No it wasn't pompous Norrie. It was seriously critical of an attitude which condemns all others as "idiots". I have seen questionable driving and decisions, and even accidents - but to simply sit in judgement and pour scorn on others is so shallow. Frankly there would be less accidents and incidents on the road if people were more considerate. There are impatient drivers, and those who take chances but hey - anybody can make a mistake. So don't call me pompous - this is a site for comment - not name calling. We're not in a playground. You have your opinion and I have mine - neither is likely to change!

National news says you should 'never walk or drive through dirty water'. I was informed by a engineer many decades ago the effects of driving through deep water puddles has on my vehicle and mechanics at a later date. I never drive through large surface puds if avoidable with safety in regard oncoming traffic. West Yorkshire's Hebden Water recently flooded and it was clearly seen what the vehicles bow wave of water was doing to nearby properties by flooding them. Similar heavy downpours show how inconsiderateness of some, of today's motorists are. Having being a pedestrian this week on heavy downpours whilst on Carlisle's Castleway nearside pavement without their any consideration to 'other road users'.

In regard present Monsoon season. I'll agree with wordage of Bob Dylan's song writing in one of his many american songs. Who know's when summer finally arrives' ? Perhaps clarification as my manager on summer holiday this past week was hopeful I believe of 'hot' sunshine and dry days, which is not confined to summer. We had some earlier in year. Loveliest weather yet forecast to come in 2013! Whilst people that enjoys Cumbria for walking weather can be at the best in our tinted autumn. Many weeks yet however for drying out of which I know from the 1968? Warwick Road floods. Thankfully no more boatrides down this road. Despite having not worn mine yet is their a boom in jazzy wellington boot sales? I've presently avoided waterlogged parks and countryside with venturing our walking dogs around the many really lovely villages with sidewalks around Carlisle. Some with traditional drying out warm welcome pubs for locals and tourists, etc. Unfortunately longterm closed to cheer folks up from this awful weather deluge.

as a previously flooded home owner, its a case we cant control the weather just deal with how it comes, its peoples on fault if there no prepared i.e rain, snow, if you see a puddle and you dont know how deep it is avoid it, but if you wish to take that chance then thats your fault as for flash flooding if possible dont drive they tell us enough times, if a property floods enquire about flood barriers i would rather spend money on a flood gate than have another property, and yes they are idiot drivers about that fact will never change young, old middle aged, all in all it comes down to common sense with bad weather but some things cant be helped just deal with them and move on

In reply to g & me. G look at the photograph in the article 'deep water' is fairly obvious I would say? Me, I was merely stating my opinion that I have no sympathy with drivers who think their vehicles have 'amphibious' capabilities! Let's face it most of the abandoned cars we see in floods are due to driver error/misjudgement

I have decided to accept the fact that it is monsoon season here. it will pass at some point. in the meantime, I have set myself a little challenge of looking at rain in Carlisle from the windows of numerous different cafes, bars and pubs.

Feduplisa, I'm guessing you've nothing interesting to add then?

In 25 years of driving I've yet to get stuck in flood water, there's time yet though ;)

moan moan moan,anyone anything interesting to say?? apart from moan?

Dear me Joan, that's rather a pompous reponse to Liz's comments about inconsiderate drivers!

If someone has just passed their driving test then they should be driving cautiously, not speeding around soaking pedestrians. Whatever one's level of experience on the road, there's no excuse for driving carelessly or inconsiderately, especially in poor weather conditions.

Trevor, have you never made an error of judgement? Or have you ever witnessed flash flooding a close quarters? Neither question is really important as I see no one asking for your sympathy in this article.
The reality is people do make errors in judgement every now and then, I don't see the need to condemn them for it. As to flash flooding, I've seen it a number of times and I've seen cars surrounded by several feet of water in seconds, but you're right, lets have no sympathy for them.

Liz, many drivers forget that the Highway Code states that once you have your wipers going you should turn your lights on. Though by the standard of driving you see these days I'm sure many folk didn't understand the Highway Code when they read it the one time before their tests.

Liz, I'm sure you are a fabulous driver and now we all know it. Trevor - it's fine to be so judgmental but on our roads we have people who have just passed driving tests, those who have never experienced driving in these conditions. Where a road appears to have a shallow covering, an inexperienced driver could be in a dip before they know it. If any have read your comment, I'm sure they will feel suitably chastened if ever this happens, knowing they do not have Trever Long's sympathy. Dear me. What more proof of arrogance on the road do we need than Liz and Trevor! Incidentally, I have never been stuck in water, never had an accident, never had a point on my licence in 30 years of driving. I do not, however, believe I know it all either and I remain sympathtic to people in any kind of distress. Judge not, lest ye be judged (and I'm not religious either!)