Several years ago I took a course in what is known in the US as 'Defensive Driving'. It was recommended me by a doctor in the hospital I was working. He told me that being an advanced motorist can reduce the chances of an accident by up to 80%. I joined IAMRoadSmart, the UK road safety charity and commenced a year's course of driving with a retired traffic policeman. I had to completely relearn my Highway Code. Additionally, I bought Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook and another called Defensive Driving.

It is said that most people can achieve the Test standard after 6 to 8 runs, typically a fortnight apart, but having low esteem at the time, I knew I needed to take longer. My driving instructor had the patience of a saint, but I desperately needed to become excellent in my Roadcraft, because visiting patients and attending road accidents in the middle of the night in ghastly weather conditions was essential, and all part of my job.

An Examiner allocated to my advanced driving school carried out the exam with me. I passed first time. I'd taken driving instructions in my Porsche 911 Carrera which is a fast sportscar, but I used what had been taught me and avoided accidents. Until a near-fatal accident where, approaching a crossroads at twilight, I barely had time to brake before another motorist pulled out in front of me.

Had I not instinctively braked according to my advanced training, I may not have survived that accident. All the sportscar's airbags went off including the knee one and side impact airbags - saving my life. Though I blacked out on impact, witnesses stated they saw my sportscar flip over and over from the impact. The other driver had been under the influence of drugs, yet also escaped with his life. He was banned from driving, heavily fined and jailed. My insurers paid up, but the emotional cost from the accident was far higher. Around the time of the accident my parents died. And I had to be strong.

I cannot stress the importance of advanced roadcraft. Learning defensive or advanced driving, especially these days with more vehicles on the road, it is essential. On passing the stringent exam, you can receive substantial discount on your driver's insurance as well as standing a better chance testifying in a court of law regarding traffic accidents. As an advanced driver you will feel good behind the wheel, and driving will become much more pleasurable.

I suffered not only whiplash, fractured ribs, lacerated limbs and trauma from my injuries, but PTSD and night terrors. It was only my partner and brave preteen daughter Juni who helped me get past the terror of returning to drive. I had counselling sessions, but the one big lift to my confidence was buying a Land Rover Spectre 90 except its engine was a mighty Chevy V8. I saw the truck on the forecourt of the garage. It was a pre-used custom build from the US, but sold on at another garage specialising in custom Landys. Though the truck was costly, the previous owner had bought many expensive accessories. In the second hand car market in the UK, accessories count for near-zero, but increase the saleability. I was at the right place and at the right time.

Furthermore, I paid for more driving tuition in defensive driving / advanced motoring. I'm glad I did because this little thug of a truck got me through severe flooding in all weathers, for learning off-road driving in seriously adverse weather conditions is all part of suriving our urban jungle.

My blacksmith partner's wise words: The strongest steel is forged in fire. No truer words.