Cast Not The First Stone

Online judgements by drivers about other drivers, made without all the facts, appear to have reached a peak. It’s time for us all to stop and think before posting on social media or forums

The recent horrific truck-based terror attack in the civilised streets of Stockholm, Sweden generated whispers of blame heading in the direction of the hijacked brewery wagon’s rightful driver, it having been reported that the vehicle was taken while he was unloading.

Nothing more than that, mind – at the time there were no more specific details – but it was enough for people to draw their own conclusions, which is all it takes when feelings are running high. The other truck-based incidents were different, you see.

The small rigid that ploughed into revellers celebrating Bastille Day in Nice on 14 July 2016 was a rental. Unless hire companies start asking the sort of questions normally seen on US visa waiver forms – Do you intend to take illegal drugs during your stay? Have you ever been involved in organised Communism or whisky smuggling? Will you use our vehicle to mow down innocent bystanders in the name of religion? – there’s not a lot anyone could have done to stop Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel getting what he needed.

Put up a fight