Is it safe to drive?

I've been driving now since 1964 when I passed my test in a little Austin A35. Actually, I'd been driving for quite some time before then, as I rode scooters, mopeds and motor bikes on my provisional licenses, but it was 1964 when I actually passed my test and gained my full motor car license.

I used to enjoy driving, but gradually, over the years, conditions on the roads have worsened, so that there seem to be far more idiots behind the wheel than should be allowed.

I still enjoy the freedom that driving brings; I can get into the car and go literally where I want, when I want, without being dependent on others.

Over the past few weeks, however, I've been involved in several incidents which give me cause to wonder if 'now' is not the time to give it up. OK, my reflexes and experience, coupled with common sense and anticipation, were enough to prevent any deeper involvement, but had the timing of these 'incidents' been different, then the outcomes could well have been nasty.

For instance. I'm on the major road, coming up to a junction with a minor road on my right. I shape up in the middle of the road, on the refuge lines, signalling to turn right. I'm waiting for a couple of cars coming towards me on my road to clear, before turning. Just as I engage gear and am letting in the clutch, a dozy cow of a driver shoots out from the side road on my right and crosses my nose. I was able to declutch and brake in time to avoid her smashing into my door.

Another one. 'T' junction in town, controlled by lights. The main street crosses the 'T' and is two way, the leg of the 'T', where I am, is one way, so the traffic is split for left and right turning - common sense really, and it is extremely well marked out. I'm standing at the red light, waiting to turn right. To my left is a Vauxhall, waiting to turn left, or so it would seem.

I discounted this as I moved forward on green, turning right - mistake. The stupid idiot in the Vauxhall turned RIGHT, speeding and cutting across me, narrowly missing the traffic island on which a traffic light is installed!

And again. I was driving along one of the longer streets when I saw a white van coming towards me, slowly. It would seem that that the driver was looking out for a particular street. He was indeed looking, for he found it and turned into it it - straight across my nose! Only instinct and God prevented that potential ooh nasty!

Then yesterday, something very similar. I was in Clowne, on the main Sheffield to Newark road and was moving down a hill where there is a cross roads, uncontrolled. There was a car standing on the opposite side of the main road, waiting to turn right (my left), indicator flashing. All right and proper. There was also a car on the side road, waiting to enter the main, where I was.

The man in the car in front of me flashed his headlights at the car on the side road. The sloppy, silly female type person took that as an order! She drove out - across my nose and turned right, to where I'd come from. Again, only instinct applied my brakes in time. The lady was white as a sheet as she passed me, shoulder to shoulder. The man in the other car merely shrugged his shoulders!

This 'flashing' business ought to be stopped, it really did. It ain't a signal, it ain't an instruction - all it bloody well means is that your headlamp flasher switch and headlights are working!!!!!!!!

So. I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't time for me to pack it in and let the others drive me around. I really am, for I know my reactions are slower now than they used to was and it frightens me to think what might happen in any future situation - similar to those, perhaps, but where the timings and positions are slightly different.