Speed dangers

Doctors have said that had it not been for the helmet he was wearing, Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher would 
be dead following his skiing
accident.

In 1991, aged 43, I suffered similar life-threatening head injuries in a so-called cycling accident: a metal pole protruding from a passing wagon, travelling at close to 40mph, struck the base of my skull.

My (polystyrene) helmet gave me no protection. Doctors said that fitness was a major contributor in both my survival and 
recovery.

Schumacher’s injury resulted from an accident, whereas mine ultimately led to prosecution for negligence: a criminal offence, not an accident.

Despite F1 speeds of 180mph, fatalities are rare. When there is one, they truly are accidents. The same cannot be said of our public highways. On average, five people a day are killed.

Isn’t it a fact that the vast majority are caused by people who drive too fast, who think they have the skills of a racing driver?

Former world champion Damon Hill is against increasing the motorway speed limit to 80mph.

He believes that speed limits should be cut to 55mph because most motorists are not safe to drive any faster. If Joe Public wants to race, they should pay for a race day.

Allan Ramsay

Radcliffe Moor Road

Radcliffe