So Jeremy Clarkson thinks that the A44 will be the death of him, and David Robertson, the county council's cabinet member for transport, states that there have been fewer accidents since the 50mph limit was imposed (Oxford Mail, December 1).

Jeremy, get used to plodding around at 50mph - there won't be any single carriageway roads in Britain in 10 years without a 50mph limit for our own safety', backed by speed cameras for our own protection from speeding motorists'. I also predict that the next speed restriction imposed on us will be on the A34 north of Oxford, and the dummy' speed cameras in place during the roadworks will be up and running' and making a fortune within two years.

I don't suppose that the reduction in accidents on the A44 has anything to do with the opening of the M40, which dramatically reduced the number of vehicles using the A44, would it? I have used the A44 between Chipping Norton and Oxford virtually every day to travel to work for 40 years, and have seen the gradual decline of overtaking places to about four short stretches north of Woodstock.

You have to be ready in the right gear and the right position to stand any chance of quickly getting by the vehicle in front, unless, of course, it's a JCB doing the mandatory 20mph, steadfastly refusing to pull over into all the empty laybys as it crawls past them.

Like Jeremy, I have a fear of death on the A44, but a long time ago, I decided you are more likely to be killed from someone running into the back of you than a 'head on' while creeping about at 50mph.

My logical thinking tells me that the best way is to drive as fast as you can for as far as you can, and overtake everyone in sight to stay out of trouble from people behind you.

You must remember, though, to slam on the brakes just before you go through the five speed cameras on route, (four static, one mobile).

Defensive driving' has kept me out of trouble, from people running into the back of me, and drivers of 44 tonne trucks climbing over my back bumper.

Your reporter who did the trip on the A44 said he followed a truck at 50mph. If that vehicle was above 7.5 tonnes (as most are), it would have been legally limited to 40mph on a single carriageway road, therefore he was speeding. Next time you're stuck behind a line of cars held up by a truck travelling at 40mph, don't curse him - he's only keeping to his legal limit.

So Jeremy, stick to 50mph on the A44 (at your peril), and save your 100mph plus driving to the test circuits and racetracks. I'm only joking about my defensive driving' style, officer - honestly!

CLIVE HARRISON Quarhill Close Over Norton