A Hypothetical conversation with Readers

Readers: You suggest that we should not overtake along two-way roads, but surely there are times, such as when following slow-moving vehicles like tractors and mopeds, when it is not reasonable to crawl along at 40 kmp/h.

Driver’s Seat: The point is well taken. My appeal refers principally to overtaking other cars out of simple impatience If the stretch of road has a broken centre line, it would not be illegal to overtake, but the question becomes is this a safe place to make such a manoeuvre?

Spain has undergone rapid changes over a very short period of time in every aspect. So much so that Spaniards say the pace of change is enough to make one dizzy. Starting with the road system itself, it was not that long ago when everybody was driving the Seat 600, a very small car indeed. Roads were narrow, and the route from one major place to another was an adventure that took the motorist through mountain passes along agonizingly winding and endless terrain. Such stretches of roads have become abandoned as they are too dangerous for today’s size of vehicles, and no-one has the patience to creep along them.

Even roads that were laid down parallel to the old system are in the process of being widened yet again. A classic example is that of the CV-35 that runs from downtown Valencia to the region of Ademuz. Until we reach Lliria this roadway is two lanes in either direction, and it is relatively straight. Now the department of road works are in the process of adding a third lane in either direction, and of extending this motorway past Lliria. Such is the heavy volume of traffic that demands it, and more to the point, the size of each vehicle has increased by such a degree that the Seat 600 could be carried aboard or behind in a light trailer as though it were a cement mixer.

We are starting to see certain stretches of road where, due to sheer volume of traffic, roads management are rescinding the overtake provision and instead they are putting down an unbroken centre line.

One of the most distressing road facts is that every head-on collision results in death. So often the headlines read that more people were killed than actual crashes. .i.e.” 47 people killed in 45 head-on accidents.” This, in spite of seat belts and air bags. Well, if it’s a head-on collision that means at least one car was where it was not supposed to be. Why was it there? Most likely because it was in the act of overtaking and badly misjudged the distance of the oncoming car; or the overtake took place when it was simply not possible to see clearly that the oncoming lane was entirely clear, such as before the crest of a hill.

Another reason could have been that the offending vehicle was in the act of making a left turn across oncoming traffic. No-one has explained how it is possible not to see the oncoming car on a straight road, but I have heard drivers say after a near- miss, “I just didn’t see him coming!” The fact is that it is very rare to have a truly safe opportunity to overtake as there is simply too many of us on the road.

So, having said all that, perhaps it is a little clearer what is meant by refraining from overtaking as we might have done when times were a lot simpler and less congested. We tend to drive over-fast in this country anyway. Most people seem to think that they are in more of a hurry than they really are. For instance, if we drive too fast to get to the restaurant and then sit back and relax for several hours, that betrays the need in the first place for all that speed. What was needed was simply to have left home a little earlier.

As the journey to work lengthens because of traffic so must we allow the extra time for making the trip. We cannot squander time at home in the expectation of making it up on the road. Those days have most probably gone forever.

At the heart of all the new traffic measures is the objective of one day reaching a zero death toll on our roads. Why not? That would be a wonderful day indeed if, and when that goal is reached. The fact is that when the news is reported to us of the death toll for the day, week, month or year, something inside us is badly affected. Perhaps we are disturbed to think that only for the grace of God, go I, and that none of those people thought it would ever happen to them.

Prior to July 1st, 2006, the risk factor inherent in venturing out onto the roads in Spain was greater than moving about the war zones of Afghanistan or Iraq where people fire live rounds of ammunition. The government are trying to do something about that with the introduction of the points system. Their effort deserves our support After all, it’s our lives they are trying to save.


And so, to repeat, please don’t overtake along two-way stretches of roadway unless it is abundantly clear that it is safe to do so. Someone is waiting at home for your safe return. Their disappointment if you don’t make it will be too much for them to bear.

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Be Seen to be Safe (II)

In the first part of this thread I responded to the untimely death of a promising young man who died as a result of an “accident” involving his motorcycle and a car. In the course of the investigation, the motorist said that he just didn’t see the young man. In far too many incidents, such as that one, the driver has the same response. I had therefore suggested that riders of cycles, motorized or otherwise, should take the simple step to remove this excuse by making certain they can be seen.

Recently, I have become a motorcycle rider. On the first day I rode I was without a reflective vest. I was very embarrassed as I was not taking my own advice. It was not so much a case of being recognized, but I knew, and that was enough for me to be embarrassed and to feel guilty.

So I got my vest, and now, I never leave home without it, whether by day or night. In doing this, I am taking my lead from policemen who wear the vest as part of their uniform.

The point in doing that is those vests, especially the lime-green ones have been around for such a long time, that even a fleeting glimpse of one tells us of the presence of a human being. As a driver of car or truck we know instantly that we have to exercise caution, and that the person wearing the vest might be a police-person.

Gone is the usual excuse of I didn’t see him or her.

On the day that I rode without a vest I was treated differently to the way I am now. Traffic is definitely more courteous and I get more space. I can make a comparison with a person walking along a road and a person using a pedestrian crossing. We know that if we hit someone on a pedestrian crossing our penalty will be greater. Strike a cyclist who is wearing a reflective vest and you have no excuse at all.

So, I re-submit the suggestion that as cyclists, if we want to save ourselves the experience of being involved in a crash, we have to warn off the oncoming driver. Make sure that you stand out from the landscape by making ourselves as visible as possible. Remember, we have no idea of how easy or difficult it is for the motorist to see us, especially when coming from behind.

Stay safe. “Be Seen to be Safe!”

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Lane Discipline

Our lack of lane discipline borders on the absolute stupidity. We all know better than we put in practise, but we do it anyway. When we see others driving with such wild abandon, it seems as though we need to do likewise to be part of the crowd. It doesn’t have to be that way.

I am utterly convinced that were it not for deliberately bad driving habits, the death toll on the roads would drop to practically nothing, and even fender benders would be a minor statistic.

Lane discipline is a big part of what I’m talking about. On U.K. roads it is made very clear by commands that state in no uncertain terms: “GET IN LANE”, or “STAY IN LANE.” What that means is, if you know where you are going, start before getting right on top of your exit to move into the correct lane to be able to exit the highway without cutting others up. But we see it all the time here in Spain: You are driving in the right hand lane when someone comes up from the left and cuts right across your bumper to go off in the exit just ahead. It even happens when the driver could have made that turn by comfortably coming in under you and going off from behind.
Roundabouts are the worst. A driver is on the far left and wants to go off to the right exit. He sees nothing wrong in cutting across the paths of six lanes of traffic to get to where he wants to go. I just cannot get my head around such thinking. Did I say thinking? I jest, of course, because there is nothing going on between those two ears.

So, why do we drive like such lunatics? It’s probably because we are lunatics. Ordinary responsible types at work turn into crazed patients who haven’t been taking our medications when we get on the road. What on earth is that all about? Would some scientific type person please look into this phenomenon and report back to us what makes us behave this way.

We see people struggling to get ahead of everyone, only to have to come to a stop at the red light at the head of the line. Why? And even if he saves a half a minute by getting to his destination that much sooner, what will he do with it? You know the answer. We are looking for logic where none exists.

Lane discipline is simple. It is the very essence of being a good motorist and a good driver. Think ahead and prepare, if you can. If you make a mistake, play it out correctly and make your correction without putting others in danger. Get in the lane that is intended for you to exit to your destination, and do it in good time.

Your fellow road users will thank you.

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Motoring Security (II)

A simple thing that we can do that may make all the difference is to buy a good steering wheel lock, and to use it! The one prerequisite of car thieves is that they need to take your car in sixty seconds or less. More time than that means hanging about when the owner can suddenly return, or time for witnesses to appear. So, take the case of two cars of identical make parked side by side, and the thief has an order for that make. One has a steering wheel lock and the other doesn’t. There are no prizes for guessing the most probable one that will be stolen.

My car was stolen and later set alight. Because it was broad daylight when I parked it, and in a “good neighbourhood”, and because I wasn’t going to be gone a long time, I didn’t put the steering wheel lock on, although I locked the doors.. When I later went to where it had been set on fire and found the wheel lock just where I had left it, I could have wept with anger. Now, unless I am absolutely certain that I will not be away from the car for more than two minutes, I put the lock in place.

When parking at night in a place that is practically void of people, before switching off the car engine or putting on the interior light, have a quick 360-degree look around for any suspicious movement. If not completely sure that all’s clear simply drive off. Remember, when you are in the car with the interior light on your movements can be clearly seen.

If you do use a scheduled rest stop and your car is left out of your sight while you are in the building, it would perhaps be a good idea that when you return to it that you walk around it paying particular attention to the inflation of the tyres.

Spanish law states that you must produce the documents for the car when required by a police officer. Generally, the wording is along the lines that the documents must be carried in the car at all times so as to be produced on demand. That does not mean that the documents need stay in the car when it is parked. The only person who hopes that your papers have been left with the car is the thief who is planning on stealing it. With the documents he not only steals your vehicle, he also steals your identity, and what’s more, he now knows your address. If you have left nothing to link you and your address with the car you make his task more difficult.

It is best to have a system for taking the papers into and out of the car as you go. If they are attached to the key, this will be one sure way. The other advantage is that in the event that the car is stolen you will not experience any delay in the recovery/claims process as you will have your originals.

If you have off-road parking, especially in town and at night, it really is best to use it. Hooligans have been known to set fire to cars just for the fun of it. However, when choosing undercover parking one has to take into account the risk of flooding as happens during the “gota fria” season. Far too many cars are lost to water while trying to avoid fire and vandalism.

Many of the high-end cars have very sophisticated locking systems, and thieves who wish to steal them simply do not bother with the traditional methods of overcoming the locks. You should know that if they really want your car they will come for it when it is parked at your home. There have been too many instances of breaking and entries primarily for the purposes of stealing the car keys. This is not to scare or alarm you, this is about being fore-warned to be fore-armed.

Spanish law prohibits the practise of hitchhiking by those on foot, and drivers are forbidden from picking up hitchhikers. This is a very difficult situation to apply evenly because of the circumstances that may lead to the necessity of asking for a ride. Should one’s car break down and it is just not possible to get a tow truck to come out into the middle of nowhere, you are left with only one alternative.

For the driver of the car who is being asked for help, this presents a special danger. If it is at night, and on a lonely road, the situation that confronts him may be genuine or a set-up for robbery.

The other potential problem with picking up strangers is that it can never be ascertained from a quick glance whom you are taking on board. On balance, it perhaps should be avoided if reasonable.

It almost goes without saying that to avoid falling into those circumstances requiring that sort of help, keep your vehicle in peak running condition, and never set off without sufficient petrol to get you to your destination.

Lastly, I include in this list the common sense suggestion that one should never try to make it to your intended destination, especially at night if fatigued. This condition is not only a problem at night. During the day one can struggle to stay awake. But at night, when driving back streets and along country roads that are lightly travelled, the element of fatigue increases the risk that something is likely to go horribly wrong.

This scenario is bad enough for a man alone, but for a woman it is to be avoided at all costs. However, should you find yourself in just such a situation this is where your mobile telephone comes into its own. You need to be certain that you have enough battery charge, enough credit, and you need to know exactly where you are. Refer to the roadside markers that appear every kilometre for that information.

Make your driving safe and secure every day. Be road smart!

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Monster Truck Travelling Road Show

A bit of Americana came to the town of Villamarxant, (Valencia) Spain recently in the form of Team Lemoine Monster Truck show. This is the type of show that gets them good ‘ole boys back in the States a whooping ‘n hollering like nothing else. Only this is not an American production, in spite of all the American flags, and hot dogs and Coca Cola. This show is a German faithful reproduction, including one of the performers who goes by the name of Jack Daniels.

I have seen this type of show before, and frankly I could have written this piece before it started because of the set formula, but that would have been unfair to the young men who have honed their skills to such a fine degree.

The program starts off with Free-style American Motocross performed using three off-road bikes and a tri-cycle. Lots of wheelies and some truly outstanding jumps. The biggest jump has an awful lot of air time as they sailed over eight car widths, that being at least 12 metres. They made it look so easy.

I put the ages of the drivers between 18 and 30. What they did with the stunt cars was almost as amazing as the fact that they were using BMW’s to drive on two wheels only. A very decent sized crowd turned up, and from the spectators the guys convinced five very brave young women to come ride with them as they did this stunt. The picture of the night, which I unfortunately didn’t get, was that of one of the young women looking back out of the car with a very worried look on her face, like “Help!”

Of course, anybody else wishing to have a similar experience need only take a New York City taxi.

The star attraction is the monster trucks. These are normal “cages” mounted on a massive chassis with mega-truck engines and tyres taller than the average man. In full stride they easily roll over anything in their way. Oh, how I could use one of those to get around Valencia.

I don’t think it’s been done yet, but wait for a car chase using one of those. I don’t remember the name of the movie, but Clint Eastwood made his film debut as the unseen truck driver who chased a hapless motorist half way across America. I can only imagine being chased by a monster truck the size of those featured in this show.

I was impressed by the diversity of the spectators. Very seldom does one see that many people out of the house that late in Villamarxant, (after 7pm). To see some pretty elderly folk, along with the very young ones, of course, and everybody in between was a delight, especially as all seemed to have enjoyed the show.

One thing that I didn’t like was the choice of hard-core American rap music blasting out some pretty blue language, certainly unfit for a family audience. However, since the rest of the spectators were Spanish I was probably the only one bothered as it most likely went right over their heads.

I did bring my sense of humour with me so it didn’t ruin the evening. Perhaps I was being a little too sensitive.

So, if you’ve never been to one of these shows you might give them a chance when in your area. There appears to be more than one group doing the Spanish tour, so it’s not as though I am promoting any one group in particular. It just makes for a good evening out that involves some jaw dropping moments along the way. I only ask that when you return to your vehicle to drive home, don’t try any of the stunts you’ve seen.

Formula One Racing

While on the subject of things not to try at home I must comment on the obvious achievements of Spain’s favourite son of the moment, Fernando Alonso, World Champion of Formula One Racing. I may not have been born here, but it’s simply not possible not to feel admiration, and yes, pride in the incredible accomplishments of so young a person. (age 26) He won his first World Championship on the Brazilian circuit at age 24. Such glory to have unseated the near invincible Michael Schumacher, holder of seven World Championship titles. This is no mean feat!

However, F1 racing has been energized by the fairly new entry into the mix of Lewis Hamilton, who nearly did the impossible in his firt

I live quite near to the circuit in Cheste, Valencia, so it is quite convenient for me to drop by when an event is taking place. This is a very glamorous sport. Money is spent by the truckful; it attracts the attention of some of the most beautiful women in the world, and includes household names like Michael, and his brother Ralf Schumacher, (how special is that?), both of Team Ferrari; Jenson Button, British, age 27, Team Honda; and Rubens Barrichello, Brazilian, age 35, (the old man of racing?), with team Ferrari. These are just a few of the illustrious names of F1 racing. These are people who I openly envy because they get to do something for a living that they absolutely enjoy, and they also get paid buckets full of money for the privilege.

Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One chief was asked to consider licensing Valencia as a venue for F1 racing. He came here and looked at the circuit at Cheste and agreed that with a few minor adjustments the track would be suitable, however, he had the idea that he would like to see at least one of the races held in the streets of the city itself, in the tradition of Monaco. That’s pretty exciting stuff on the face of it, except while waiting to cross the street in front of the bullring I do find myself wondering how would F1 be any different to what happens there everyday.

Lastly, let me add my voice of congratulations to Michael Schumacher on a racing career well run, and wish him all the best in his retirement. To quit when you’re on top of your game is to get the timing absolutely correct.

Remember: Alcohol, plus drink, plus drive equals a shortcut to the cemetery!

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael