his office in the nearest big city by bus because of the WiFi.

One thing that is accelerating change to rail and bus is Railcards and passes, as I found on my trip to Great Yarmouth.

September 21, 2010 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Buses, Cars, Driving, East London Line, London, Trains