Why is it patronising? How can the simple laws of physics patronise anyone? A high-sided vehicle is a dead cert for a pushover in high winds, whereas you can see even the smallest, tallest, fattest, or thinnest person still striving, even in hurricanes, to get to the Debenhams sale or William Hill's emporium of chance. Thus, your dear mother - as I said, regardless of age - is far more capable of not being blown over in high winds than a high-sided lorry. Animalia can adapt to the situation, Brucie, whereas solid masses cannot - hence the Duchess's stand loses a bit of its tiara today, while local pooches are not hurled gaily over Ewell.