Learner drivers targeted by road rage 'idiots' Says AA!

Learner drivers are being targeted for intimidation by road rage ‘idiots’ according to the AA, whose driving instructors have reported a catalogue of serious incidents across the UK. AA Driving School is calling for more consideration towards learners, after a national panel of instructors pointed to examples of hostile, bullying and reckless behaviour towards pupils. Tailgating and aggressive or dangerous overtaking are the most common transgressions, followed by verbal abuse, rude hand gestures, blowing the horn – and even car-ramming, racial abuse and threats of physical violence. “Most drivers are patient and courteous and will give way, allow extra time and space and even applaud a successful manoeuvre,” says Simon Douglas, Director of AA Driving School. “But an idiotic few see the L-plate as their own licence to harass learners with actions that are cowardly, bullying and sometimes downright dangerous. “It’s a tiny minority who cause problems and it shouldn’t put people off learning to drive, as this is an important skill for life. Our instructors teach pupils to anticipate poor drivers and understand situations that might wind them up. And, where possible, they use offenders’ behaviour as a lesson in how not to drive. But, on behalf of all learners, we ask drivers to show more consideration and respect. After all, we were all learners once.” Instructors have reported serious incidents to police and, where they involve commercial drivers, to their employers. Perpetrators have included members of the public as well as the drivers of buses, taxis, commercial vans and, in one case, an NHS vehicle with patients on board. More
(AD Suggests ~ Most learners will have similar stories, but it shows how a few minority of drivers need to be more responsible on the roads.)