had a chat with the police over whether they are likely to prosecute anyone [1] following my recent
prang. i was getting a bit concerned that it was just being plonked in the box marked 'accident -
hey, thats life'. not what we want to see from those charged with enforcing high driving/cycling
standards on the roads.
we shall see what happens but one of the non-prosecution tools they have follwing these sort of
bumps (and appear willing to use) is a 'driver rectification course'. i may have misheard the exact
title [what with having an ear full of clotted blood]. it's a 2 day course at the driver's expense
[200ukp] as an alternative to prosecution.
this seems like a good idea, to me: doesn't clog up the courts; no getting off because the
magistrate's having a good day; significant enough cost and bother factor to be undesirable and,
best of all, a bit better trained driver at the end.
anyone come across this elsewhere? anyone *been* on such a course? any good?
apologies for not having much cycling to talk about. the only on topic comment i am qualfied to make
is that there seem to be a lot of cycle lanes in Southampton [nr the hospital] that don't look 100%
bad. well, they looked ok from the passenger seat of the car i was in this morning.
[1] i just wanted an interest to be taken. i'd rather they had a go at prosecuting *me* than no one.
i'd fight it, of course but it would demonstrate that investigation + attribution were happening
rather than a simple acceptance that getting mashed on the road is just part of life.