Behind You!

Another day, another rant? Does somewhat seem like it at the moment I fear.

Might be all this unseasonal rain so putting me on edge, though one is told that actually a sodden June is far more the norm than a flaming month. Perhaps then the sullen farmers habitually groaning about how their crops are drowning do have a point.

Nonetheless, whether weather-induced or no, one is perfectly entitled to be dour on this occasion. When out driving, as one frequently does, there are norms of conduct it simply assists all to observe. Not that one expects perfection on the roads more than in any other aspect of our imperfect world. Dodderers who hog middle lanes, the lightly crazed who turn right without warning, the overly-aggressive who simply cannot wait - such things one can generally take in one's stride.

But whether true courtesy can be expected from all, what is plain mandatory is to make way for an ambulance racing with lights and horns on to the aid of some sick or injured person. Rear view mirrors can be urgent aids to spotting one such coming up from behind. At once one pulls across to let the speeding vehicle through. Of course one does. Is there an alternative?

Well, apparently there is. For having today executed one such manoeuvre for one such purpose at a crowded set of traffic lights, what did I find but that five cars having pulled over the sixth decides to jump the queue that has parted like the proverbial Red Sea and plonk himself smack bang in front of the lights and the ambulance, blocking all traffic.

Hapless, helpless fool. A cacophony of horns from we five plus the ambulance was at last sufficient to shift the dolt. What though was he thinking of and about? I cannot fathom, though I can and do rant at the feckless nonsense served up by too many of my fellow men.

The one saving grace - and it is not small - the chap was not from our village. I think I'd resign the incumbency had that been so!