I read that the annual slaughter on our roads has bottomed out at fewer than 2000 lives per year. This still represents a cull in human life somewhere between terrorism and full-scale war. Doctors, welders, plumbers, electricians and others have to take and retake tests to ensure ongoing competence. To qualify as a driver, I took a daylight spin round the block entirely in a 30mph zone with an examiner, lasting all of ten minutes, and answered three questions about now-defunct road signs. This was back in 1968.

Until we properly and regularly test driving skills and run compulsory courses, similar to speed awareness courses, this annual cull will continue.