Tom Usher and the British Medical Journal are surely correct that idiocy is a peculiarly male trait (Farewell to Jackass, the finest catalogue of male idiocy – it could only go on for so long, 4 July). Just reading the article made me laugh and reminded me that when my wife and I met, she could not understand how I could watch Jackass and cry with laughter at the madness of it. She remains bemused at my response to similar content on the internet.

The article also brought back to mind my one proper, fleeting act of idiocy. When much younger, our “designated driver” decided after a night in the pub that we should liven up the journey home. Our ride was a small red van with everyone (all male) piled in the back (probably not very sensible) and a frame roof rack.

That night we decided that “roof rack riding” could be a thing. And so, in a field at his parent’s farm, we all took turns to lie on the roof rack, hold on and see how fast he could drive before we either screamed “stop”, or fell off. And of course, one overzealous press of the brake pedal could have seen any of us fly off in front of the van. Fortunately (for us at least) we all preserved our place in the gene pool that night. Idiotic? Yes. A treasured, colourful memory, still pin-sharp 40 years later? Also yes.
Richard Blows
Corston, Somerset