2017 - What a Wacky year that was!

2017 has been the wackiest year that any of us have ever seen.  In The United States they started the year by trying a new style of politics; in England the risky choice of Brexit moved a few steps forward, and in Spain certain citizens thought they had the right to break up the country into which they were born. The entire year appeared to be one extended version of April’s Fool’s Day.

Among the many things that happened, the top two for scope and outrageousness were the plight of the Rohingya people of Myanmar, previously known as Burma, and the other was the Grenfell Tower obscenity.

The Rohingya are a minority Muslim group who have lived for a very long time in the Rakine State of Myanmar.   They have endured persecution from the Myanmar/Burmese and the Buddhists monks apparently simply because they are who they are. I assumed that they must have done something pretty horrible to draw down upon them such hatred. They seem to be innocent of anything in particular to make people hate them so.

However, after suffering unwarranted abuse a core group of young Rohingya men formed together to push back. Evidently that was all the government was waiting for as they have launched into this group of people with such ferocity and intensity as to be determined to cleanse the country of them altogether.

They say they are fighting against terrorists. What terrorists? Are they speaking about the babies, young children and women whose deaths they are responsible for through the assaults by the military?

So far it has been reported that more than 650,000 Rohingya have been forced to run for their lives into Bangladesh, and in the process more than 6.500 have perished, including about 1,200 babies and young children.   They are the modern Jews in Hitler’s Germany, persecuted simply for being who they are.

Meanwhile Myanmar assures me that if I choose to come and visit their country I will have a wonderful time. I don’t think so! In fact I do not want anything at all to do with this miserable country.

The Grenfell Tower terror is currently sub-judice as there will likely be charges flowing from that awful disaster. As a human tragedy it is in a class of its own. The manner in which those who were killed died was about as bad as it gets, especially as it has been reported that residents warned against just such a probability.  When I first saw the blaze I had to turn away, it was more than I could process.

In third place is the currently unfolding drama of the Hashtag MeToo campaign against rich, famous and powerful men who are accused of sexually touching, harassing and even raping women as though it were their right.

The first big shock of this type was Bill Cosby, a man who I practically worshipped as a comedian who conducted himself in public with great dignity, and in the process raised the bar of what the general public; (read white America) should think of his people. His was a cataclysmic fall but I bet he is much relieved now having been joined by such a long list of luminaries.

Incidentally, the world used to presume your innocence until you were found guilty in a court of law. Not anymore! No sooner is the accusation made than action is taken against the accused. This is how everybody who was anybody is being treated. I feel I should pay some really hard to believe women to accuse me so that I can be somebody. Not!

As usual I shall not celebrate the coming of the New Year because I cannot know what it will bring. The year now closing very nearly killed me: I wouldn’t say that was something worth celebrating; however the fact that I have survived is definitely worth making a fuss over.

So, to each and everyone I extend my very best wishes to you for 2018. My hope is that the year will treat you and your families well, bringing first and foremost the very best of health, and prosperity!

A cautious Happy New Year!

Copyright © 2017-

Eugene Carmichael           

Who will celebrate Christmas Day and New Year's Day?

My fellow drivers, I'm sorry to say this but some of us will not celebrate Christmas Day nor New Year's Day because we will be dead!

I know, I know that's a very sober thing to say but it will turn out to be true. This is the festival season and what do we do when festivals come around? We lose touch with reality and we end up killing ourselves and each other. We have done this ever  since the motor vehicle came on the scene. Some years are better than others but in one form or another the carnage has continued.

I was being driven by a person recently who broke every rule there ever was. I was certain my life was about to end, and to make matters worse at the end of that journey we had to turn around and return to our point of departure. That was a little too much excitement for my blood.

Nowhere is it written that we have to lose our lives just because the country is having a fiesta. That is not what fiestas are for. Ideally they bring families together to enjoy themselves and afterwards to return safely home. For the past thirty years I have been the designated driver, the one with the responsibility to get my family home safely. That has meant that I have had to avoid drinking alcohol, and in the process I rarely do take a drink. Even then it will only be one small one in the comfort of my home when I know I will not have to get in the car and drive.

I'm not saying I'm better than anyone else, just that I'm still alive and a lot of people who failed to observe this rule of not driving after having impaired one's judgement are dead. That's the difference.

I really do want to wish for each and everyone of you a Happy Holiday spent with your families. By family I mean your biologic family or the group you hang out with who are like family to you. By making this wish I want it to come true. It's not an idle wish to which I simply pay lip service.

If you'll drive with care and caution; stay sober and away from drugs that diminish your judgement so that you are always alert you will be helping to make my sincere hope and dream of these final few days of the year free from death on the road.

That would be the best Christmas present that anyone could give me.

Happy Holidays everyone!  We will talk about 2018 when it gets here.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Something Big and Bad always happens.....

It's that time of year in the run up to Christmas when something always happens that is  huge in volume and that impacts a lot of people. On Friday the 13th, right on time for those of us who think this is a bad luck day,  a lorry with a huge trailer jacknifed and flipped across the whole of the South bound lane of the A-7 just past the turnoff to the CV-35 which takes traffic into Valencia city.

As I write this I have not determined the full extent of the crash. It's difficult to see how no-one lost their life as it was such a disaster that would have involved other vehicles.  For one thing other South bound traffic came to a halt and stood still for hours. How far back the tail would have gone is any body's guess.

I first encountered the tailback as I was travelling North, making myself a note to avoid the A-7 on my return. I then promptly forgot that advice to myself, so it's no surprise that on my return I made the turn that took me straight into the thick of it. This was three hours later. I couldn't believe I did that. There was nothing else for it but to sit there and simmer for about thirty-minutes. Then, to my great surprise and delight there was movement, albeit very slow, but we were moving.

For my unmindfullness a journey from one entrance to the next exit that normally takes five minutes took close to an hour. It's just as well I'm a retired person when there is no hurry left in my life.

When that type of incident takes place that's when we come to realise how many trucks daily use the roads. When they all come to a stop it is an amazing sight.

Something Big and Bad, I can only hope that no one lost their life but that seems improbable.

Safe Holiday driving everyone!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

A Driver's Worst Nightmare

England has been trying out the Average Speed Zone check for some time and evidently it is working. The problem with stationary cameras is that their presence is announced and predictably drivers slow while passing them and then speed up again. However, the cameras are worth their salt because it is amazing how many drivers completely ignore them, so if they work they must issue an amazing number of  fines.

Spain has now decided to install this type of speed check which is a righteous pain in the ass for drivers. Firstly you have to know that you have entered into such a zone which could include more that one speed limit, in which case you have to be a mathematician to work out what your time within the zone has to be to work out what your maximum average speed can be to remain legal.

At the end of the zone that  the cameras are located they are not so easy to spot. By then your picture has been taken and you have either passed or you will be sent an invitation to contribute to the General Fund for the privilege of learning more about the average speed zone.

What is worse is that having missed the end of the zone you continue to drive at the legal limit as you try to avoid a fine. Other drivers will become quickly annoyed with you as they speed up to overtake your slow moving vehicle. They will have no idea of what it is that you are doing. Some may guess that you are driving at the limit but they will never work out why.

In overtaking they of course increase their speed but that may not be a bad thing as you will be sanctioned for being one kilometre over or 49 kph in excess. Go for it!

I have written about this development before but the way I have seen the setup work is by two mobile recording stations. Now they are fixing these station in place so it would appear that they are here to stay. People who regularly drive these routes will get to know where the entrance / exits are to the zone and they will learn to behave themselves accordingly. Tourists will pay the penalty as usual. The police have got to make a living too.

There is one way in which we all can beat these tricks and that is to always abide by the speed limits.

Really?  Really!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichaek

Self Driving Cars

I realize that to successfully bring the world into a safer era of driving by making the driver the car itself is a long way off. The technology will have to be complicated to the extent of blocking the sick bastards who would like nothing better than hacking cars and making them slam into one another as another form of terror.

By removing the responsibility from we irresponsible humans and placing it upon the machine that would not willingly drink and drive, or get tired and simply fall asleep while moving at 150 kilometres an hour would save so many lives that the world population would take a sharp turn upwards.

We need not worry however, as men will find some other way to kill each other. We don't really need an excuse as we see by the horrid things that evil men do today.

I know a lot of people actually enjoy driving and they want to drive any old fashion that suits them. The roadways is one place where we must trust each other to correctly carry out our own individual responsibilities. If we don't people will die, or become so injured they will wish they were dead.

Just think of the many infractions that would cease to generate fines: failure to stop where indicated. No more exceeding the speed limit. Let's face it, most so-called accidents involve an excess of speed. It may not be by much but a reduction of speed is always better than an excess.

Negligence is a big one these days as people insist on focusing on their mobiles rather than the road ahead. The phone rings and it must be responded to immediately. Well, no is doesn't! Mankind was not made to be contactable every second of the day or night.

Negligence and carelessness go together of course. There are those people who have a passenger and seek to converse with them as though they are at home sitting on the sofa. Well, we are not at home, we are in charge of a deadly missile that is solely under our control and everyone around us is relying on us to pay attention!

The list goes on and on to outline the improvements that could come if we can simply take control away from humans. I really do wish the technicians all the very best in their endeavours. I am so sick of my fellow man who threatens me every time I go on the road. Of course they feel the same way about me.

We have met the enemy and it is us!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Maintenance Day!

Sunday is the day for that special weekend lunch, and for maintaining our vehicles, whether that be a motorbike, truck or car. If I say that maintenance is important I'm sure no one would choose to disagree. So why does it not get done?

During the week we pass all those people who chose to watch television on Sunday rather than topping up the anti-freeze in the motor, or for ensuring the oil level is what it should be. If we don't do those two simple things we can be sure that problems will follow. They will be problems we could have so easily avoided.

When was the last time you checked your power steering fluid, or the fluid in your brake reservoir? The reason I ask is that I have done my maintenance for today but I didn't check those things. I should because the last thing I want to have happen is that  the level for the brakes is too low when I need to stop. In an emergency!

I think that women must be the worst offenders when it comes to not maintaining the car. It is women who are so defiant pertaining to the fuel gauge. They seem to think that they will not be dictated to by a little needle. We men pull in for fuel when the needle is resting at the halfway mark. I certainly have to do that as it lies so much. I will fill up only to see it is registering again at the half empty mark by the time I get home. My car is thirsty but I usually fill up about 20 kilometres from home, and if the needle were correct that would be ridiculous.

So, just a reminder, as though you really needed one. Pay attention to the maintenance of your vehicle. You really do not need the problems that you will have if you don't.

Happy motoring always!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Motorway Call Boxes

I was driving the motorway yesterday, Sunday 19th November when I passed a particular stretch of road along which must have been six cars that had broken down and were awaiting the arrival of the grua. They were well spaced over several kilometres but not one had stopped next to a call box. That, of course is Sod's Law, but it got me to wondering whether anyone uses the boxes anymore.

In their heyday it was the only option you had which almost surely meant a walk in the wind and rain, at night of perhaps half a kilometre there and another half back to the car. For a woman driver on her own that must have been terribly harrowing. Then came the mobile phone which meant she need not  even get out of the car in order to call for help.

The call boxes are still there but they have become so irrevalent to me that I had stopped noticing them. It was only because of the sight of so many broken down cars that I thought about it. I think that if you did put through a call I presume the surprised person at the other end would be a police officer. At one time there would have been people available to speak with you in your own language, but I seriously wonder if that would still apply.

I have to confess to a problem that arose that has nothing to do with the call boxes but a problem that is a plague to drivers everywhere. That is the tiredness that accumulates especially when driving the monotonous highway. First you feel yourself starting to lose focus and you know you should stop to rest but the breakdown lane is not intended for that reason. It is not a good idea to stay in the car while awaiting help because someone may slam into your stopped vehicle because they fell asleep.

So, you strain to stay in focus but in doing that you may succeed in hypnotizing yourself, which is just as bad. Should you close your eyes just once that's all that is needed to bring your life to an end, and likely several other's lives as well.

I think the solution to this very serious problem is to pre-plan rest stops that will include time and a suitable place to nap. That means some place off the main road in an area where you will be safe to put your head down and to dream happy dreams.

Happy alert motoring!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Race Time at Ricardo Tormo Again!

Every November this time of month I write something of the goings on at the race track in Cheste. After all Cheste is the pueblo next to Pedralba, my home port which draws people from all over Europe. The seating capacity is only 120,000 yet we have heard as many as 200,000 people may be in the vicinity. I don't know as I have not been anywhere near the event.

I once made the mistake of trying to pass through there in order to get home because that is my usual route when travelling from down South. Big mistake indeed! The bikes were like bees or mosquitoes. They were absolutely everywhere and buzzing just like the insects. The few police on duty were as frustrated as I was.

Today there are almost 2,000 police on duty because its anybody's guess as to how many motorcycles are concentrated in that one small location. When the boys and girls get together like this they lose their collective minds and do all manner of stupid things. One year a dare devil while showing off just how stupid he could be managed to actually kill his pillion passenger who was also his girlfriend.

I hope there will not be any such incidents this year but the temptation to try and standout in the crowd will be great.

For those who don't know The Ricardo Tormo circuit is located off the A-3 motorway which runs between Madrid and Valencia. The circuit can be seen from the highway and during the events of this Saturday and Sunday, given that the stadium is sold out it must be quite a distraction to passing motorists.

It is an anti-clockwise track with 14 turns and a total length of just over 4 kilometres. The straight stretch that runs past the VIP and Press seating, and which also serves as the starting stretch and the boxes at ground level is 876 metres. The track has served as a practise ground for F-1 although it is hard on the drivers as they usually race clockwise. apparently racing anti-clockwise for them makes problems with their necks.

The other reason why I am unable to ignore them is because in spite of the fact that I am sitting more than 20 kilometres from where the racing is taking place I can hear them. What life must be like for the people who live in Cheste these few days I cannot imagine. The noise both from on the track and off must be insufferable. For one thing most of the visitors camp under canvas or in motorhomes as there is just not enough hotel accommodation. What they do for shower facilities I don't know.

This is a young person's dream which you can only do while you are young and indestructible. There was a time when I would have been there in all my glory being just as excited and no doubt, just as  silly. That's what youth is for and I can't argue with that.

Ricardo Tormo was once Spain's twice celebrated moto racing world champion. He started his career in 1973 and won 19 of the 62 races he competed in. He raced 50cc and 125cc bikes throughout Europe bringing home the cup for Spain and in the process gaining enormous respect from the community. Valencia bestowed one of its highest awards upon him in 1994. By then he had not raced since 1984 when he crashed and irreparably damaged his led.

He suffered from leukemia which sadly, at the age of 46 took his life on December 27, 1998. When the circuit at  Cheste opened in 1999 it was unanimously agreed that it would proudly carry the name of Valencia's most illustrious native son.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Observing the Speed Limit

A fine that is suffered for speeding is like a tuition payment. It's something paid to learn a lesson. However, as drivers we seldom learn our lesson for long. Perhaps it has something to do with others who overtake us while we are trying to be good to such an extent that we find ourselves being sucked along with the flow.

Now and then we encounter a speed policeman who is a stickler for observing the law to the letter of the law and one kilometre over the limit will be cause for sanction. It can also happen because the officer is not given any discretion, so where the limit is 120, the fine will be 100 euros if you are clocked doing 121, or (up to) 150. You won't lose points if you stay within this bracket, so go for it.

Obviously it's much better to stay under 120 and avoid the problem altogether, but in for 1 or in for 39 will be the same thing.

In most cases where a crash or someone has been knocked down the element of speed will be involved; usually too much speed. That includes those stretches of roadway where speed needs to be reduced. Where road works are taking place it is the responsibility of the driver to take extra care not to hit the workmen who are busy. Therefore, where the limitation is only 30 that is for a very good reason.

It could be said that with people working in the area the driver who powers through at 50 kilometres is committing a far more serious offense because of the likelihood of injuring someone. However, he will suffer the same punishment as the driver on the motorway where traffic is scarce, and who is travelling at 150.

I am good at driving at the higher limits and staying within the set limit. I have found that the optimum speed to travel long distances is 100kph. That speed lets me stay relaxed and is best for fuel use. When I increase to 120 the wind resistance against the car works the engine to such a greater extent that fuel use increases beyond the 20% speed increase and I become tense.

Where I have problems is with those signs that require a reduction in speed. The signs seem to be somebody's idea of a joke. They are placed so close together that in order to slow down from one to the other we have to practically stand on the brakes.

The police don't help matters either by being there with their radar to record your speed because if we are slowing from 100 to 40 we can not be moving any faster than forty when we reach the sign.

The big change in the law now means that we may be penalised for being only one kilometre over the limit. Previously discretion played a part but apparently, not any more.

So, fellow drivers we must be vigilant and assume the radar is just up ahead or around every corner. We are usually such soft targets we have to start pushing back but that means becoming more observant of the rules.

Practise makes perfect!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

The cost of fuel

There was a time in Spain when we had very little choice as to what price to pay for gas or diesel. We only had the opportunity to get excited when the dollar weakened against the euro, thereby driving down the price in euros. Perhaps we got a break if we shopped at Carrefour and spent enough on groceries or whatever so as to get a discount coupon.

Then one service station opened offering gas and diesel at ten cents below the market price. Some people rushed in and filled up but the rest of us held back. The word on the street was that what you got at the lower cost was fuel that was less refined and even dirty. We had visions of breaking down in the middle of nowhere with clogged fuel lines and all sorts of other problems. When there were no rumours of that happening the rest of us went for it.

I have been using the lower cost option for a couple of years and in spite of having a service station at the turn to my estate I am trying to think of a good reason why I should willingly pay the higher cost that they impose. I drive a Jag so in the course of a year we go through an awful lot of litres, and at ten cents a litre in savings it adds up to a significant amount.

This is a farming community and the loss of our service station would be a disaster for them as they need it for farm machinery, but I don't. I get my petrol from one of the many stations that have now sprung up as low cost and my car seems perfectly happy. If those guys can sell me lower cost fuel and include certain incentives to keep me coming back, such as free car wash, soft drinks, and air fresheners, why are the others unable to do the same?

I first assumed that they were stuck with contracts but it has been about three years since the introduction of the lower cost so surely it is about time. Meanwhile I appreciate the discount I get because fuel is my biggest expense, especially as at one time we had four cars in our family plus the use of a fifth people carrier.

I think I will not question matters too intensely. It works so no need to fix it!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Causing Death on the Road

Many years ago I helped my best buddy celebrate his birthday at a bar where we drank Pernod. The year before we had visited Paris and had met a couple of French girls who insisted we learnt how to drink this peculiar beverage. In remembrance of that great time we had we started with a normal quantity of the stuff in our glasses, and by the end of the night we had bought the whole bottle and possibly we had drunk it all.

Finally we were told we had to leave because it was about 4am and they wanted to close, so I decided to take the bottle with me. We then made our way to our  respective cars and we "drove" home. I use the term loosely because I don't remember a thing about the journey, so it was more a case of the car driving itself and we ended up in my yard where the motor stalled because it was in the wrong gear.
I simply fell asleep in the car, but later I was awakened as I was terribly uncomfortable as my face was red hot. It turned out to be the heat of the sunlight directly on me, so I went into the house and collapsed on the bed.

I awoke at 5pm, holding a bottle of ketchup, which I thought was the Pernod. My mouth was super dry and my head was pounding like a wrecking ball. I asked God to please let me live; I promised not to ever drink so much ever again, which tends to mean until the next time. At some point while feeling sorry for myself my thoughts turned to the previous night, and in particular I wondered how I got home.

The thought first came to me as a flash and I immediately banished it from my mind. "Did I kill anyone last night?" It would not stay banished and eventually I had to get up and go and inspect the car. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done and it sobered me up better than anything else I could have done.

I approached the car slowly and reluctantly. As I made my way around the car there was no evidence to suggest that I had struck anybody or anything. I deeply exhaled and I vowed there and then that I would never allow myself to become drunk again if I had to drive, and I never have. That was 55 years ago.

Today I don't even take one drink of an alcohol based drink if I have to drive, but going back 55 years ago, what if I had killed someone in the state I was in? The problem is that no.one deliberately sets out to get drunk and to go and kill a stranger with their car, but one drink says it's fine to have another, and two drinks and who knows when to stop. However, the person we kill remains dead for a long time and the family have a life sentence.

Now, in the U.K. the government have announced that a person who is deemed to be a killer driver will face the possibility of a life sentence in jail. Had I killed someone back then and had been given a life sentence would I have regarded that as a fair punishment?

I probably would not have on the grounds that it was not my intention to inflict that outcome on another person, and that I was suffering from diminished responsibility as the alcohol had taken over my senses. That was the truth, but the person would be just as dead and the family would grieve because of my actions.

So, what can be done? At the back end we now know that should we drink and drive and cause the ultimate we will go to jail and rot there. Therefore, there should be a strong educational program to say this is the way it is so just don't do it.

As the Department of Vehicles are so fond of saying; "You have been warned!"

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Roadside Services

I suppose it's common sense but when we are enroute along a major motorway those services available to us by simply turning off the highway to a conveniently located commercial area will be priced at a premium. After all, we are almost a captive group. We need food and drink, together with a little rest and all those other impulse items that catch our eyes are must-haves.

A classic example concerns lunch. I had an experience where I could have pulled off the road and drove only a couple of kilometres to a small town where a full course lunch consisting of a salad, a starter, (usually as substantial as the main course), a main course, dessert. and a beverage, which might include wine or beer, all for 8.00 euros.

Along the highway I had lunch that comprised a plate of spare ribs with potatoes and a soft drink. Price: 14.95 euros. Had I continued along for another three kilometres I could have had the cheaper, and better option.

I suppose we can make some allowances for those locations that are remote as they have to haul their supplies some distance away from the main centres but in this case there was only three kilometres difference. Clearly this was just highway robbery.

We will also pay top price for our fuel. Across the country prices vary but along the highway there is only one price and that's the most expensive.

Finally, another good reason to make the effort to drive a little farther off the main highway is that often robbers hang around the parking lots to prey on the traveller. While the occupants of the car are in the restaurant the car is being hit by thieves, whereas in the small town that is not likely to happen. You would still take precautions to keep it as safe as possible.

Just a thought, especially for those of us who might be familiar with the areas. However, some of us have more money than concern for economy, in which case the merchants are waiting for you.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Brexit and the British registered car

There are a couple of people who I note have been living here in Spain for years and they are still driving their cars with British plates. That means the cars have not been tested for road worthiness for years, and even if they were submitted to the ITV I don't think such a certificate has any validity.

It should be borne in mind that the ultimate test we have to pass is the one when we are making a claim on our policy that will eventually cost the insurance company lots of money. First question will be: Is the insured car in compliance with all relevant rules and regulations in the relevant country?

Second question: Is the driver authorised and of an appropriate age and in possession of all relevant documentation?

We have a contract with our insurer in which we must do our part and they must do theirs. If we fail in any way, such as to have our car tested by ITV before the expiry date of our present certificate and to correct any defects, that is a reason for denial of claim.
If we fail to do anything necessary to comply with Spanish driving regulations, including the taking of a health test when due to determine our fitness to drive, this will be a reason for denial of claim. There are many people from Britain living here in Spain who cannot be bothered to exchange their British license for a Spanish permit. The British permit does not require periodic health checks, and that's fine for driving in England, but the Spanish permit does require it.

From time to time the Spanish police crack down on cars with British plates and impound them while the situation is corrected. I have seen them visiting garages where work is being done and detaining cars. What a surprise to the car owners.

With Brexit many things will change and one of those things will be that British registered cars on Spanish roads will only be allowed to be driven by bona-fide visitors. We can only presume that visitors from Britain will need a visa and a special permit for your car. Therefore, to British residents driving on British licenses and with British plates the time to act is now. You would be well advised to take steps now to regularize the situation.

Meanwhile you may continue to get away with driving outside the regulations but if you are the cause of an expensive accident you may be personally called upon to pay the piper, and that's something worth thinking about!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Roadside Conference

I was driving along a two-way B road when I turned a corner and saw ahead of me a massive collection of cars and trucks pulled over along the side as though there was some kind of roadside conference. I first looked for the results of a crash, but there was none, however, in the midst of all those vehicles there was one Guardia Civil car and two motorcycles. Apparently all those civilians had inadvertently driven into a police speed trap. That was a Conference of Speeders.

There are a lot more of those events taking place where you drive past the entrance and the time you take to exit the distance equals your speed. Don't you just feel like you've been punked if going too fast?

I agree that there have to be rules of the road and they must be obeyed otherwise there will be even more deaths and injuries than at present. In order to ensure compliance the police will be checking from time to time, of that we can be certain. We should therefore always drive as though the police are driving right behind us.

If we ever want a definition of stress that would be it. To be followed by a marked police car, as I was along this very route which is 13 kilometers, and have them follow me the entire distance is not only stressful, but it brought to mind every rule in the book. I even indicated when making certain turns, although I had to kind of search for the correct stick to make the turn signal. I found it after trying the windshield wiper.

The problem is that drivers have always been thought of as easy targets. The government needs more money they send their officers out to get it from the driving community. They call it a charge to remind us to obey the speed limits or to buckle up, or any other thing they can impose a fine upon us, but it can get to be a very fine line between making money, taxing us, and enforcing the law.

In the old days of transport by horse there was always the highwayman to be worried about. He was the one who suddenly appeared in front of us declaring, Stand and Deliver! This is a lot like that.

There is a way that we can defeat their strategy and that is by sticking to the speed limit at all times. I'm not suggesting I will do that, but it's something to consider.

As I drove along there was a straightaway ahead of me and a car was overtaking another as they both headed along the test stretch. It will be bad enough if you were travelling at 90 in a 80 kilometre zone, but if you speed up to overtake that will only make things worse even though you slowed after passing the slowpoke.

Be careful out there! The Highwayman awaits.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Summer's Gone - Part Two

In my previous blog on this subject I noted how sad I get at this time of year because the best part of the year is fading fast as it gives way to cold weather. This weekend we are getting a little taste of what's to come.

However, we also got a bit of good news to relieve the dread as we have early figures relating to the road deaths statistics for the Summer. We are told that in the Community of Valencia the number of people who died this year has fallen by 50%. Last year 34 people lost their lives which resulted in thirty-four families in grief, which possibly might mean for the rest of those people's lives. This year, while even one person lost to death on the road is one too many, we lost 17 fewer people which resulted in 17 fewer funerals and 17 families that were not affected negatively and unnecessarily.

We see life sometimes very strangely. When a person decides to end his life through suicide and he leaves us a note saying why, we get sad and a little angry. We say that what that person did was selfish and uncaring for his family. We are left with a stigma for the rest of all time because our loved one hung himself, or shot or drowned or cut himself to bleed out. Very sad

However, take that same individual who dies in a hospital as a result of lung cancer that is directly tied to his 30 cigarettes-a-day smoking habit and there's no stigma associated with that.

Perhaps he drove his car quite regularly while under the influence of drink or drugs and this time he ran into a wall or a tree that wouldn't get out of his way and he died. Both of these examples are suicides, they are perfectly good methods of ending one's life, the only difference is we don't leave a note, so therefore no stigma.

I noticed a package of cigarettes that says, "Smoking Kills" with a picture of a young woman who had just spit up blood. I am absolutely amazed that anyone would buy a product with such a warning on the cover.

Driving while under the influence of anything that will impair our judgement is an attempt to commit suicide, and it is also an attempt at murder. We don't even care who we kill, just as long as we have that drink or hit of drugs. That makes the person at fault deeply flawed.

The good news continued that loss of life throughout the country during the Summer dropped from last year's 253 to 226. Very encouraging!

Let's all try our best to make this year's annual numbers decrease by a meaningful amount. It's too late for zero deaths but there's still time to make an impressionable decrease over last year, but it's not too late to aim for zero for 2018.

We can do it, Yes we Can!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Summer's Gone

I always think that this is the saddest time of the year. It has been a long, very hot Summer here in Spain with record numbers of visitors from other countries. Terrorists have driven many people to our shores and more Spaniards have stayed home to take their leisure in the mountains or along the beaches, so Spain has had a very good year indeed.

The thing that has blotted the picture was the attack along Las Ramblas in Barcelona which was totally senseless. Sixteen people dead for no reason and people from 34 countries impacted to prove what? Spain as a country cannot take an arbitrary action of simply throwing out all Muslims but individual Spanish patience is well frayed. It seems to me to be down to the Muslim community itself to control its bad apples less they all have to pay the price.

There is always a bad side to a wonderful Summer and that is so many people died on the road just getting from one place to the other. I'm convinced this is not necessary. In so many cases the cause can be put down to just plain stupidity or irresponsibility. If you are the driver when you arrive at your destination with your car filled with your family, you do not join in the fun by drinking alcohol or taking drugs. You are the one charged with the responsibility of getting everyone back home safely. That's your job! Your family are depending on you and no one else can do that for you.

We often hear of the statistics that note how many died and how many were injured. If only there were some way in which the lives of those people who were left behind could be documented so that the pain and the effects of the death of the one who died could be shared by the community as a whole.

We see the flowers that are left by the roadside to mark the spot where someone died. Many years ago I regularly passed a spot in Torreviejo where I noticed that the flowers were constantly changed for fresh ones, so I tried to meet the person who was changing them. I finally did meet the lady who turned out to be the victim's mother. He was a young boy who lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the wall. It was a single vehicle crash that led to his death. No mother should ever have to bury her son, especially under such circumstances.

For her life stopped for both of them at the same time. She was obliged to continue to be animated and to go through the motions of living but in reality she was as dead as her son. The only thing she lived for was to bring her son flowers and to communicate with him. She didn't take the flowers to his grave because that was not where his soul was; his soul was where she thought he left it, right there on that bend in the road.

I am aware of one of those people who contribute to the injured statistics. In many ways those who die from their collisions are the lucky ones. Those who suffer life altering injuries bear much heavier burdens. Some are life sentences, as in the case of young men who ride fast and crash and who are left paralysed for life.

There is a man who crashed into a car, or perhaps it was the other way round, but he is left in a body brace where he will remain for at least two or three years. I think I would have preferred to have simply died and have done with it. What he is left with can hardly be called life, although his family would disagree.

We will wait for the grim news yet again while at the same time giving thanks that those of us who are alive and uninjured made it through another season of enjoyment.

Be careful out there.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

A Good News Tale beyond the Operating Room

I have been away from my word processor for a while to allow me time to get through an emergency major medical operation, the need for which I discovered by accident. I described the build-up to this situation in my blog of the 8^th of July, 2017 which I titled “My most important blog to date.” That was a cautionary tale that highlighted the fact that the body is always under potential attack from the silent killers, and our mission, if we choose to accept it is to be aware and ever vigilant to spot the attackers and to deal with the threat aggressively.

In my case I was feeling just fine, in fact I was congratulating myself for being in such good condition for a man of 77 years. I have prescriptions for both reading and long distance glasses but in general I get through each day without resorting to the use of either. I am modestly overweight but I am fully independent in getting around. I eat moderately, sleep well and visit the toilet regularly, so what could go wrong?


The first week in June a low level pain developed in the right side of my abdomen but after taking Pilatus exercise the pain became intense. I backed off Pilatus and the pain went quiet, but then later in the month it came back with a vengeance to the extent I thought I needed to go to emergency as it might have been my appendix. Before leaving the house I made a stop in the toilet where I discharged the most amazing amount of gas. The pain mostly went away immediately, so no, it was not my appendix.

The pain continued as a kind of background noise so I decided to ask my GP to diagnose what was driving it. By the time I got in to see him the pain had left me entirely, but I persisted in trying to determine what that was all about.

My doctor sent me to have my blood, urine, and crucially my faeces analysed and the report came back that I had blood in my faeces. That was a problem that required the intervention of a specialist who referred me for a colonoscopy; and discovered that for approximately the past five years I have been growing a cluster of polyps within my colon that now posed the threat of blockage and cancer. The hospital was adamant that it had to be removed immediately, and on the 27^th July, three weeks to the day I underwent surgery.

This was the first time for me for such a major procedure. I have had surgery before for a bunion correction and a broken leg, but nothing like this. All went well including the part where I came out from under the anaesthesia and endured the aches and pains of recovery. The surgeon was well practised and is highly regarded and the professional staff of the hospital maintained an eye to detail.

The main point I want to make is that as stoic and accepting of the protocols as I was the one source of great comfort to me was the presence of my wife in my room. Even if she was simply observing to know that she was there for me, in spite of the fact that the staff managed to make me feel human made all the difference. For me that was priceless and it is the principal point I hope you will take away. When a family member finds themselves in hospital they can feel alone and confused, but a family member who is there who simply brought in a good measure of love helps the healing process go so much better.

The other point is that certain medical authorities are conducting a campaign wherein they send around letters urging that you send in a sample of your poo for testing. In spite of the unpleasantness of this if you simply refuse on that basis you may be signing your own death warrant. 

Presumably you would rather not do that.

Copyright © 2017

Eugene Carmichael

Keeping on Trucking

Without trucks the world would come to a grinding halt. This is also true of various other segments of the transportation community, but for the moment I want to focus on the trucking industry.

I was idly watching some YouTube videos about trucking around the world which made me happy and relieved that I live in Spain. The worst complaint I have about trucking traffic in Spain is that when they are travelling in convoy they stick much too close together, sometimes nose -to-tail. This creates a wall of trucks that makes it impossible for other traffic to get off the motorway, as well as to get on.

It is also illegal for good reason. When vehicles travel too close there is not enough time for the following driver to react to whatever the driver ahead is doing. That is why there are minimum prescribed distances that must be adhered to in order to contribute to safe driving.

When this is observed there should be a coordinated police action to stop the entire convoy and to issue fines and a loss of points to all drivers as what they are doing has huge potential negative consequences. Also, the drivers know better.

I have to say that I have the utmost respect for the driving abilities of the drivers who pull considerable loads along Spain's roads. To drive along the motorways is one thing but they often turn onto roads that barely accommodate two cars travelling in opposite directions. There are many times when things get held up for considerable periods of time as two giants try and pass one another along these narrow slips of roadway, but there are only rare disastrous crashes. The record in third world countries is just the opposite.

To give people trucks and a driving permit is an exercise in suicide encouragement in those countries. The things they do with their trucks, or try to do is enough to make my skin crawl. The standard recipe seems to be that first overload the trucks in an insecure manner, then add as many people on top of the payload, and then you head off down the road at far too fast a speed. It does help to restrict the population growth in certain countries.

In India a person dies every four minutes from road crashes. Also, in India there are liquor shops spaced every one minute along highways. In 201,5 147,000 people died from highway incidents.

On our own roads we would all do well to give truck traffic the respect it deserves. By that I mean we should do ourselves a favour by driving defensively. It would help to be aware that these machines take longer to get up to speed, but they are also more difficult to stop. It would not be wise to position your own car so as to cause a truck to come to an emergency stop. He may not be successful and should you stand in the way you will pay the price.

It would also be wise to give them turning space, including a wide berth for the trailer. Some awful video footage I watched showed the trailer as it fishtailed and swung around the cab and smashed into the camera platform which was a car or other truck. In one very sad case a car that was full with people had stopped at a red light. A truck had stopped alongside but it had braked sharply which caused its trailer that was full with bricks to roll over on to the car. It's hard to see how anyone in that car would have survived.

Truck traffic is with us everyday and it is essential to our way of life. Truckers have the responsibility to drive with care and caution, and absolutely sober and drug-free, which goes without saying. We have to do our part as well and long may we exist together.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

The Conflagration

A great fire broke out this week in my region about twenty kilometres away from where I live. That was much too close because this was a tire dump that went up in flames producing thick, black toxic smoke. Luck was in for us as the smoke blew off to the West but it sure as hell was a nightmare for everyone living under its fallout.

The problem is that today's tyres are so well made to meet stringent standards for safety and security that when the thread wears down and the tyre has to be disposed of the question becomes, "How?"

All around the world this universal problem has experts scratching their heads, and in the meantime the tyres go to holding dumps and they accumulate. Here in Spain we are having horrendous high temperatures in the cities and the mountain tops, but in these dumps where there could be millions of tyres the heat that builds must be truly hellish. Its no surprise that from time to time spontaneous combustion will occur and that will be the start of something that is almost impossible to stop.

Apparently some place in Wales had stored 10 million tyres and a fire broke out that burnt continuously for 15 years. For this reason the dump owner cannot set his own fires, but apart from the hellish nature of fighting to control such an outbreak fire is probably his best friend. The stockpile will be reduced in volume but the cost to the environment is unacceptable.

Re-Threading was thought at one time to be the solution and while the industry continues to do rethreads these are dangerous in countries with high speed highways. Trucks especially use them but I constantly come across threads that come off, which is not good for the vehicle that lost it; for following vehicles they can cause accidents as they become an obstacle that can cause a car to go out of control.

Clearly something new is required to replace the wheel in its present form. Manufacturers have been concentrating on developing new and super efficient, secure tyres to serve heavier and faster vehicles, but that still leaves the by-product when the tyre wears out.

I'm not suggesting I have any ideas, this is not my area of expertise, and I'm certain experts are researching the issue. As drivers we change our tyres as and when necessary and think no more of the matter. Every now and again we are reminded that the problem has not gone away. When one of these dumps goes up in flames a lot of people are affected.

An illegal tyre dump near Madrid it appears was set afire by arsonists which resulted in 9,000 people being evacuated. That's the type of impact a fire like this can have because of the toxicity of the burn off. A normal forest fire is bad enough and Spain is having more than enough of those, but to turn a horror into a genuine nightmare a tyre fire will do.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Summer Kamikaze Motorcycle Riders

I am a fan of motorcycles having ridden them all my life. Even now we have a Honda 125 that is for sale, but I have ridden a great variety of bikes, including the King of the Road, The Honda Goldwing
I have been accused of having been everything from a hooligan to a model rider, and I have earned those titles. I don't know what happens to turn a respectable and responsible person into a lunatic when he gets on his bike, but it happens every day.

They greatest sin that we bikers commit is that the rules that are followed, (kind of) by car and truck drivers don't seem to matter to us. Because of our slim size we seem to think that we can just zip in between the traffic and be on our way. Summer makes it worse because off goes the heavy clothing with skid protection and we ride around with t-shirts and shorts and flip-flops.

Many a person who has road rash will tell you it damn well hurts!

To make matters worse guys place their girl friends on the back of the bike and there she sits looking so vulnerable, holding on for dear life. He so often thinks he will give her a thrill by riding real fast, when if he wants to really impress her all he has to do is get her back home safely.

Considering how fragile a rider is, in comparison to a car driver you might think that out of self-preservation they would be very careful, but no, they seem to enjoy tempting fate. These are generally young men who think of themselves as being indestructible. I have been there and done that. What was I thinking?

The one thing this crowd don't do at all is take advice from anyone other than themselves. They have to have the experience of crashing, perhaps several times and bearing the bruises before they come to realize that they should slow down. It's just a part of growing up and hoping to survive to maturity. Perhaps too many don't make it.

So give them a little extra room if you don't want your car to be scraped and let's all try to enjoy Summer driving.

Let's all stay sober while on the road, especially those biker clubs who are so proud of their bikes. A good way to smash them up is to drink then ride.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Summer Fines (Multas) like flies

One way to definitely tell that it is Summer is by the arrival of flies and new fines. That's important because in some regions of the country it is difficult to tell that it is Summer because their weather is more like Winter with hail and snow. Crazy!

Some functionary has sat at his desk day after day thinking of new rules to dog motorists and now that it's Summer it is also time to raise the curtain. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that these don't make sense, just that they are here and we have to be aware:

1. It is such an easy thing to inadvertently do because we dress down when the weather gets hot, but if we forget to change our shoe wear and get in the car with our flip flops we risk a fine of 80 euros. One reason for that is they can slip off the foot when you have an emergency and impair your ability to bring the car to a full stop quickly.
2. This is one for the young guys with the six-pack gut, but driving around without a shirt is not cool and will get you a fine of 80 euros. However, your sister could probably get away with it.
3. It's definitely recommended that you stay hydrated by drinking lots of water but if you do so while driving, in spite of the bottles that you open with your teeth, you will still be fined 100 euros. This is a playing- it- safe rule because it does distract your attention, even if a little bit.
4. One reason why the driver might hang his arm out the window is that it does channel air into the car, however, apart from the fact that you need both hands on the steering wheel far too many people have actually lost their arm to passing traffic. You will also pay a fine of 80 euros and let's face it, you really didn't need to attract the attention of the police.
5. I always wear a hat or cap while in the car but if I'm wearing one that covers my ears I will attract a fine. This is because a hat, or anything that covers the ears also reduces the ability to hear road sounds like the ambulance or police trying to get past you. Needless to say wearing earplugs to listen to music or to talk on the phone are no-no's. The fine is 80 euros.
6. Summertime is ice-cream time and leaving the beach on the way to the car is too tempting to pass the ice-cream truck. This is fine for your passengers, although I would insist everybody finishes theirs before getting in the car. For the driver in particular you are simply not allowed to lick and drive. Who wants to concentrate on turning the wheel when the taste of ice-cream is so much better?  Fine for this is a sour 100 euros.
7. Here's one that most people don't give a moment's thought to and that is the placing of objects on the rear tray behind the passengers without clamping them. The risk of this is that should the car have to make an emergency stop all that stuff will go flying. The most common item on the space is an umbrella, and if it has a pointy end it becomes a spear. This sounds more like something that falls under education rather than a fine-able offence, but the police have to make a living too, so 200 euros for the cost of having to stop and advise you.
8. I don't know what is so offensive about washing your car while properly parked on a public road. It seems to really piss off a lot of people, almost as much as driving around in a dirty car. It almost seems as though the car wash lobby have successfully persuaded the authorities to direct everyone to their fore courts because if you insist you might pay anywhere between 30 to 3,000 euros for the privilege of making your beautiful pride and joy sparkling clean in the sight of passing traffic. Very strange!
9. This is a peculiar one that makes me wonder where it comes from. The offense is having your co-driver (?) placing feet on the dashboard. This does not state whether the car will be in motion or not, nor does it state whether the offender will be female or male. The wording for this needs to be severely tightened up because we could be talking about two different types of offenses, but in any case the fine will be 100 euros.
10. This next one has long been an offense but perhaps they are trying to make the fine more realistic. If so they have failed yet again. The offense is throwing a cigarette butt, whether lit or not from a vehicle, whether moving or not. The potential for disaster that this action carries is indescribable. There have been cases where the butt has landed in another vehicle, or on the motorcyclist following behind, and of course forest fires have started as a result. As I write this the first major fire of the Summer season is still burning after four days and has caused horrendous damage. It seems to have been started by nature, which is the only positive thing to
11. be said. The fine is still only 200 euros and the loss of 4 points. Considering the potential loss of property and life and the energy put into fighting the blaze caused by your cigarette that's no punishment at all.
12. Always remember to carry the car documents and your own driving permit. Many of these things can be determined by the police themselves through the internet but it is our responsibility to have our driving license with us when behind the wheel. I find my permit useful in all matters where I need photo identification. The fine is a small tap on the wrist of 10 euros.
13. Finally, if you exceed the lawful capacity of people in the car for which it is rated you will only be fined 80 euros. This will be the best outcome if it's the only result because if your are involved in a crash your insurance will be nullified and you could be exposed to millions in risk. Don't do it!
14. This is the one that is not included but should be, and one day after something very tragic and highly publicized happens it will be. That is smoking while driving causes such high risk from lighting the cigarette in the first place, to the disposition of the ash, including that which falls into the crotch of the driver, especially if it is still burning, and the throwing of the butt from the car, instead of placing it in the ashtray, all of these things are unnecessary risks that do cause problems that are preventable now.

I hope that we all have a safe season of driving over the Summer. Remember that alcohol is never a good idea when driving, but when coupled with heat the effect is made worse. The other killer is tiredness. The moment you feel exhaustion setting in start looking for a place to pull over to rest. So often it happens to me close to my home that I think I can make it without stopping. I have learned that this is a mistake.

You need only close your eyes once to never open them again.

Have a safe and happy Summer.

Copyright(c) 2017

Eugene Carmichael

The Ultimate

It's only June and even before Summer officially started we had been having some of the highest temperatures that we have ever seen so early in the year here in Spain. I shudder to think what July and August will be like. The entire country has been on red alert against fires but fortunately the rains have started and will shortly cover the entire peninsula, thereby reducing the chance of out of control forest fires like the one that has caused so many deaths in Portugal.

Ramadan has just ended. I have not heard any stories such as those that occurred last year where so many people died because they were strict adherents, refusing to take even water during super hot days. In the general community the elderly and the fragile will have to use supreme common sense and caution to avoid sun poisoning, another killer. Extremes of weather are to be guarded against, even in the young group where our youth think they are indestructible. They go out in the noonday sun on the beach and lay out and go to sleep unprotected. Not a smart idea.

When it's hot we really don't need anyone to tell us that it's hot, although we do that with everyone we meet. It makes us uncomfortable if we're standing in the full sun, so we move into the shade. If the air-conditioning is working in our cars we drive with it on full bore. When we stop and shut the engine down, if we are parked out in the open we know how quickly the car heats up. We can't wait to get out and move away.

So, here's my question: if the driver closes up the car with a child or an animal inside, saying daddy or mommy will be right back, how stupid must you be to think that is a reasonable thing to do. The thing that is so worrying is that it is happening in more than one country around the world. Children and animals have died, and others have had to be rescued and put through emergency procedures to save their lives, and the people who do these things always ask of their child or their puppy who has been rescued, when can I have it back? What?

Talk about being terminally stupid! Duh!

The first step in punishing anyone guilty of such behaviour is to take away their licence to drive a car. The public don't need anyone with such an empty head coming towards us. Such a person would be a hazard to society.

To those of us who know this is not the reasonable thing to do we must be aware that in every car we pass as we walk along the sidewalk there may be a child/animal locked inside. It will be an oven and only your awareness and quick action can save the child or animal from someone who is as deadly as a terrorist with a bomb or a knife.

By all means I hope you enjoy your Summer, but please stay vigilant. I would also add a note to remind anyone who might lock their child or animal in their car to please don't do that, but who am I kidding, such people are not capable of being able to read and comprehend.

Copyright (c) 2017

Eugene Carmichael
 

Now I have definitely seen everything!

This past week I was in Javea, a large seaside Mediterranean town which is famous for ex-pat living. It has a wonderful beach community and an important port. There are so many different nationalities living there as to form a real melting pot of humanity.

I was there on Wednesday, a really hot day with brilliant sunshine but also with a lovely cooling breeze. I was sitting under the shade of a terrace having a BLT sandwich and a cooling drink when I looked up and was struck by the ultimate in lunacy.

A young man who was evidently born with not so much as one iota of brains went riding his scooter along the major avenue allowing the bike to steer itself as he held his mobile in both hands while he sent text messages. This meant that not only was he not controlling the bike, he wasn't even watching where he was going.

The offense of which he was guilty was "Conducting a vehicle without due care and attention." He was on his way to perhaps knock down a pedestrian, or to run into another motorcycle, or to crash into a car or truck. In the process he would likely harm himself or even die in the crash he would cause.

I know that being young also usually means one's intellect is not fully developed, but this was taking things over the top. Addiction to mobiles is a modern problem that is totally out of control. I recognise how it starts and I know that you have to fight against it. Young people don't seem to have the strength as it just takes them and they become totally caught up in the wonder of that powerful instrument.

The irony is that in this modern world of ours we need to be aware of what is going on around us more than ever. People have been simply going about their business only to become victims of terrorist strikes by being deliberately run down by trucks and cars. To be absorbed in your mobile to the exclusion of what is taking place around you is a recipe for disaster. Some people have actually walked into their own deaths because they were unaware of oncoming traffic.

To deliberately relinquish control of your motor vehicle for the purpose of texting while in motion is taking stupidity to a new level and cannot end well. In the world of young people if one person is seen doing it others will follow just because it's so stupid.

I suppose we will have to be patient while it plays itself out. There will be death and injury but although we can try to counsel young people they will not listen and heed the advice of us old fogies. We will just have to wait and see.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Summer Driving and Smoking

Summer's here again with heat and flies. Without having given it any thought I always assumed that everybody would welcome this time of the year but the truth is that many people prefer Winter. Both Summer and Winter can be dangerous and uncomfortable in their extremes.People die as a result of prolonged exposure to both heat and cold, but if I had to choose I think I would choose the heat.

During the Summer drivers often open the car windows but if you are a smoker this could lead to problems for other road users. I often see drivers smoking while driving and flicking the ash out the window. This becomes a problem to following motorcyclists who take the ash in their faces. Presumably this must lead to some heated discussions. It wouldn't be a surprise to anybody if it did.

It also seems to be a temptation for the driver to flick his still lit cigarette into the undergrowth at the side of the roads. Why these people don't realize that they are probably starting a forest fire with all that involves, I just don't know. Spain has suffered some major disasters in the past with fires that were started in this way that have gone on to cause great property loss and distress to many people.

How many people have actually lost their lives because a driver suffered fallen hot ash in their laps? I have never come across any statistics to that effect but we can be certain, it has happened. I can attest to a near miss head-on crash that was caused by a driver who was trying to light his cigarette from the electric starter in the car. Our cars were encountering each other on a gentle bend, but because he had his head down trying to connect the lighter to the cigarette in his mouth he didn't realise he was floating directly toward me. I blew my horn, he looked up and dropped the cigarette and threw the lighter towards the back seat while swerving away from me.

Another coat of paint on our cars and we would have collided! They say that smoking kills, and while that can be true we are not always aware of the many ways that can happen.

Lastly, I can never understand people who load up their cars with their children and who smoke while they drive. There is no nice way to say this, but geez guys; how can you be so selfish and irresponsible. It would be easy for you to tell me to mind my own business but that does nothing towards solving the problem that you are creating. You are still irresponsible and selfish to your own children who you chose to bring into the world.

If you die a horrible painful death through throat or lung cancer caused by your own selfishness, justice will be served. I don't mean that in a bitter way, just that it would be a fact.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

S.O.S.

S.O.S. in this case stands for Save Our Syclists.


I wrote in a blog a few weeks ago that we could pay homage to the three cyclists who lost their lives, and to their companions who have been damaged for the rest of their lives in that well publicized crash by conducting ourselves as drivers to make that crash the very last.

I have been excited to notice that my fellow drivers have that sad crash very much on our minds as we approach cyclists by slowing and overtaking by passing into the opposite lane when safe to do so. This is great that it is happening, but the loss of our fellow citizens is still fresh and very raw. In time the memory will fade and we might be tempted to go back to our old ways. How can we avoid that happening?

It would help for all cyclists to wear some form of clothing that is high visibility with the message "Please give me space!" That will keep the awareness fresh. Another method to keep drivers constantly aware is that each of us as individuals have to share the roads with a number of other traffic classifications. They have a right just as we do and we must respect their right.

This is a matter of driver education and is a constant. We will inevitably find ourselves crawling behind something moving slower than we would like to be moving. That is when our discipline comes into play. It may not come naturally to each and every one of us but we must learn to be patient. This is a bitter lesson some of us must take in and to do that the government, through the justice system needs to step down hard on people who cause death and injury just because they were impatient and in a hurry.

There is also a flip side to cyclists safety and that is where cyclists themselves behave in a manner that is in their own self-preservation. What can cyclists do to help themselves.

Always wear high visibility clothing so that you can be seen to be safe.

Never ride more than two abreast.

Most importantly, where cycling lanes exists always use them. Do not choose to use the roadway together with motor traffic instead. This is perhaps one of the most important bits of advice because we see this happening all the time. The government has gone to the time and expense of putting in cycling lanes and whole groups of cyclists choose not to use them.

This is terribly frustrating to drivers because we do have to undergo a certain amount of stress in order to keep you guys safe. Why do we not have your cooperation? I think I speak for all drivers when I say that we mean you no harm, but if you do put yourself in harm's way by using the highway when there was a cycle lane running parallel you will have yourself to blame.

That is just common sense!

Stay safe!

Copyright (c) 2017

Eugene Carmichael

The only transport that matters this week!

I am a Bermudian. My home country is Bermuda, of The Bermuda Triangle fame and the Bermuda Shorts. Today begins a new association for Bermuda, as it hosts the 35th edition of The America's Cup which features six teams involved in intense racing.

I have only one focus this week so you might like to visit my other blog, http://formenseyesonly.blogspot.com to read my contribution for this week. Also, I believe NBC and Sky sports are primarily the broadcasters for the event, although many other broadcasters will be sub-casting.

Hopefully I will see you on my other blog.

Enjoy!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Ferrari Racing in Valencia-70th Anniversary

The weather on Saturday, 20th May, 2017 could not have been better. A clear sunny day with temperatures moderated by a softly blowing breeze made the excitement all that more delightful. Ferrari were there in all its glory together with the unmistakeable beautiful sound of the Italian language as it seemed as though half of Italy had come for the event. Even over-air commentary was partly Italian.

I arrived about 11am just in time for time trials with the cars running full speed at over 300 kph. However, simply watching the cars going round and around without actually racing one another is a lot like watching traffic racing down the Gran Avenue at any time of day or night.

Entrance was free which was just that bit sweeter. That helped whole families to attend which just gave an atmosphere of wholesomeness to the event. However, we can always look to children for their honest opinion.  One little girl covered her ears to shut out that sound that her petrol head dad loved so much, and another little girl wanted her colouring book and crayons as she turned her back to the cars that were practically flying past. She was not impressed!  However, every little boy was impressed to one extent or another.

Someone needs to explain to me why we grown men seem to feel the need to have to dress ourselves in the colours of the race event, or especially , in this case in the cap and shirt of Ferrari. In past years I have done the same thing without understanding why. There were several fathers and sons dressed thusly. It was like there was some kind of hypnosis at work.

The next event following the time trials was a full-on race featuring 37 cars, although in reality only the first three were vital. It's true that back in the pack there were some exciting moments as somebody or other was overtaken, but that only seemed to matter if you knew those particular drivers. The one important car in the pack was the very last one because he was so slow that inevitably the first three caught up to him and overtook him, twice. Now, that's slow.

The first time it happened the leader was so far in front that he had no problem in passing without slowing, but when the second and third cars caught up they had to try and overtake almost together. He who was third used the moment to overtake both the last car and the second car to take second place, which he held onto until the end.

At the beginning of the race the car that started in second place promptly overtook the car in pole position which caused quite a stir. He never relinquished that position, so other than the afore-mention description of the change from third to second, there was nothing else to report. However, we can be sure that the drivers would have been pumped from start to finish.

Spectators do deny it but, as in yesterday's race there were no crashes or accidents so that was a disappointing race for many.

O.K. I admit it, there was a little excitement missing, but overall it was a good day at The Ricardo Tormo Racing Circuit at Cheste, Valencia. I'm glad I went and got to run my hand over the Ferrari Passionate, a car I dare not even dream about.

I wonder if Enzo Ferrari imagined in his wildest dreams the kind of products and thrills he was creating with the first car that rolled off the assembly line?

Probably not!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Cyclists Lives Matter

Sunday, 7th May, 2017 was Mother's Day in Spain.  Mother's Day is a sweet day all over the world as it is celebrated for those who gave us life usually while enduring great and endearing pain during our births. This Mother's Day will stand for just the opposite as a young woman took the lives of at least three young men who were engaging in a pure exercise of enjoying life while exercising. The fact that it was a young woman who did this while allegedly high on cocaine and booze just makes a great tragedy an even greater disaster.

The fact that this same woman has apparently been struggling with drug abuse, including alcohol without learning her lesson just hardens feelings against her, so I am going to take a different approach because once I get on an anger trip against such irresponsibility who knows where that will take us.

Cycling has really developed as a sport and a form of exercise while getting around, bringing ever more of them onto the road where they have equal rights as those of us who drive. Already more than 400 cyclists have been killed through various forms of collisions in Spain. Those of us who drive can use this unspeakable obscenity to reaffirm our commitment towards cyclists and pedestrians to give them the space they need to stay safe.

I think we drivers tend to think along these lines when looking up ahead and we see a bus, truck or cyclists. I have to get around that obstacle. However, in reality there is usually no real urgency to do that. Whenever I am on my way to someplace specific I usually give myself extra time to deal with traffic. I would frankly rather arrive half an hour early and have a coffee than expect to arrive right on time and suffer stress if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control.

 I have been made aware of several horrible collisions between cars and cycles that has led me to commit to doing my bit to avoid hitting somebody, even if it will not be my fault.

The first thing I would ask cyclists (and motorcyclists) to do is wear bright coloured (hi-viz) jackets so that you can be seen to be safe. I came around a corner recently and a cyclist was right there in front of me. I had not seen him because it was at the time of sunset and he was wearing dark clothing. With a bright jacket I would have seen him long before I got to him.

A cyclist "owns" the space across the lane in which he is at the time. Therefore we should not overtake him unless we can move completely into the opposite lane. Additionally, as cyclists very often  ride in groups, to overtake a group of them can be very tricky business. If the road ahead is not straight enough to see that there is nothing coming toward you in order to make the overtaking safely, then wait until it is abundantly clear.

In Spain we suffer terribly from a lack of patience. it is a part of the national character fault but it is something that causes us to do things impulsively that leads to serious mistakes for which "I´m sorry" just does not mean a damn thing.

Something else that has no value at all is to kill and maim people while in control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs of any kind. To have to say I was drunk or drugged up at the time and I didn't mean to do that is even more infuriating. No one wants to hear that!

Let us learn the lesson that this odious young woman failed to learn over several chances afforded her. If we are made more aware that cyclists (and pedestrian's) lives matter than at least those so callously killed or maimed will not have done so in vain.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael 

Car rentals in Bermuda?

My home country is Bermuda, but I reside in Valencia, Spain as a retiree and I love this place. I have recently returned to Spain from visiting family and friends in Bermuda, leaving them all as they run up to America's Cup races starting in just a couple of weeks.

The island will be overflowing with visitors as this is shaping up to be perhaps one of the very best AC events ever. However, if you are going to Bermuda for the first time you will be totally confused as you try to rent a car. Since the introduction of cars in Bermuda the island has never rented cars owing to the severe limitation of space on the roads. Instead you have been offered mopeds for rent, but you should have been an expert motorcycle rider. These little bikes can get you in a whole heap of trouble although the speed limit is 35kph.

I have never been happy about visitors on these bikes. It's bad enough that we drive on the left and our roads are even less wide than a King's sized bed and full of twists and turns. One of our visitors from New York braved the morning rush hour traffic. She passed Bermuda's long-term goodwill greeter,(the late) Johnnie Barnes who seemed to jump out at her yelling, "I LOVE YOU!" She replied "SAY WHAT?"

She went directly to the Royal Gazette daily newspaper and complained that some man yelled at me saying he loved me. What the hell is wrong with you people? I'm from New York. We don't love nobody. Damn near gave me a heart attack!

If you Google car rentals in Bermuda you are given a number of sites that talk about cheap Bermuda car rentals of six to eight dollars a day, only to finally tell you that Bermuda does not rent cars. What a disappointment, especially as that is no longer true. Bermuda started renting cars from this past week as this is America's Cup and how can you tell people who own all the money in the world that they can't at least rent a little electric car?

Well, that is what Bermuda has embarked upon but you can forget those $6 and $8 a day numbers. I'm not exactly sure what the daily rentals will set you back but the people going to Bermuda this time of the year won't even ask for the price.

So, since the advent of the motor car in 1947 Bermuda's driving experience will take a radical turn, There will be a lot of bikes up for sale at very cheap prices. Get 'em while they last!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Spring has truly Sprung

In my last blog I wrote about taking to the road by motorhome. This week I feel I must return to the subject as the weather has taken a major turn for the better here in Spain. There can still be days when the wind blows a bit cool, and especially at night when temperatures fall dramatically, but I am absolutely amazed by the number of motorhomes that have suddenly appeared on the road.

I took a slightly long journey during the week and along the way, both going and returning there were stretches of road where there were long convoys of motorhomes of every description, except the big American style luxury bus, because our town roads would be stretched to accommodate them. It seems that everybody and his cousin heard the call at the same time and fired up and set off all at once.

Back in 1963 I did a tour of Europe on a BSA 500 and I thought I was the bee's knees. At camping sites I met so many people in their caravans or motorhomes who were living the life of Reilly. A lot were retired people who said they lived like that year round, just following the sun as best they could.

In researching my last story I was astounded to discover the wide variety of vehicles that serve as the base for some really innovative configurations in luxury and comfort. However, I don't think I would choose the lifestyle as I need more space rather than less. I prefer to live in a country house with some area around the house to put my stuff. Unfortunately I have difficulty throwing stuff away. I'm something of a squirrel. Once every five years I have to make a special effort to get rid of clutter. If its a box and I haven't opened it in the past five years I throw it out without opening it to see what's inside. The thinking being that if I haven't opened it in that period of time it's not important.

Spring has brought out the sun in all its warmth and that makes all the difference. Attitudes change, our spirits rise as we throw off the blanket of Winter. It's so liberating to open the windows to the breeze; to put the electric blanket in its box and to watch the plants grow by the day.

I know how all-important the sun and the warmth are to me so I find it hard to imagine what life must be like living in those parts of the world where the sun does not shine for very long periods. What is the impact on the human outlook on life during such times of living in the dark?

So Spring is truly here and that will be followed by the Summer. Here's hoping we all get to enjoy life to the full and try not to spoil it by driving under the influence and killing our selves and others.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Springtime and Motorhomes

For many of my compatriots in the retirement community, come springtime and they get restless, having been cooped up in the house over the cold months and they want to spread their wings. Time to dust off the home-away-from-home and head for the open road. Freedom calls!

This is a subject that is treated with different outlooks in every major country around the world. The  countries that lend themselves particularly well to life on the road are The United States of America, Canada,  and Australia. This is because of so much open space that allow for the ultimate in large motorhomes to circulate more freely.

However, the tradition of life on the road is particularly valued in Great Britain and Europe, with Europe being the winner in so far as a variety of countries that are accessible from the comfort of the driving cab is concerned.

There exists a wide variety of ways in which to travel the road in your mobile house, governed only by price. First some definitions: A Campervan, (sometimes called a camper, or Caravanette) is usually a smaller version of a Motorhome or Recreational Vehicle (RV). However, it can accommodate two to three people in moderate comfort, and is self driven.

A Caravan is an unpowered version of the same, but because it needs to be towed it requires a car with the power and the weight to be able to haul it up steep inclines and to control it going down the other side.

A Camping Car is a Station Wagon that converts into a full double bed; and then there are many varieties on this theme.

The ultimate in travel in mobile homes can be found in The United States, Canada and Australia where full size busses are used to create pure luxury. Many such models are far better appointed than most fixed homes and apartments.

For approximately $500,000 you could get one of these super road yachts with a floor plan that goes something like this: As you enter the vehicle from the front door that is found in the usual place you pass through the cab which gives the appearance of a spaceship. You are now in the living room with very nicely appointed sofas that double as sleep accommodation. Above the cab is a 32" television; and of course a full music system and as we move down the bus we come to a dining area on one side and across the other side we find a full kitchen with pantry, dishwasher, stove, microwave and oven, refrigerator with ice dispenser, and sink with trash compactor.

There is an electric heater to warm the communal area, as well as air-conditioning and  fans throughout. Next we come to a soundproofed toilet and on the other side of that there is the master bedroom with its own ensuite full bathroom with shower. It too can be equipped with large screen television.

As we pass through the luxurious and sumptuous bedroom we find at the back of the bus ample storage space for linens and extra bunk beds especially for young children.

Under the living space there is room to store all the necessaries, including a small garage for motorcycles and pedal cycles, etc.

Some people simply choose this way of life as a permanent arrangement, having sold the family home in favour of life on the road. The added incentive of being able to cross borders freely in Europe is a powerful lure. 

I have not yet personally given in to the joys of being a constant traveller, albeit living life at a very comfortable level, but it's one of the things on my "To Do Bucket List."

We'll have to wait and see.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael

Professionalism should be applauded

I make a certain journey often enough to almost call it a regular commute. Twice along this journey the National Police have conducted document checks imposed on a random selection of drivers. The first time it happened I was one of those excused from examination, but the second time a different officer was in charge of selection. He took one look at me and I could see plainly what he was thinking by the expression on his face.

I am a foreigner driving my classic Jaguar Sovereign, which is a nice car, albeit somewhat aged in the tooth. His expression asked the question: what are you doing driving this car?

I stopped where indicated, shut down the engine and produced the documents required, even follow-up documents to the ones that should have given them comfort that all was in order. The particular officer was having some difficulty in accepting that nothing was out of place, but eventually he did, apparently to the slight embarrassment of the officer who held my documents, because he actually said, "Lo siento" when handing my documents back.

Ironically, that same day I drove into the parking lot at the Estacion del Tren Norte in Valencia city. I parked and realised that a vagrant and his girlfriend were taking undue notice in my car and I was reluctant to walk away from it. The time was 4:45pm and I didn't notice that four National Police had entered the vicinity and to them I was acting suspiciously by staring at the two people and by taking steps towards them.

The police came up to me and demanded my identification, which I promptly surrendered to them all the while explaining that I thought I had a problem with the vagrants. They checked out my documents and apparently they were speaking to the same person who confirmed my documents in the morning. What has he done now? Where you about 100 klms away this morning, I was asked. Yes, I was and your colleagues stopped me to check my documents in a routine stop.

Seems this is your lucky day, stated the officer. (Smiles all round.)

However, the reason they had arrived at the train station was due to the fact that fifteen minutes earlier in London a lone terrorist had struck down several people ending in the deaths of four, including himself, plus injury to about 40 others.

I find the security forces in Spain to all perform to a very high standard of professionalism in any dealings I have had with any of the branches, but I would much prefer to be on the same side as they rather than on the wrong side.

Just to be able to say that makes this a wonderful country to be living in.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael 

That Time of year again

We here in Valencia are hard at celebrating our annual Fallas festival. The season was started in very late February, and it seems to get earlier every year. One reason we put forward in making a whole lot of noise is to scare away the old man of Winter. It always seems to work so why change it if it ain't broken.

As always, many of those downtown Valencian residents head out of town when the noise starts. It's fine for those of us who live in the suburbs as we can still get to sleep throughout the whole of the festival. When you live downtown there continues lots of noise late into the night, and to make matters worse it all starts again at eight o'clock in the morning as they come to wake you up.

Effectively Valencia shuts down against motorised traffic because so many streets are closed as they have Fallas monuments planted right in the middle of them. That's one reason why residents take their cars and head for the mountains. Fallas, as wonderful as it is becomes old hat after a while and we Valencians become jaded. Perhaps it's better to attend  every few years to keep it fresh.

It is so liberating to walk around to view the fine work that has gone on over the past year without having to be confined to sidewalks. There are so many people who head for the city as they consider that to be the main event that we can barely move. However, every pueblo has it's own contribution so there is no real need to go elsewhere, but people feel the need to at least visit the city at least once.

Part of the excitement is to turn a corner and walk straight into some wonderful event taking place involving bands and gaily dressed participants. It's great if you like pleasant surprises.

Long live the Fallas Festival, even if it is a pain in the neck for driving around. That part only lasts a week which seems a small price to stage one of the grandest shows on earth.

Drive carefully!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael