IN response to Linda Preston's observations about dithering elderly drivers (Letters, December 19) I would like to put forward views of a not-so-dithery, 70-year-old driver.

As a former Royal Signals motor cycle display team rider, HGV1 driver, hang glider and Microlight aircraft pilot, I have to say, Linda, I am not happy with your generalisation.

As an everyday driver, mainly in the Blackburn and Darwen area, the most dangerous drivers I have ever come across have been those under 40.

As for confidence on motorways, in July I was driving my daughter and her family on holiday and on the M65, I had, without any warning, a tyre blow-out at 70mph in the fast lane.

I was able to get the car into the hard shoulder, change the wheel and carry on our way.

How's that for reaction?

Don't be upset because of one or two little setbacks, Linda.

Give us a wave and a smile -- we will get to the knacker's yard and out of your way, soon enough.

EDDIE DUXBURY, Arthur Way, Blackburn.