You win some, you lose some
FOR those that don’t know, our offices are in Bourne, Lincolnshire. Every couple of weeks I drive there for our editorial meetings. I enjoy my days there as it is good to meet up with the rest of the team and also my publisher John Greenwood. I’m one of those who enjoy human interaction.
After a recent meeting I had to leave a little earlier as I was on school run duties. As I left the offices in my 110 a nearby school had also just finished for the day. The lollipop lady ordered me to halt and so I did just that so that the kids could safely cross the road. A second or two after stopping someone smashed into the back of my Land Rover.
I hopped out and noted that it was only my folding back step that had suffered any damage. The bracket was bent and needed replacing. My tow bar took the brunt of the impact suffering only a small scratch in exchange. As for the other car, the whole front end was badly bashed up and the radiator was leaking fluid. The poor old lady driver was distraught.
When I spoke to her a few days later I said to her that a new rear step costs around £50 and that I was not interested in pursuing this via her insurance. She had suffered enough.
She kindly offered to pay for the step and so I sent her my bank details. That was nearly two months ago. I’ve not heard from her since. I’ve not pursued it.
Early philosophers believe all men (and women too, of course) are inherently good. I am probably too trusting and nice; this time it came back and bit me in the butt. It doesn’t bother me though, because 99 per cent of the time I get bucketloads back just from treating people with kindness, respect and dignity. It is only £50. The next time I’m in a similar situation (hopefully not when someone drives into the back of me), I’ll just let it all slide again. Unless they’re in a tank and have done significant damage to my precious 110.