A One in a Trillion Chance

I am always aware of the law of physics that holds that when entering an unpaved parking area that is laden with chunky stones, there is always the possibilty that a stone will be pinched by the wheel of a car and launched in my direction. Such a missive becomes  similar to a speeding bullet that is capable of causing severe damage to property, and debilitating damage to tissue, and even death to persons and animals.

I had never actually seen a stone moved by a car, but, on Saturday it did happen to me under circumstances so perfect that I estimate the incident to be One Trillion to One.

I had left my car parked in such a car park as described above and drove off with my wife in her car. When we came back my car was the only one left. My wife drove alongside it, and as she backed away her tyre touched a sizeable stone precisely correctly. Too close to the centre of the stone and nothing happens. Not enough grip and the stone simply slides away. Just enough grip, and provided the stone in firmly set on the ground and the rock is launched with the force and speed of a large size bullet.

This stone was launched toward my car at an upward angle. It struck the wrap around rubber bumper of my Volvo. Had it struck the steel body it would have caved it in, as though it had been struck by another vehicle.  Had the hit been flat on, the bounce back would have hit her car, caving in part of the bodywork. As it happened, the rock struck at an angle that caused the bounce back to deposit the rock in the sand next to my foot. Had I been standing in the way of the original trajectory my leg would have been broken.

I equate that with the possibility of a piece of space rock falling to earth and landing next to me.

I saved the rock because I think it a sign that this year I will finally win the Lottery.

Stay tuned!

Copyright (c) 2015  Eugene Carmichael

You, Me. and the Helicopter Police

The helicopter police patrol is simply amazing. I say that begrudginly because these guys can do a lot of harm to drivers because of what they see, and because of how efficient they are at catching us when we least expect it.

They are overhead, and because we are driving with the windows up and the aircon on, and the music system pumping, we don't hear them. It never occurs to us to look up, until it's too late. By then, using very powerful cameras they can come right into our cars and see who is wearing our seatbelts; how much faster than the speed limit we are breezing along; they can see that we are texting while at the wheel; they can see if we are eating; and were we having a little oral sex while cruising along?

Once in a while they run some examples from their overhead surveillance on the evening news. They do blur the person's image, but the guilty person knows that was him. Busted!

If you are speeding they come up from behind you, so if you ever get to see them at all it's too late. I honestly do try to be legal most times when I'm behind the wheel but there are times when I step out of line. So often there's a policemen right there. I have been very lucky as my infractions have not been anything serious.  

The thing to bear in mind is that their ability to see who is driving and what you are doing in detail is highly effective. They are more efficient than any of the other traffic patrols so we would do well to remember that those guys always get their man, or woman.

Look up!

Copyright (c9 2015  Eugene Carmichael

Technology finally caught up with the Times

It had to happen, sooner or later. Technology has caught up with the all important testing of vehicles to determine that they are roadworthy. I think we probably all know somebody who has pushed the limit by continuing to drive after the due date for testing of their vehicle. A shortage of money is usually the reason, but that could also mean that the vehicle has also missed its needed maintenance appointment at the garage. Such a vehicle could be an advancing menance to other road users.

I have to admit that I need to keep my car in practical condition otherwise, when spotted by an officer it will be his duty to remove the car immediately from the road. That may mean a long walk home for me.

In my own country there are electronic readers that read a decal on the windscreen to determine whether yours is a vehicle that is still running past its renewal date. If so, it issues an automatic fine, everytime you pass it! Obviously it makes sense not to let that happen as it will be a whole lot cheaper to get the car passed, or leave it home.

The new method of recording if you are legal will only apply to new cars from the middle of November, 2015. In the fullness of time all vehicles will be controlled in this manner, but in the meantime the old system will operate with the new. Already I don't need to carry my insurance certificate with me, as that information is on-line afftecting everybody. The only thing remaining are the road tax certificates, and it is just a very small step to bring this online.

Welcome to the 21st century, everybody!

Copyright (c) 2015  Eugene Carmichael

What's wrong with us Drivers?

Here in Spain the Departamento General de Trafico sent out an advisory to the public warning that a sustained campaign against driving offences would be conducted along secondary roads over a set period from the 19th October to the 25th October.

It was well publicised, so no-one has any excuse if they were trapped in one of the checks. Half a million checks were made, and 27,370 drivers were reported for a variety of offences. We knew the police would be there, so why on earth did 16,564 drivers still insist on speeding, some by as much as 20 kilometres over the limit?

By now, clicking the seatbelt in place before even starting the car could be expected to be the norm, but no, there are those people who don't think it necessary, even many while transporting children. In fact, 1,349 people were reported for this offence, and another 57 people insisted on riding without wearing a crash helmet. Both of these "offences" will likely result in the death of the offender in the case of a crash. To die because we deliberately ignored these simple safety steps is to die from stupidity. There is no other way I can think of to put it.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a subject on its own. It appalls me that people who belong to  special car clubs or motorcycle clubs will meet up for rides or club tours, and when they get to the restaurant or bar of their destination, the wine or beer flows like water. When damages occur to their vehicles because of drunkeness, everybody stands around with mouths wide open, appearing to be in shock. I did belong to one such club but after seeing what was expected of me, I took my polite leave.

Finally, a category of offence that is on the rise is driving without due care and attention. If you said that is because of using smart phones to text while driving, you would be right. I know that the people who do these things surely are aware of the danger of taking one's eyes off the road to text. I refuse to accept that anyone could claim ignorance, but they still do it. These are people who are otherwise intelligent, but they are so addicted to their phones that to seperate them for as long as it takes to complete a journey is just too much.

In spite of flaws that may be possibly inherent in cars that drive themselves using Artifical Intelligence, stupidity or addicition are not likely to be a part of the programme.

Can't wait!

Copyright (c) 2015  Eugene Carmichael 

Help from the Spanish Departmento General de Trafico in English

Spain is a magnet that attracts people of all nationalities, especially those from the northern climes who suffer from a lack of sun and warmth. Consequently there are people living here who speak all sorts of languages, far too many for the government to be expected to translate it laws and rules into.

Previously if you needed to obtain a driving license you had to study for it in Spanish. Then came a major step forward that translated the tests into English, and Arabic and one or two others.

This still left a number of drivers cruising around without really knowing what they were doing. We get traffic tickets and we have to go and find someone who can tell us what we did wrong. The fact is that Spain's economy has been greatly helped by its expatriate population, so to take steps to assist us foreigners in integrating is greatly apprecieted, but also very smart.

The latest move is by visiting the website, www.dgt.es/es/ we can find information in English regarding what to do if you receive a traffic ticket; how to appeal a ticket, and (presumably after you lose your appeal) how to pay the ticket, and when.

You are also told how to identify an offending driver, if that driver is not the owner.

This is an important point. A driver caused me to break my leg, then drove off. I did get the number, but on the day we ended up in court the owner, a short man, came to court and said he had never seen me before, but the driver of the car was a tall man. The owner had to confess that he did allow this man to drive the car, so on the basis of that and my identification I won my case.

Driving in Spain gets to be more complex every day, so especially if you are a foreigner you need all the help you can get.

Copyright (c) 2015  Eugene Carmichael