IN reply to Peter Dolan (HAS, Oct 2), only an irresponsible idiot would smoke or hold a mobile phone while driving. No one can give 100 per cent attention while doing these things.

Today I followed a chap, arm hanging out of the open window, ciggy in hand and one hand on the steering wheel. If an incident had happened one wonders would he have been quick enough to control the car?

You wouldn't pass a driving test doing any of these things.

It's well known people slip into bad driving habits after they've passed the test. My pet hate is non use of indicators.

My late dad was right. He said: "Anyone can drive, the secret is knowing what the other clown is going to do."

With the amount of traffic on the roads today, I would think you would have to be a mind reader.

On the spot fines for smoking and mobile users should be the order of the day.

E Richards, Darlington.