REGARDING my previous comments on older drivers and in response to James Saul's remarks (Letters, January 3) it was with some amusement that I read them as it would appear that he missed the whole point of my original letter.

My main concerns were the lack of observational powers displayed by many elderly drivers, although I have stressed that this does not apply to all.

The lack of the essential use of mirrors before changing lanes or slowing at a junction to check if it is safe to emerge were all relating to accidents involving elderly drivers that I had personally observed while trying to go about my daily tasks and stay alive by trying to anticipate their erratic and potentially lethal movements.

I have not at any stage advocated the use of excessive speed - a point Mr Saul keeps linking younger drivers to. My comment on speed was that it is not uncommon to see a long tail-back of traffic headed by an elderly driver proceeding at around 18 miles per hour on a major road, totally oblivious to the delays he is causing.

This is the subject of my assertion that there is a lack of consideration for other road users and frequently causes frustration. This is the point I have made previously and has been misinterpreted by Mr Saul for him to suggest that I condone "boy or girl racers." As I am in my 40s, I do not believe that I fall into this category!

I thank him for suggesting that I am an expert on driving. I would not presume to suggest this myself. My bible is of course the Highway Code and I sleep with this under my pillow at night and read it three times a day for a little light recreation!

I note Mr Saul was lamenting the lack of support for his comments from other elderly drivers, perhaps this may be a case of "If the cap fits"!

LINDA PRESTON, Sunnyhurst Lane, Darwen.