Just one of those Things?

So often horrible events take place on the road, and in response we shake our heads, go tut! tut! and say, “well, that’s just one of those things!” And then we say to the surviving members of the grieving family, “now you need to go on with your life.” I have been reflecting on a number of such situations and I must admit I have no idea how surviving family members are supposed to do that.

In the United States, the great comedian Bill Cosby and his wife lost their only son out of five offspring. Their son was driving his very expensive car one fateful night when he had a flat tyre. While changing the tyre another person came upon the scene, and in what was described as an opportunistic crime based on the assumption that since this was a driver of such a high value car there must be other valuables for the taking. The robbery went horribly wrong and the son was killed in the process. Mr. Cosby makes magical comedy. How on earth he can continue to find humour in anything when we can reasonably be sure that not a day goes by without recurring thoughts of their overwhelming loss.

In my own country, Bermuda a young man from a family whom I know well was someone with so much promise. He was an outstanding student, a fine athlete, a very handsome person with all the charm in the world. One day he pulled into a petrol station on his off-road motorbike and there he lowered the side stand that allowed the bike to rest at a side angle. Having refuelled he set off and made a right turn exiting the property. However, he made a deadly mistake. He failed to return the side stand to its folded position. There traffic circulates on the left-hand side of the road, and as he approached a left-hand bend he leaned left whereupon the side stand dug into the ground bringing the bike to a sudden stop throwing its rider headlong into an oncoming truck. He was killed instantly.

I doubt that anyone on that island has ever forgotten. I know his family never will. And neither shall I. That’s why I recommend to any rider of a motorcycle with a side stand arm that swings down and has to be swung back up, remove that killer piece now. The more high-end motorcycles that have them also have a failsafe switch, so that if the rider forgets to put the stand in the up position, when he puts the engine in gear it will stop running. The rider cannot get underway until the situation has been rectified.

Do we say to them, “well, now you must try to go on with your life.” What life?

On one of Spain’s interurban roads a family of five were returning home after a day out. The road they were travelling was one of two lanes in opposite directions. Ahead of them loomed a gentle bend in the road to the left. Apparently what happened next was the following scenario: a car being driven by a young man with his girlfriend as passenger came round the bend at top speed and the centrifugal/centripetal forces were too much for him to keep the car under control at such speed and in his lane. Consequently he ran head-on into the family car at such force that all concerned were taken from the scene to arrive at hospital DOA. (Dead on Arrival). One young man’s folly has affected forever too many families to contemplate.

Just one of those things? Certainly not!

Finally, another young man, another tragedy. This driver set out at one end of a residential road where he drove at speeds topping more than three times the posted limit. Near the other end of the road a child set out to cross the street. Had the driver kept to the speed limit, which was set for the good reason that this was a residential area, that child would have crossed safely and in all likelihood he would be alive today, growing up to fulfil his promise. Instead he was mown down like a blade of grass by a speeding machine that travelled the distance in a mere fraction of the time it should have taken. Some people were heard to say that it was such a shame, but it was just one of those things.

What do you think?

Death on the roads? It doesn’t have to end like that! Speed kills!

Stay safe! Drive safely!

Copyright (c) 2007 Eugene Carmichael

How Distracted are You?

“The leading cause of distracted driving arises because some people conduct themselves in their cars as if in their living rooms.”

We are all familiar with the refrain “ but I only took my eyes off the road for a split second!” No reason to disbelieve the speaker because that´s all it takes, a nano-second for a well ordered life to slip into absolute chaos.

Distraction is at the heart of so many collisions that it is now getting the same type of recognition as driving while impaired. One is DWI, and the other is DWD. On the one hand it is not good to drive for long durations without a glance to the side, as to do otherwise is to risk becoming hypnotized; the crucial thing is timing. When to avert one’s gaze from time to time for relief, and also to flex one’s fingers.

There are just so many things competing for our attention. Firstly we have to be aware of motorists who would pass us on our right side. These could be motorcycle riders, (normally moped riders) when we are slowed by traffic, to other cars if we are in the central lane on a motorway outside town. Then, of course there are the plethora of road signs, both as to speed and direction, and the special circumstantial signs that have to do with detours and road works. So, really, do we need all those signs about Real Estate Agencies, supermarkets, hardware stores, shopping centres, fast foods, and the like?

“Hands-Free Mobile Phones”
Into this mix some bright spark thought it would be a good idea if we drove while holding a telephone up to our ear. Fortunately we are coming to our senses on this one. I have a “hands-free” mobile unit that is very efficient, but I must admit that I do find that my concentration for the road is shared with that of my conversation with my caller. I did reason in the past that it was the same as talking to my front seat passenger, which in itself is distracting, but I’m coming around to the view that the telephone is more demanding.

For one thing, I am always concerned that my caller can hear me, so the volume of my voice is always higher than if I was speaking to a passenger next to me. By that sheer effort more concentration is put into that conversation. Increasingly, I am letting the phone ring as I drive, electing instead to ring back when I am well and truly safely able to do so. It is prohibited to use mobile phones with earpieces or headsets, as these mask over essential road sounds.






Smoking while driving.

I have no personal experience of this but it does seem to be a prime source of distraction. Lighting the cigarette with the electric lighter, as efficient as that is does require that few seconds when you have to look at where you are putting the lighter. And then there is the matter of ash management, and stray ash is at least dirty, if not actually hot.

GPS

These are marvellous technologies that can be very helpful.(They can also get you completely lost.) At times I sure could use some help in finding some of the addresses that I need to get to, but if I have the GPS screen to look at while driving that could be even worse than driving and looking for a street name that is usually written in such small letters that you have to be standing right up close to read it. The voice direction is good, but I do think that the screen should not be visible to the driver. That is something for the passenger/navigator.

Car Stereo/CD player/Radio


A car without the above is incomplete because these could be counted as a safety measure to keep the driver alert. When playing the radio it is frequently necessary to change stations. Best to be able to do this by touch rather than actually having to look at the display. If a CD, at least that can be set up before staring the journey and would not normally need any more attention from the driver. This is about as good as it gets.

Daydreaming/Meeting Planning/ Mental Column Writing/Apologising to Partners

Long journeys where the scenery is so familiar encourages all sorts of mental activity that is outside that of concentrating on the road. Fatigue is also a killer that must be carefully planned out of the question. But the most common thing we do is to start daydreaming about what we would do if we won the lottery. On a more constructive level, if we are driving to meet with clients we tend to strategise how we will conduct ourselves in the meeting. It simply is as natural a thing to do as breathing, but being aware of the possible negative consequences of being so distracted is important if we are to avoid the failure to arrive.

I am always writing this column because by simply getting behind the wheel the ideas start to flow like fine wine. I am learning however, that I must put things in perspective and that a simple one-word thought is enough. I don’t need to have the whole thing written by the time I arrive at my destination..

Finally, driving while emotionally upset deserves a column all its own, which I may attempt at some future date. This can be the set-up of a very deadly end result of a string of events. When a couple clash in the home over something or other, and that results in one person storming out of the house and into the car, full of anger or tears, the ability to drive becomes perhaps even more impaired than through alcohol, and may even include a death wish. How many innocent other road users have become entangled in what was originally a lover´s break-up?


Motorcyclists! Please wear the lime-green reflective “Gerry Jacket” by day as well as at night. Be Seen to be Safe!



Copyright © 2006-2007 Eugene Carmichael

The Bermuda Long Riders Motorcycle Club

Motorcycle clubs all over the world have one thing in common: these are big girls and boys with their grown up toys. Bikers just love their machines, more than anything else in the world. I am now going to use the “we” form throughout because I include myself.

We cherish our machines, we tend to their every ping and tinkle; we keep them in our living rooms during periods of inclement weather, or even the hint of bad weather. Wives and girlfriends will almost always be in the club, or they will be left alone as he joins all the other hobbyists as they go on long and exciting rides.

Bermuda may indeed be a small island, but Bermuda bikers have a big heart and a love of biking on a par with any other club one might care to mention.

I was privileged to attend a blessing and dedication of the club on Sunday, April 15, 2007 while in Bermuda. It was quite an impressive sight as bikers rolled up on their customized “Hogs”. The maximum power rating allowed is 150cc, but other than that all the gear that could be expected was in evidence.

Please bear in mind the size of the island is 35 kilometers long by three kilometers wide, and the maximum speed limit is 35 km/h, so really 150cc is way more power than actually needed. Club riding is not about speed or long distance necessarily, but is more about the camaraderie and the feeling of fraternity that comes from the sense of brotherhood.

The club draws its 150 members, both male and female from all walks of life. The common interest is the machine.

Before setting out on a ride that would cover seventy kilometers, there was a very touching moment when an ailing member who was off-island in a North American hospital was contacted by phone and was able to speak with all those assembled. We wished Mr. Carson Marshall a speedy recovery. Alas, it was not to be as he has since passed to ride the great highway in the sky.

When you visit Bermuda the only form of transport that you can hire is a moped. Consequently, you will be able to retrace the ride of The Long Riders as experienced by myself.

The day was perfect, sunny with a light breeze. We set off in a convoy of thirty-five bikes from the City Hall parking lot in Hamilton and headed towards the East End of the island, traveling along the South Shore Road.

Thirty-five bikes is not a lot, considering I have ridden in a group of 500 in another country, but in that small space that is an impressive number. Our ride took us along roads shaded by overhead greenery and a riot of color of spring flowers and vegetation.

The pungent smell of flowering bushes and hedges was at times so strong as to be heady. That included the smell of fresh cut grass that I love so much. Not that I love to cut the grass, but to my sense of smell if one actually tasted the grass it would probably be quite sweet. I must ask a cow!

Always, the cleanliness of the island is outstanding and noticeable. That is no accident, as the island is a tourist destination and is kept pristine clean for the showplace that it is.

Bermuda has been described as a grown-up Disney World. Perhaps, that’s not too far from the truth.

Our route took us along roads that passed churches that were emptying of their congregation in their Sunday best. Cheerful greetings were exchanged.

We had crystal clear blue seas on our right as we hugged the coast for part of the way. We passed sun worshipers on the beach at John’s Smith Bay, and bewildered golfers waiting to tee-off as our seeming never-ending procession meandered through the world famous Mid-Ocean and Castle Harbour golf courses.

Bermuda’s buses are painted pink, and meeting one coming in the opposite direction resulted in a very happy greeting.

And on we went passing small boats in the bay, airplanes on the tarmac at the island’s only airport, The L.F. Wade International Airport, and across bridges while sea traffic passed below, until we reached the Ole Town of St. George’s, which is twinned with Lyme Regis, Dorset, England. This was the original capital of Bermuda, established in 1609 upon the re-discovery of the island by Admiral Sir George Somers, the British explorer.

The island was originally discovered by the Spanish explorer, Juan de Bermudez approximately 100 years before. However, about 1543 the Spanish Crown declared it had no further interest in this tiny rock in the middle of the Atlantic. It is entirely possible that should the present Spanish Crown visit Bermuda they may very well want it back.

We terminated our outward bound ride on Ordinance Island just off the main square in the town. The following week that would become the berthing place of weekly cruise ships from New York and Boston. On May the 13th the Long Riders were joined by a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Club that were carrying their bikes with them on a cruise. They were given special permission to ride their over- powered cycles on Bermuda’s roads in what would was a very exciting event, the likes of which Bermuda had never seen before. Even those people who know the Harley-Davidson and Honda Goldwings well discovered a new appreciation for them in that context. I wish I could have been there!

The Bermuda Long Riders Motorcycle Club are a truly delightful group of well disciplined men and women, and I am certain that they would be very happy to hear from clubs here in Spain. Their web address is http://www.blrmc.com/ Like many other clubs they use the power of their association to do good and positive works, such as to Ride for the Needy; and for specific Charity Fundraisers; and therein lies their strength. They will no doubt be happy to welcome you and to show you their Bermuda from the saddle-seat.

Motorcyclists! Be Seen to be Safe! Wear a lime-green reflective “Gerry Jacket” vest at all times.

Copyright (c) 2007 Eugene Carmichael

La Multa (The Traffic Fine)

I have often wondered how the Spanish system works in case I happened to commit a road offence.

Well, it was first thing in the morning on a cool crisp January day. Traffic was fairly heavy with most people on their way to work, probably thinking about the problems ahead. My drive would normally take forty-five minutes if traffic cooperates, and so far this morning all was going well. But then, there was a sudden slow down where I didn’t expect it reducing to a crawl. Up ahead to the right on a piece of open ground there was the sight of several parked cars. In fact it looked like a market day parking lot. As I drew nearer it became apparent that The Guardia Civil were in action pulling cars off the road. I have been through several of these checkpoints and know the routine by now, so no worries. After all, my documents were in order if they wanted me to stop.

Well, they did want me to stop, so I pulled off and parked where indicated and waited. And waited. And waited some more to the point of impatience. Finally an officer approached and gave that lovely salute which I returned by a tip of my cap. “Ever so civilized”, I thought. He asked for my Permiso de Conducir, (my license) which I handed over, but he didn’t seem at all interested in the documents for the car. This was unusual, but it failed to trigger the alarm that it should have. Then the good gentlemen proceeded to enter into a longish monologue, most of which I did not understand, but the words that leaped out at me like alien monsters were, “camara”, “ha capturado su coche,” “excesiva velocidad”, “ochenta cautro en la zona seiscenta kilometres”. I missed the rest, I was too busy recoiling in horror. My mind said, “Oh Oh!”. Funny how those two little words can sum up so adequately every cataclysmic event known to mankind.

Well, I was truly busted. (Later, when I revisited the scene, as one tends to do, I looked for the sign that I, and a cast of dozens had overlooked to our chagrin. There was not one, we had passed three warning us to slow to 60 km/h, so we had absolutely not a leg to stand on). I had truly worked hard for my fine, but I wasn’t expecting to have to part with 200 euros so suddenly. That’s approximately 8.33 euros per kilometre over the posted limit. Ouch! But then the agent with the kind voice assured me that if I paid the fine within 15 days I would be allowed a discount of 30%. In this country, the after Christmas sales period is discount time in all the shops. But to get a 30% discount on my fine too left me wondering whether to laugh or cry.



So, these are the mechanics of paying a “multa” (traffic fine): If you are a visitor driving on your home issued license, or for that matter a resident driving on a foreign license, (“Oh Oh!), the fine is paid then and there. No, you don’t get to ask the audience or phone a friend, although you might have to if you have no other way to satisfy the demand. Your car will be immobilised until the fine is paid. Credit/debit card or cash will do.

Otherwise, you are issued with your denuncia which you can take along to any Trafico office, and there you first go to the window marked “sanciones” and show your denuncia, which is in duplicate. It is scrutinized and if not requiring any special action,(like Heaven knows what) it is stamped and you are directed to the next window where, in my case I parted with 140 euros. (“200 euros less 30%). Peculiarly, the lady taking my cash and issuing me with a receipt was one of the most pleasant clerks I have ever encountered anywhere in Spain. What a place to find her.

And that was it, over in less than three minutes. It takes me longer to buy a necktie.

The real significance of this tale is that I was trapped by a speed camera, one of Britain’s less welcome exports, and in spite of promises made that they would only be employed along with warning signs that state “Speed camera in Operation”, there were no such signs. So, be warned, particularly when you encounter zones where the normal speed is reduced. Adhere to the slower speed. Those signs are placed there for a reason. Stay within the speed limit because the slowdown signs appear very suddenly.

You may wonder what happens should you forget to pay within the 15 days. One poor soul found out. The fine was increased by 20% and the money taken out of his bank account by the TAX authority. Yikes!

Death on the roads? It doesn’t have to end like that!
Stay Safe! Drive safely, and don’t speed!

Copyright (c) 2007 Eugene Carmichael

Be a Good Samaritan - It's the Law!

While driving along a country road I happened upon an accident that had just occurred. A van had tipped on its side, an injured woman lay in the road moaning loudly; evidently other occupants of the van stood idly by, and a lone policeman was directing traffic around the wreckage. There were two other cars that had stopped to render assistance. The policeman waved me on, but to be sure that I covered my obligations I asked him if he wanted my help. Having been told no, I continued on.

Road users have a duty in law to stop and to render assistance to an accident scene unless excused. Failure to do so could result in prosecution. This is an obligation that I take seriously because if it is my turn to need help I can only expect to receive it if I am prepared to do my best for my fellow travellers.

To know First-Aid is a good idea anyway for the sake of our own families. The situation on the road can lead to some awful accident sites where every ounce of such knowledge can be tested. Even jaded ambulance teams can be shocked by what they encounter, yet by law ordinary members of the motoring public are expected to take action to intervene.

What does one do should one encounter a scene where there are multiple injured. Essentially this would involve practising triage, something medical personnel say they hate to have to do. Triage is the determination of which injured person needs attention first. Lay opinion is divided, but if the person is demanding attention very loudly, he’s living and probably not in danger of expiring right away.


Conventional wisdom suggests some commonsense things to do, and just as important not to do upon arriving on the scene of an accident:
- In the case of an injured person wearing a crash helmet, unless the helmet is actually strangling the person to death, it should not be handled at all by the first-aider.
- The injured person must not be given anything by mouth.
- The crash site should not be modified by persons attending, except to prevent further injury, damage or another crash.
- Do nothing to cause secondary injuries, such as moving the injured person simply to make them more comfortable. Spinal injures could result through improper handling.
- Do not directly touch a person’s open wounds.

The list of things to do in accident site management is seemingly endless. The first thing to do, in my opinion is that when stopping to help, make certain that your own vehicle is parked so as not to be the cause of another crash. (Did you ever see someone’s haphazardly parked car at some weird angle, with the driver’s door wide open.) Activate your hazard lights.
Secondly, make sure to wear your reflective jacket, day or night. This includes motorcyclists. Thirdly, I would call for emergency help just based on my initial observations before I began working with the injured. Once that process begins I would need to concentrate on my patient.

Many people believe that the first fifteen minutes of arrival of the first persons on the scene are golden because this is the period when a person’s life can be saved and his condition stabilized, and secondary injuries can be prevented through proper protocol. However, it's important to keep in mind that we are administering only First-Aid. We are not required to function as paramedics, nor as doctors. I was always taught that in assessing an injured person to follow the A-B-C guidelines.

A: Check for a clear Airway and loosen clothing that might cause a restriction around the throat. Such as neckties, scarves, unbutton the first and possibly the second button of the shirt.
B: Check for Breathing. Lack of breathing requires assisted breathing techniques, i.e. mouth-to-mouth. Here would also be a good time to check for a pulse.
C: Consciousness. Although presented to me in this order, (ABC) I would actually check for consciousness first. I think the idea was that these are the three things to check for and are easy to remember as ABC. However, if we don’t check first whether the person is conscious we might get half way through doing the other two things only to be shocked by the person ask loudly, “ what are you doing?”

Clearly, having to provide road-side assistance of this sort is a grave responsibility. In Spain we are commanded by law to carry out Good Samaritan principles. We can only do our best.. One more important point: always protect a lady’s modesty!

Death on the roads? It doesn’t have to end like that!

Don´t overtake on two-way road systems.. Save your life for those who love you.

Copyright (c) 2007 Eugene Carmichael