Last updated 13:11, Thursday, 23 October 2008

PHOTOGRAPHS can capture the best and worst moments. Although I enjoy taking the pictures I detest being photographed.

One ploy is to be the one behind the camera happily snapping away and capturing the action.

I was totally unaware when the camera captured me a few weeks ago. I have not seen the picture but the letter informed me of the time, place and speed of my journey.

Last week I attended a speed awareness course. Three hours of interactive work proved highly informative. I am not a particularly speedy driver but the incident happened when I was running slightly late for a funeral.

Since then I have been allowing more travel time to avoid the temptation to speed.

Every driver would benefit from the course. It is far too easy to speed up in modern cars without realising, as the camera showed.

Being in a rush will never recapture lost time, so it makes sense to drive attentively and calmly.

The recommendation to drive in third gear in a 30 mph limit is simple and effective. Keeping the speed down gives a better chance of stopping in an emergency. There will always be accidents when the unexpected happens.

Hopefully, my calmer driving style will give me time to avoid hurting anyone. Photographs should be pleasurable reminders.

Our past mistakes need to inform our future

When life seems to be rushing by

Help us to value the moment

And cherish the best in life