SOMETHING needs to be done not only to remind us, but to compel us, to be careful, considerate and courteous drivers. That was how I was taught. I remember being given a right dressing down by my driving instructor because I was going to pull out on to t

SOMETHING needs to be done not only to remind us, but to compel us, to be careful, considerate and courteous drivers. That was how I was taught. I remember being given a right dressing down by my driving instructor because I was going to pull out on to the A1 and make a driver slow down. It wasn't a dangerous move that I was going to do: it was discourteous.I have been a driver for more than 30 years and have been commuting daily for 10 years between my home in Huntingdon and Maidstone, in Kent. My route takes me along the A14, M11, M25 and M20.I feel that I am, therefore, relatively qualified to comment on the standard of driving on our roads and, in particular, the driving standard and bully-boy tactics of some lorry drivers.I am not anti-lorry drivers - some car drivers and van drivers are just as bad - the difference being a car or a van in the hands of a cowboy is a lethal weapon. A lorry in the hands of a cowboy is a weapon of mass destruction. I have a great deal of admiration for many of our lorry drivers - the true professionals who are the knights of the road. It used to make you feel good to let a lorry driver out to overtake. The driver signalled his gratitude and it made you feel good that your courtesy and consideration was well received.Unfortunately, today this kind of behaviour on our roads has almost been forgotten - on many occasions, the opposite is more often the norm. Drivers pull out whenever, without regard for anyone else, no matter if other road users are forced to brake or to take avoiding action, no matter if the domino effect behind means that people run into the back of one another. That, unfortunately, these days is, more often than not, normal driving.On three occasions during a recent week I have had to take avoiding action to stop being involved in accidents caused by cowboy lorry drivers. I regret to say that patience, care, consideration and courtesy no longer appear to be a driving requirement.Without incorporating all of these qualities into our driving, we are driving dangerously.ROBIN MOYSERWertheim WayStukeley Meadows