Man in front of me at queue in local shop.....

The case of the bus driven who, having blacked out while driving on separate occasions, still continued to pursue a licence to drive a bus and then killed several people while suddenly unconscious, must make us all pause for thought.

While, as several commenter on this thread have pointed out, most HGV drivers are healthy, careful and cautious, the fact that they drive huge vehicles capable of killing many makes us regard the drivers in a category different from other road users. It is a bit like Caesar's wife having to be above suspicion.

The warden of my Uni residence was blind in one eye (can't remember which) but was learning to drive. She asked if any students who had passed the driving test would be willing to accompany her so that she could get some practice. Like a fool, I volunteered. The worst thing was when she went round a roundabout the wrong way! How she managed to pass the test first time, I never could understand, but she did and from then on was to be seen around town in her Morris Minor. I hope she never killed anyone!

I once passed a lorry driver who was reading, with the book balanced on the steering wheel! - I was in a coach so was on the same level as we passed.

My husband has driven extensively both in the UK and abroad but I don't think he has had any worse experience with HGV drivers than with white van drivers (apologies to any on here) or even ordinary car drivers. I suspect as others have said this guy may have been out overnight and not had the facilities to freshen himself up (although that probably doesn't excuse all the junk food if it was for him) but there are plenty of very smelly think people around as well! I had a friend who only discovered she had no peripheral vision in one eye after she'd been driving for years - she'd always been like that. I think everyone should have an eye test specifically for driving - I don't believe the current 'read a number plate' test is really adequate. I have very bad eyesight corrected by contacts but know that my distance vision is not so good for driving and my night vision is appalling - I don't drive at night now unless it's absolutely essential.

About 15 years ago I was on a coach travelling through Holland. The traffic was very busy. I was high up and level with the lorry drivers. I saw one, lying back in his seat and steering with his feet. I've never forgotten that sight. He was obviously very tired and could have fallen asleep at any time.

I was driving my colleague home one morning. The roads were fortunately very quiet as it was around Christmas or New Year time. There was a Wagon in front of us weaving about along the dual carriageway. I overtook it, giving it a wide berth. The driver was reading a newspaper .

Hi lupatria and annodomini,
Due to a childhood accident I have been blind in my left eye since the age of 9. If this happens early in life then you automatically adjust and it doesn't cause a problem with driving. Though I have to admit I can't play pingpong, badminton etc, lol
Been driving for around 40 years, both cars and motorbikes, and never had an accident even though I drive long distances at times.
Hope you find this reassuring ?