Apologies if I have misread the context of comments made in Road Chaos (LT, January 15) but I am writing to express my dismay and even disgust at comments by Mr Allan Whipp, who isapparently a course co-ordinator at the East Lancashire Institute of Advanced Motorists, in his response to the chaos on East Lancashire’s icy roads on Wednesday.

In referring to some of the driving techniques he is quoted saying: “It only takes one or two nervous people and that can have a knock-on effect.”

What effect? That, heaven forbid, cars have to slow up or stop. Yes, I agree that controlling your car on ice requires training and care, but to imply that being ‘nervous’ on very icy roads is regarded as a hazard to some motorists is ludicrous. In this current culture of selfish, bad-mannered driving habits, it would be more beneficial to address the ‘know it all’ attitudes rather than condemn the more ‘nervous’ drivers who were probably, on balance, facing the worst conditions so far this winter.

Frozen hail and snow is a lethal mix, and one where no amount of skill can stop your car moving in its own direction after one false move.

I am a motorist of 44 years experience who has driven in all extreme weathers. If exercising more than an ‘expected’ amount of caution appears as ‘nervous’, then so be it.

As Simon Williams, a spokesman from the RAC, also says in your report: “I think it is right that drivers are taking caution. I would rather they were slow and safe than opposite.” Well done Mr Williams. I fully agree with him.

Mr Whipp should be promoting slower speeds and extra care in such treacherous conditions.

I would much rather have a nervous driver in front or behind, rather than be tail-gated by an over-confident, impatient motorist who, regardless of the road conditions, has to keep moving at all costs.

Once again, apologies if I am misinterpreting Allan Whipp’s quote, but I feel very strongly about road safety and the deteriorating skills and attitudes on our roads today.

Doug Bugden, (via email)