Sophie's column: Driving too cautiously is also a danger

About two weeks ago, a memory appeared on my Facebook timeline '“ I've been able to drive for a whole three years.

I was then a typical 17 year-old; loyal readers might remember my utter joy when I passed my test relatively quickly after my birthday.

I learned to drive mostly during the winter months and therefore experienced a host of weather.

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Whether it was snow, sleet or heavy rain, it was a sort of blessing in disguise that I was able to adjust to harsh weather conditions so early on.

Perhaps that’s why now I get worked up whenever I see drivers who freak out at the tiniest weather change.

To put this into context: you’re driving through Falkirk after an inch of snow or so has fallen.

The roads have been cleared and gritted, it’s relatively mild so there’s less chance of ice and it’s a reasonably bright day.

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Why, then, do some people insist on driving ten miles slower?

Combine that with sudden breaking and a driver who feels unconfident or uneasy while they’re driving in slightly more extreme weather conditions and it’s a recipe for disaster.

I understand drivers take precautions when changes in weather increase the risk of accidents but people need to understand that driving so cautiously is, in itself, extremely dangerous.

Any sudden changes you make as a driver while behind the wheel could have a huge impact on the way another driver reacts.

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It’s no secret that more accidents happen during bad weather but I really don’t think fuel should be added to the fire by erratic, unconfident drivers.

So if you think you might struggle, give the driving a miss and don’t put yourself or others in danger.

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