A change of heart.

[TripleS]

Right then brace yourselves, it’s a new year, fresh approach etc. and TripleS has been thinking, aided by a drop of good sherry, a splendid lunch and some rather nice wine, so anything can happen!

[CJ mode] “I’ve been thinking. I don’t like it. I didn’t get where I am today by thinking.” [/CJ mode]

Actually, this thinking business is something I try to avoid as far as possible, as it puts too much strain on the equipment available (before somebody points this out) but one has to make the effort occasionally when faced with a good cause.

OK here’s the deal then: <Big drum roll>:

I’ve decided to initiate steps with a view to joining the Institute of Advanced Motorists. There, I knew that would shock some of you, given that I’ve been saying some quite unkind things about them for a while now. Anyhow they are a long established - and in some quarters reasonably respected - organisation that deserves some support, so I’ve decided to join (if they’ll have me) and see what I can do to help.

I therefore propose to see about joining the Scarborough group, have a few trips out with their Observer bods, and see what emerges. There is no certainty that I would pass their test, as that seems to require one to be a good driver who, according to some sources, is one who always obeys all the rules, and I am already well and truly disqualified on that account. Even so it should be interesting while it lasts, and we might be able to help each other, which would be nice.

Naturally I shall be approaching this with a completely open (no, not quite vacant) mind and I shall expect them to do the same. I’m quite prepared to work on an even handed, 50-50 basis, but I will not work on the basis that every time there is a difference of opinion they are always right and I am always wrong. Things might have been different if I were 35-40 years younger, but not now, so if this present a problem for them it’ll all come to nought.

Apart from my own involvement with them I would very much like to see the IAM, and other advanced driving organisations, doing something to address the particular problem of the high accident rates among young drivers. This is something in which I have a special interest, as about six youngsters from my own area have died in serious accidents during the past year.

Right, that’s basically it, so I’ll let you know what happens in due course, meanwhile take care.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[Rick]

Good luck Dave, i can't wait to hear how it goes!
I take it you got a flat cap for Xmas then

[MikeG]

Happy New Year Dave,
Is this the Dave we all know and love? Are you sure nobody slipped anything in your sherry! If you need any help or advice just fire away, I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who are willing to help I'm sure you will enjoy the experience.

[TripleS]

.

[TripleS]

Happy New Year Dave,
Is this the Dave we all know and love? Are you sure nobody slipped anything in your sherry! If you need any help or advice just fire away, I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who are willing to help I'm sure you will enjoy the experience.

Hello Mike, and Happy New Year to you too.

Hey, I'm quite capable of changing tack if I think a different approach is called for.

No doubt the involvement will be interesting, as I'm sure there will be some robust exchanges on certain aspects, but we'll see.

In any case I appreciate your kind offers of help and advice.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[MikeG]

Hi Dave,

I was just having a light hearted dig. Reading your posts on this and the 'other' forums I'm sure you are more than capable and think it's commendable what you are trying to achieve (not just passing the IAM Test, which I don't think you will have any bother with) but I get the impression that you would like to be more pro-active with regard to advanced driving, maybe trying to get some of the younger drivers to see the error of their ways?

Regards,
Mike

p.s., managed to get up your way recently. Had a nice fish & chip lunch in a restaurant near the town bridge.

[TripleS]

Hi Dave,

I was just having a light hearted dig. Reading your posts on this and the 'other' forums I'm sure you are more than capable and think it's commendable what you are trying to achieve (not just passing the IAM Test, which I don't think you will have any bother with) but I get the impression that you would like to be more pro-active with regard to advanced driving, maybe trying to get some of the younger drivers to see the error of their ways?

Regards,
Mike

p.s., managed to get up your way recently. Had a nice fish & chip lunch in a restaurant near the town bridge.

I really would like to be able to spend time with younger drivers, not so much in terms of showing them the error of their ways, but simply trying to help them to find a style that they can enjoy and still be safe. Unfortunately I have no recognised qualification or status that permits me to do that, well not yet anyhow.

My fear is that the currently recognised bodies may tend to talk down to the youngsters and lecture them, and that approach will keep them away, left to their own devices, and that will not do.

Glad you enjoyed your trip up here, maybe we can meet sometime.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[kevdyas]

I’ve decided to initiate steps with a view to joining the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Who are they?? Oh!! The IAM! (as they are now promoting themselves as!).

Anyhow they are a long established - and in some quarters reasonably respected - organisation that deserves some support, so I’ve decided to join (if they’ll have me) and see what I can do to help.

Yep! 50th Year now, they have updated their website to say so too.

Good Luck to you.

Kevin.