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