The Editor, Sir:

The recent headline, reporting on the gruesome deaths of that young couple involved in an 'accident' with a motorcycle rider and a pillion rider, reminded me of my own experience some years ago.

I approached a major intersection, stopped and noticed that the road was clear, proceeded to cross when, all of a sudden, I saw a motorcycle approaching to my right at an enormous speed.

I was now a little more than half-way across the road and had to make a quick decision. If I stopped, the motorcycle would hit me directly, so I decided to continue.

Unfortunately, before I could reach the other side, the motorcycle crashed into my car resulting in slight injuries to the rider and his passenger. My car suffered extensive damage.

Both victims were taken to hospital by a police vehicle which came on the scene shortly after.

Prosecuted

I immediately reported the matter to a police station, though with some difficulty and after a long wait because, believe it or not, the officer refused to take my statement on the grounds that 'I did not have my driver's licence with me, and he was tired.'

He changed his mind when I appealed to his superior that I would report his action to the commissioner. The end result was that I was prosecuted for careless driving.

The following day I went back to the station with my driver's licence and enquired of the condition of both men, and was informed that one was released, one was being kept for observation, and the motorcycle was extensively damaged.

Two days after the accident, a woman, claiming to be a relative of one of the men, called my home stating that both men were hospitalised, unable to work, no motorcycle, and wanted to know how much money I was willing to compensate them!

I gave her the names of my attorney and insurance company and advised her to deal with them.

Make no offer

As a matter of interest, I went to court with my attorney on the appointed day, and after several hours waiting and on checking with the clerk of courts, THEY HAD NO RECORD OF MY CASE! So, we left.

The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to caution unsuspecting motorists - particularly the young ones and women - not to make any offer or commitment to settle with anyone without first consulting an attorney.

Be very wary of motorcyclists and, if at all possible, avoid them like the leech!

I wish to offer profound sympathies to both sets of families, on behalf of all well thinking citizens.

I am, etc.,

BECKS

Kingston 19