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SLAP DASH
I read of Michael Anstey’s Jeep Wrangler instrument panel woes (7 January) with sympathy and a wry smile. I recently bought a lovely 1997 Cherokee 4.0 on which the instruments sometimes all die. Apparently this is due to a poor connection on the PCB [printed circuit board]. Have they learned nothing in the last 28 years?
My fix is a little easier, though: following advice from an excellent forum, a sharp slap to the right-hand side of the instrument cluster returns everything to normal.
Jeremy Law Via email
DRIVING STANDARDS
I don’t see the benefit in having a mandated three- or six-month learning period for new drivers (News, 14 January). That doesn’t mean people will spend longer learning, particularly those having to pay for lessons rather than learning with a friend or relative. Plus I don’t think the issue is how long people are learning for: it’s what they do after they’ve passed.
I would therefore support the principle of a graduated licence after passing, so it’s disappointing that’s not included in the proposals. Limiting passenger numbers would be an obvious option – say, for the first six or 12 months after passing – although I wouldn’t support preventing driving late at night, as that could penalise shift workers.