Allan Ramsay of Roadpeace , CW and letter writing fame was knocked down by a motorist last October.
Allan says he saw the driver making a right turn whilst on a mobile phone. He then pulled over without indicating. Brkae lights came on. Allan moved to overtake what appeared to be a stationary vehicle. The driver then pulled out - sterered right and hit him. Allan twisted his wrist in the fall. He picked himself up and stood in front of the car - which reversed and "sped off".
Allan had the reg number and reported him. But it took an alleged 2 months before police traced and interviewed him
That's the background per CW
Now it seems the driver has agreed to do a DIS course over one and half days as an alternative to a prosecution for careless 0r inconsiderate driving /fleeing scene of an accident/failing to report . etc
If he misses the course (which will cost him £152.50 in fees) - he will be in court instead.
Police did tell Allan that there was sufficient to convict. (Actually we have to have sufficient to convict
) but there is no provision in the law for a magistrate to order a retraining session. They can order an extended test after a ban - but this is not the same thing
letter to Allan as quoted in CW this week wrote:
The imposition of a fine and penalty points do not necessaily do anything to correct poor driving habits
Allan is quoted in CW as being
CW wrote:
happy with the decision. He'll hopefully learn something. I still say the driving test should include cycling so that drivers experience at first hand the needs of cyclists
[/quote]
Many do ride before learning to drive. Some cannot ride for some other health or personal reason - and I think the hazard awareness needs to focus on this. Also - I think all drivers would benefit from some specific training addressing the needs of truckers and, I would advocate similar training for cyclists so that they also understand the needs of the big truck and bus drivers