ROAD COURTESY

Introducing a new concept to a great many drivers and riders: courtesy on the road means simply having regard for one’s fellow motorists by extending little acts of consideration and kindness that assist them. For many this will be a radical line of thinking. They get in their cars and trucks, or on their bikes and the hell with everyone else. They want a clear road and let no one else impede their progress in any way.

This country is but one in which the driver who drives at the legal speed limit is considered a pest. How can this be? If there were not guidelines as to maximum speeds the death toll would be off the chart. Most limiting speeds are reasonable taking into consideration normal road conditions. Wet roads dictate that speeds be lessened in the interest of safety.

So, what on earth are those lunatics thinking when we see them ignoring all the rules of good common sense and even self-preservation. Do they have some kind of death wish. When I’m overtaken by someone in a very dangerous situation I simply wish them a nice death. Good riddance to them if they do lose the argument with a wall or a tree. The problem is that all too often they take out perfectly innocent people as well. I can only hope there is justice in the after life.

Road courtesy in action are those things that are appreciated by other drivers that make their journey a little safer. If the other driver does not have the right of way, but by giving way to him or her so that they are better able to execute their manoeuvre, that will be greatly appreciated. An example is that of the driver who needs to back into the roadway. Although you have the right of way, by taking just a second to allow him to complete the procedure without endangering other traffic you will have helped him on his way. You didn’t have to do it, but your help will be appreciated, and one day you will become the beneficiary if this radical idea catches hold.

Normally, not much is required in order to carry out a random act of kindness and courtesy. England used to be famous for courtesy on the roads, and there are some old school drivers still around. These are people whose actions are sometimes not immediately understood. They stop to let you pass when it would have been just as fine for you to have waited. They will hold up several cars while you take your time to square up in the supermarket car park. They will take special care around pedestrians and children, and even animals. These are the things that elevate a person from being a good driver to a good motorist.

Unfortunately, their actions are not always appreciated, even sometimes by the people they are attempting to assist. However, I really do think that if a person is subject often enough to courtesies shown to him he will come to realize that this is a better way to do life, and in spite of himself it is human nature to pay it forward. When someone does us a favour we can best repay it by doing a favour for someone else who needs it. After all, the person who did you the favour was giving you the gift of kindness and doesn’t really want it back.

There is one other thing that I would add, and it is this: When someone does extend to you a courtesy on the road, please be sure to encourage them by a simple gesture that says “Thank You!” That costs nothing but its value is incalculable.


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

What is a Motor Accident

The Sneeze

Recently, a man collided with a stray dog along one of Valencia’s roads, and that resulted in harm to man and animal, and to his vehicle. Acting apparently on the advice of a lawyer he brought suit against the Valencian government for negligence. His suit charged that the government, the owners of the road system, allowed an animal that was without a private owner to roam freely, to the extent that the dog was able to gain access to the road and come into contact with a motor vehicle.

Furthermore, he asserted that in the case of animals that have not been adopted by a member of the public, such animals are the property of the State by default. As would be the case were the animal the property of an individual, should it bring harm or damage in the course of its unsupervised ramblings, the owner has absolute responsibility for the consequences.

Nice try, sir! Probably the suit might succeed in the United States for millions of dollars, but not in Spain.

The one true description of an accident is where a wild animal suddenly appears in front of a moving vehicle. Even in those areas where the public are warned that animal crossings are frequent, a collision between animal and vehicle must be considered a happenstance that is accidental. That is to say that if an animal can find its way over, around or under the protective fence that we see bordering the highway and come into contact with our vehicle; or otherwise crosses the road without supervision of any kind, that constitutes an accident. As road users we accept that truth, along with certain others when we use the roads.

The courts say that any other circumstance most probably involves a person who is culpable and responsible. If you fall asleep at the wheel you’ve not rested properly. If you just didn’t see in time you were either distracted, or your eyesight is the problem. If some other medical crisis, such as a heart attack leads to a crash, it’s most likely that the condition had a lead up that was either ignored or underestimated.

Should you drink alcohol or take any type of drug that impairs judgement you must not drive. Should your vehicle fail, its maintenance is faulty or insufficient; or perhaps the problem is one of design flaw. Somebody is responsible. When all else fails take a look at the road design. All these things lead to a responsible party who can, and should be held accountable for the harm that is caused to third parties.

There is one other situation that can lead to a calamitous scenario, and that is the common sneeze. That would be sudden, unexpected, they come in threes, and are completely out of the control of the sneezer. Good luck with that one.


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Valencia Street Circuit

Together with my friends, we attended the Formula Three races on the brand new Valencia Street Circuit, (pronounced “Sirkweeet”) on July 26th and 27th, 2008. We were there for the first ever, historical formal race, which was the Grand Prix GTA. I should tell you that I did enjoy myself because you might not be able to conclude that based on my following observations, but the fact is that we did have a good time.

The fun thing to do is pick a contestant and root for him with all your might. That way you get fully engaged and you’ll be elated or disappointed, as the case might be.

These races were actually trials of the track itself which had been newly and purpose built, although never before tested. Personnel, security, gate flow, seating, will all be put to extensive pressure for the Formula One that expects 112,000 paid attendance so this was a rehearsal for that event.

One reason why I was able to fully enjoy myself was because I had paid ten euros a day to attend. We sat in a section that will cost a minimum of 379 euros covering three days, August 22, 23, and the day of the actual race, the 24th. That will work out at 126 euros per day. Top price for the really super section is 480 euros, or 160 euros per day. These tickets are now being sold to late-comers at vastly higher prices.

I’m now going to play devil’s advocate and be picky, but please remember that I did enjoy myself.

Firstly, just on the outskirts of Valencia city is the world-class racing track at Cheste. I have watched Formula One trials there, and albeit, that track is a counter-clockwise course, I wonder if that really does make it impossible to hold the event there. From my viewpoint, there would be definite advantages for the spectator. For one thing the action can be followed all round the course from the comfort of every seat.

Why then, should the races be held in a street circuit? No matter where you sit you only get to see part of the action, and there does not appear to be any intention to place large screens around the course. That would be a definite advantage for it would then combine both live and broadcast action. Also, a programme showing who was driving which car would have helped. Perhaps this will be available for the big race.

Our tickets were sold by section and by specific seat, but on the days that we attended the seat numbers had not been put in place. That was an advantage to us as we could pick and choose as we pleased.

It was exceedingly hot on those bleachers in the exposed sun, so a small parasol was good thinking, just as long as it didn’t block out the action for others. Do not copy the selfish act of one patron who thought it perfectly alright to open up a gigantic umbrella in a key spot that blocked the view of hundreds of people. He was roundly condemned and had to take it down.

Security was generous, but for reasons best known to themselves all bottles of liquid had to have their tops removed and discarded. Probably not a good idea to take in champagne then.

As one might expect, anything that was purchased from vendors came at a ridiculous price. A small bottle of water at 2.00 euros. An ice cream that normally sells for 1.50 sold for 3.50.

I reserve my harshest barbs for sanitation. Organisers are relying on port-a-loos to serve the needs of such vast crowds. These things are hot as hell, smell like hell, and are probably what the real hell will be like. If there really is no other practical solution then I suggest that they need to be regularly patrolled by a small army of cleaners as they are an insult to people who are paying top euro to attend what is billed as a world-class event. That alone will bring the prestige of the event down.

Track workers will have to work much faster to clear crashed cars from the track. One such crash that happened for our benefit, that was little more than a fender bender, took a full half-hour to clear and stopped the race. That cannot stand for Formula One.

And finally, without getting into the rights or wrongs of worker’s disputes, once again, and right on cue, the Valencia Metro workers went on strike for the two days of Formula Three, and they will be on strike for the three days of Formula One. They can also be counted on to strike over Fallas, and most other major events that need to move massive numbers of people. By now, one wonders, whether this is legitimate labour negotiations in action or just plain blackmail of the public.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Crash !

If you have ever been so unfortunate as to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time to bear witness to a collision on the road, you will know what a traumatic experience it is. Of course people actually pay to see spectacular crashes on the racetrack, but those are somewhat controlled. At least they are in so much as the drivers have extra safety measures built-in to the cage, and the risks are reduced by the fact that there will usually be only one class of vehicle, and they all start off going the same way.

It was my bad luck to have a crash happen directly in front of me, the results of which might well have been worse that they were. This is a cautionary tale for us all, as it could have so easily been anyone.

It happened in the town of Vilamarxant, in the suburbs of Valencia city. The set-up for this crash is a maze of narrow cross streets. The rule is that should you have traffic approaching from your right, that traffic has the presumed right of way. All traffic should therefore circulate at walking pace speed, ready to stop until certain who will proceed first. Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works in practise.

I had made my way along a street that was crossed by one-way traffic that was alternately coming from my right and then my left. I did have to give way to crossing traffic, and we did so safely. That was because I anticipated that it would happen, and I was moving at walking pace and therefore able to stop in time. I did this even for those junctions in which I had right of way, just in case the other vehicle did not give way to me. (Avoid the accident by any means necessary.)

Having parked my car and locked it I was waiting on a car coming along the same street that I had travelled. A mother carrying her eleven year-old to school drove the car. The girl was sitting in the front passenger seat. As they drew abreast of the cross street closest to me a white van appeared suddenly, moving at about 50 km/h and broad sided the car. I estimate that the car’s speed was about 40 km/h.

Within seconds both drivers were out of their vehicles accusing one another of being responsible. Meanwhile, the child passenger, who took the brunt of the crash, was badly shaken and traumatised, but otherwise unharmed. The material damage was mainly caused to the car in that the passenger side door was caved in, and that would result in a very expensive repair and loss of use of the vehicle for quite some time.

There were several things wrong with this situation: The most serious was that a young person was sitting in the passenger seat. It is not against the law provided that the youth is properly restrained, but is not to be recommended, as there is greater exposure to harm in the front passenger seat.

Secondly, neither of those drivers exercised a proper level of caution for the circumstances. Visibility was restricted to the last minute, which meant that both drivers were assuming that they were the only people using those roads at that time. That is always a dangerous and ridiculous thing to do, and they both received a short sharp, shocking lesson in the fallacy of such an assumption.

The lady driver repeated that she had priority as she was on a priority road. In cross town and urbanisation grids, this is rarely the case. Mostly, such roads have equal value. It is for drivers to take the appropriate precautions, and even if they are not certain about who has the right of way, they can deal with the situation by stopping and agreeing who may move first.

When the police came to sort out the matter the lady was disappointed to learn that she was indeed responsible for the incident. That meant that added to all her own inconveniences, she would also have to repair the damage to the van.

All things considered, not a good way to start the day. I repeat, the moral of this story seems to be, “Avoid the accident by any means necessary.”

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton is a Phenom. He seems to have come out of nowhere to take one of the most prestigious sporting events by storm. He seems to have been cut from the same cloth as Michael Schumacher in F1 Racing, or Tiger Woods in golf.

This is a compelling comparison to make because both Tiger Woods and Lewis come from humble beginnings, and they have entered into primarily white sporting circles without a shot having been fired. None of the privilege existed for them to grease their entry. Both young men had the benefit of strong fathers in their corners, which is a major plus and not to be glossed over, as both of these young men have black fathers.

There is another story here that is of greater depth and complexity about the black family experience, particularly in America and Britain. We’ll save that for another time, but trust me, all black fathers are taking note of what can be achieved by giving solid support to their sons and daughters. Venus and Serena Williams in tennis are prime examples also of having the full support of their father.

Another parallel is that both Tiger and Lewis present such charming public images. They are equally poised, well spoken, very handsome, and quite intelligent, and of course, accomplished. Those are all the qualities that allow their fans to be proud of them.

It is truly astonishing what a decade or two can mean in so far as change is concerned. Baseball had to endure a difficult period when it finally accepted black players, and golf in particular has had a chequered past. But that was then, this is now, and for the sport of Formula 1, the one to watch is Lewis Hamilton. He must take his turn as world champion one day. Perhaps that will happen this year. It didn’t happen for him last year, although he came exceedingly close. It would have been a remarkable achievement to have become world champion in his F1 debut year. That would have been an extraordinary record for the books, but probably the start of his decline, as it may have seemed too easy.

Silverstone was a superb win for Lewis and the Vodafone/McClaren team. It was on his home turf, under difficult conditions, and one to savour the sweet taste of for a long time to come. Performing on one’s home circuit is a double-edged sword for the same reason. The fans don’t forget the win or the loss. But, as they say, no pressure when that many people are desperate for results that please.

He drove a clear and flawless race when so many things were conspiring to trip him up. Unlike poor Felipe Massa who was in a continual spin throughout.

Now, the driver’s points standing is a three-way tie with 48 points each toward the world championship, Lewis, Massa, and Raikkonen. Anyone remember Fernando Alonso, former world champion. This season has not been kind to him at all. He has only managed to rack up 13 points. This is a tough and vicious sport. One minute you’re the Toast of the Town, and before you know it, you’re just plain toast.

Lewis dedicated his win at Silverstone to his family. That meant that four very proud people had really big smiles on their faces. His Mom Carmen, and his step-mom Linda; his younger brother Nicolas, whose eyes light up like street lights as he looks at Lewis; and particularly his Dad, Anthony, whose roots are from Grenada, in the West Indies.

To Anthony I say the following: “ Sir, it’s no wonder your son is a winner because that is what you are. You believed in your son, you were there for him; you inspired him; and you have apparently done that fathering thing with distinction. You have shown black fathers around the world where the real life satisfaction is, and how important it is to stay the course. So, thank you for your example, and congratulations on raising such a fine son. Oh! One more thing. You’re one heck of a spokesperson!”


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Witness

Every day we hear of collisions taking place throughout the country, but rarely do we bear witness, and hopefully, even more rare are we directly involved ourselves. As a reminder, in Spain the law is that as a bystander to an automobile crash we are duty bound to render assistance until the scene comes under the control of emergency services

It was my unpleasant experience to be primary witness to a crash in the early hours of the day. In telling this tale it should serve as a good caution as the circumstances are all too ripe for the type of collision that occurred.

The place was the town of Vilamarxant, to the east of downtown Valencia. It is one of a hundred such towns with narrow streets that crisscross throughout. Driving through such areas is a nightmare, because typically there are those drivers who do know the rules on right-of-way, and those who do not have a clue.

On this occasion I had driven my car to a place where I wanted to park, and after locking the car I waited for a passing car before crossing the street. As the approaching car drew abreast of the cross street there suddenly appeared from the right a van that was moving at about 50 kmh speed. That resulted in a severe side impact that caved in the passenger door of the car. Unfortunately, the car was being driven by a mother taking her daughter to school, and the daughter was sitting in the front seat. I estimate that the daughter was about eleven.

For this to happen in front of my eyes was a real shock that made me actually jump. My mind slowed the action down to a manageable level so that I could take in what was happening. One minute the car was proceeding along towards me, and all seemed to be normal. The appearance of the van from the side street was so unexpected as there was no sound to forewarn of its presence. It struck the car as though it was a precision guided missile, and on impact it bounced back.

Barely a moment had passed before both drivers were out of their vehicles accusing each other of being in the wrong. There were several things wrong with this situation in my view. It’s good if we review each carefully.

The general rule is that when at a cross street, the right of way goes to the vehicle approaching you from your right. So, instantly the mother was suspect as being the cause of the collision for not giving way to the van that came from her right.
Both vehicles were proceeding at a speed far in excess of safety. Both drivers seemed to think that no one else was using the road that day. I had just made that same drive down that street and had avoided a crash by driving at walking pace at the crossings. I did encounter a car from my right to whom I owed right of way, and that was done safely.
The mother had her child sitting in the front passenger seat, although she was about eleven. The law does not disallow this provided the child is properly restrained, but in reality this is not a good idea. The young girl appeared not to have been physically injured, but she suffered the brunt of the impact and was quite seriously shaken.
Whether driving through a small town or an urbanisation the probability for this type of crash is very high. Both converging drivers should be prepared to stop and agree who is to proceed first. However, I’m sure it doesn’t always happen that way, but we do otherwise at our peril.

When the local police came and surveyed the scene they advised the lady driver that she was the cause of the crash as she had failed to give way to the van. She protested that she was driving on the priority road, but it was pointed out to her that both roads had equal standing.

That was not a very good start to one’s day.

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

(SEVEN) WRONG-WAY WALLY

MOTORING´S SEVEN MORTAL SINS


One: Overtaking on two-lane, two-way traffic streets anywhere in Spain. Also making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Two: Speeding, i.e. exceeding the speed limit, or using excessive speed for road conditions at the time.
Three: Exhaustion. i.e. Driver Fatigue
Four: Driving while impaired by drink or drugs.
Five: Dangerous and reckless driving without regard for others.
Six: Tailgating and inattention.
Seven: Driving on the wrong side of the road and clockwise around a roundabout.

(SEVEN) WRONG-WAY WALLY

There are two mistakes the holder of a U.K. license must never make when driving in Continental Europe. They are:

(a) Never, inadvertently drive on the left hand side of the road;
(b) Never drive round a roundabout clockwise.

These are unforgivable sins to commit, and the penalty for such unintended mistakes can be draconian. It is such a shame that there exists such a difference between countries over something so fundamental as which side of the road to habitually use that can produce such devastating effects. Sure we live with the challenge of different languages, sometimes leading to mistakes and misunderstandings, some costing a lot of money and/or embarrassment, but rarely actual death.

How easy is it to make such a mistake? After driving a right-hand drive car in a left-hand road system all of one’s adult life we have a habit, something that we no longer have to think about. We approach our vehicle to the right side, open the door and get in expecting the steering wheel to be on that side. We start the engine and shift the gear with our left hand, which for most people who are naturally right-handed, is an unnatural thing to do.

When we approach a road junction from a minor side road to enter into a major road, to turn left means not to have to cross over to the other side. Only when we turn right need we do that. The roundabout was probably a British invention, it being such a logical idea. Why then, here on the Continent do the Brits have such a tough time dealing with doing the roundabout dance? Probably, because here in Spain it’s a new innovation and everybody else hasn’t a clue. Granted, Spain has some highly artistic examples but what to do, that’s the question.

It would seem a difficult thing to go round a roundabout the wrong way, but some people, usually with Rental Car stickers on the back do manage to lose the plot. So, do I have anything positive to suggest as to how to get it right every time, as we must? Well, let’s be mindful of the following:

- As I’ve said, problems are likely to arise when approaching a major road from a minor side road. We come to the stop sign, and as bad luck would have it, there’s not another vehicle around to give us a clue. That is when it is so easy to turn left and set off in the left lane. It will feel entirely natural, but if we make it as far as the first bend in the road, I shudder to think of what will likely happen next. We cannot make this mistake, so we must constantly make certain that the action we are taking is correct. How? At the stop sign, before setting off, with your left arm, that’s the one that is by the window if you are driving a left-hand drive, make sure that your elbow is pointing at the centre of the road. If it is you will be on the right-hand side of the road, and your motto will be, “the right side is the right (correct) side”.

When going back to the U.K. and hiring a car there, simply reverse the procedure, although it will come more naturally to end up on the correct side. There, your motto will be, “ the right side is the wrong side!”

- Going the wrong way around a roundabout would seem to be a more difficult thing to do, but it does happen in spite of efforts to ensure that it does not. On approaching a roundabout there is the initial triangle with red border with three arrows indicating counter-clockwise flow around the circle, and an advisory to give-way to traffic already within the circle. Then, there is the round sign with blue background that indicates the message is mandatory, and that shows three arrows indicating counter-clockwise traffic flow. But strong habit says we should be going clockwise around the circle. To get it right requires concentration. We have to interrupt our conversation and focus. To do otherwise is to dance with disaster.

I have never personally met a driver coming around the circle the wrong way, but someone was telling me of his experience, and he said that it was like a slow-motion ballet. First, there was the recognition from across the circle that something was wrong. When his mind finally figured it out the only way he avoided the collision was to drive up onto the carefully sculpted centre garden while the car behind him went off to the right with much blowing of horns and curses galore. Meanwhile, the offending car, proudly displaying his rental sticker went the wrong way down the one-way street and disappeared off to the left.

What a Wally!

How to cope driving a right-hand drive in Europe or left-hand drive in England? I haven’t a clue!

Death on the roads? It doesn’t have to end like that!
Don’t overtake on two-way streets. Save your life for those who love you!
Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

MOTORING´S SEVEN MORTAL SINS

One: Overtaking on two-lane, two-way traffic streets anywhere in Spain. Also making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Two: Speeding, i.e. exceeding the speed limit, or using excessive speed for road conditions at the time.
Three: Exhaustion. i.e. Driver Fatigue
Four: Driving while impaired by drink or drugs.
Five: Dangerous and reckless driving without regard for others.
Six: Tailgating and inattention.
Seven: Driving on the wrong side of the road and clockwise around a roundabout.

(FIVE & SIX): DANGEROUS DRIVING, TAILGATING AND INATTENTION


I’m certain that I’m not crazy! I don’t go round taking note of everybody’s driving mistakes, or commenting to myself every time someone does something strange or stupid. What’s more, all my fellow road users are ladies and gentlemen, not crazy so-and so’s. These things I do, or more to the point, don’t do for my own sanity. I am constantly refining my own driving so as not to be the source of annoyance to other road users. There is, however, a breed of motorist for whom we cannot do anything right other than get off the road so that they can have it all to themselves and they are the Tailgaters. Like alligators, there they are, snapping at our heels, driving us to distraction.

I try to see inside the heads of people whose behaviour is so wantonly bad on the road, and perhaps not surprisingly I come up with a blank. There’s no point in asking what are they thinking because they are not thinking anything. So, if not thought, instinct then? That doesn’t seem to be right either. Even an army of ants appear to have better manners and more method. Perhaps they are show-offs, people who must draw attention to themselves. If this is the case the attention they draw is not complimentary. Stupidity and ignorance are never complimentary. Men, who behave so very badly, are seen as little obnoxious boys who never grew up. The women they seek to impress are usually turned stone cold against them.

Driving is a necessary privilege in every country in the world. It is not a guaranteed right, which is why we have to have a driving permit. That is something that can be withdrawn if we choose to blatantly flout the rules. That’s fair enough. Give us reasonable driving exams; do nothing to complicate the process by which we get our permit, and then, should we choose to turn out like the ill-mannered and ignorant guest at the ball, we get exorcised and sent for re-education.

The points system aims to do just that. It will seek out those who can only be dealt with by monetary fine and re-education as to what makes a good motorist. I wish those people who needed this information the most would read the below-noted, but I doubt if that will happen. (The use of “he” actually means he or she).

- A good motorist is first and foremost considerate of other road users. He is not threatening to pedestrians or cyclists, and he keeps his distance from animals.
- He practises courtesy by allowing others to complete their manoeuvres by extending to them a little patience.
- He refrains from the needless use of the horn to sound his impatience. He leaves enough time to get to where he needs to go without having to climb over others to get there.
- He definitely does not engage in behaviour that runs other vehicles off the road.
- He is not a show-off. He really impresses by his safe and defensive driving abilities.
- He obeys the rules of the road. Most are there for the safe conduct of all users. “Stop”, to him means Stop!
- He realizes that most speed limiting signs should be obeyed, especially those that reduce speed through built-up areas. He doesn’t have to like to slow down, but he does so anyway for safety’s sake.
- Should he have to drive anywhere throughout the day or night he avoids anything that may impair his judgement, especially alcohol.
- A good motorist makes his passenger(s) feel safe and comfortable. He does not throw them around in the car through sharp and jerky car handling. He gets them to their destination safely.
- He is always attentive, as he knows that with congested roads it only needs the inattention of a split second to come to grief.
- It is the intention of a good motorist never to be the source of someone else’s grief. His reward will be 50 years plus of trouble-free motoring.

In summary, there’s a whole lot that can be learned from the good motorist. Given the high stakes involved, sometimes it’s the difference between living or dying. Some people are simply dying to show how bad they can be.

Death on the Roads? It doesn’t have to end that way!
Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Don’t overtake on two-way road systems. Save your life for those who love you!

MOTORING´S SEVEN MORTAL SINS

One: Overtaking on two-lane, two-way traffic streets anywhere in Spain. Also making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Two: Speeding, i.e. exceeding the speed limit, or using excessive speed for road conditions at the time.
Three: Exhaustion. i.e. Driver Fatigue
Four: Driving while impaired by drink or drugs.
Five: Dangerous and reckless driving without regard for others.
Six: Tailgating and inattention.
Seven: Driving on the wrong side of the road and clockwise around a roundabout.

(THREE & FOUR):

FATIGUE AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE


Do you like a good horror story? I do, as long as it is intelligent, plausible, well written and without gratuitous formula shock effects. “The Exorcist”, “Salem’s Lot”, and “The Amityville Horror” are three examples of what I regard as good writing.

We are all living a horror story but I don’t suppose any of us like this one. The plot centres on the fact that when we say goodbye to our family when leaving the house, we really don’t know whether it’s a permanent goodbye or not. Now, I know there are worse places to live than Spain where daily insecurity is concerned. Iraq comes to mind immediately, but Spain is not a war zone. It is supposed to be a civilized country, but yet we are killing one another in droves on our roads, and we don’t seem to be doing enough to stop the carnage.

If ever a statistic tells of an increase in road fatalities, that would be a trend that is going the wrong way. There is a monster about, as evil as anything conjured up in the minds of the master horror writers. This monster is hungry and it needs to be fed. So, who’s to be its next meal? You? Me? One of us it must be. For the monster wants to be fed and it really doe not care who it takes next.

This year approximately 3,000 people will die prematurely on Spain’s roads. The real tragedy is that no-one absolutely has to die. I know, I have said this before and I must continue to say that these are all avoidable events. In spite of the numbers all these deaths are the exception to the rule, although one could be forgiven for believing this to be the norm.




Driver fatigue is a major cause of fatal accidents. “ He fell asleep at the wheel” is such a common cause of what occurred. You might have wondered what that white strip painted on the road is for that makes a loud noise when you drive on it. That’s a rumble strip, and sometime it runs alongside the road or across it, but the purpose is the same: to wake up drivers who are falling asleep, or who are asleep. When we take our place behind the steering wheel we take charge of a guided missile. The responsibilities that go along with that are awesome.

I knew a man once who killed a pregnant lady because he allowed his attention to stray. That raised the question for me: “How does one live with one’s self following such an event?” For many months after the event I would see him out walking, and he would be talking out loud to himself, or he would be crying. Eventually he disappeared off the radar, presumably he ended up in a psychiatric hospital.

A child once ran out in front of my car, stopped and just stood there frozen in fright. I had anticipated that might happen because I could see that he was not being supervised, so I conducted myself accordingly to ensure that the event was not going to happen. That did not stop the nightmares from coming, and the image of that child staring up at me is one that is stamped on my mind, never to be erased. And remember, nothing happened.

So much has been written about not driving after drinking. Everybody in the world knows it is foolhardy to do so, but until the world we live in decides that we are sick and tired of such nonsense and we are not going to participate or tolerate in it anymore, the monster will have as much to devour as it wants.

Want to get started now to starve the monster? Try the following simple things:

- Going out for the evening? The one to drive home stays free of alcohol.
- Don’t want to do that, take along someone as the designated driver.
- Take a taxi there and back. The price of the taxi will be well worth it.
- Moderate your alcohol intake. Think about how long it will take for your body to purge itself of booze before you can safely and legally drive again. Very often, the police conduct sobriety tests between 8am and 10am when people are on their way to work. They may still be intoxicated from the night before.

Death on the Roads? It doesn’t have to end that way!

Don’t overtake on two-way road systems. Save your life for those who love you!

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

MOTORING´S SEVEN MORTAL SINS

The Speed Camera: Government's Cash Machine

One: Overtaking on two-lane, two-way traffic streets anywhere in Spain. Also making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Two: Speeding, i.e. exceeding the speed limit, or using excessive speed for road conditions at the time.
Three: Exhaustion. i.e. Driver Fatigue
Four: Driving while impaired by drink or drugs.
Five: Dangerous and reckless driving without regard for others.
Six: Tailgating and inattention.
Seven: Driving on the wrong side of the road and clockwise around a roundabout.


(TWO) : I DO BELIEVE I FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED!

Motoring’s second mortal sin is almost on a par with number one, in that the words above are usually spoken by someone who is mixing gasoline with testosterone, one of the deadliest formulas known to mankind. Well, as males, we have all been there. We have all known what it is like to be raring to go, Faster! Faster! Faster! It is a time in our lives when we are invincible, unbreakable, immortal, imperishable. We feel that we can go out and conquer the world, or at least shape it in the image that we want it. This is indeed how Mother Nature gets things done. For change to happen requires this type of restlessness and energy in our young people. We older guys are too fat and lazy.

Speed on the racetrack is where it belongs. Let the young ones compete on the famous circuits of the world. Occasionally, I visit the circuit at Cheste in Valencia to watch motorcycle and even Formula-One events. We sit there and we see them race round the track in packs at top speed, weaving in and out. I think most people attend in the hope of witnessing some spectacular pile-ups or wipe-outs, because without those things happening it very quickly becomes as mundane as watching people on their way to work.

I’m always amused to see those races where the regular roads are turned into closed circuits, such as in Monte Carlo. Thousands line the roads to watch the professionals run through stop signs and red lights at top speeds. Of course, I never actually travel to Monte Carlo as I can see the same thing for free in downtown Valencia everyday.

Speed on the normal road system kills. On the racetrack, speeds reach ultra-high limits, but in spite of that and some amazing events where you see a car disintegrate before your eyes, there are very few deaths because of the controlled nature of it all. Our roads, however are in chaos. Spain will recorded in 2005, another sad fact that over 3,000 people lost their lives prematurely in motor “accidents”. The year 2005 was an especially tragic year around the world due to so many catastrophic natural events. Earthquakes, floods, the tsunami of Boxing Day, 2004. As I wrote this, humanitarian relief was on-going to the people of Pakistan where in excess of 30,000 died. Yet, the figure of 3,000 dead on our roads is more disturbing because not one of those deaths were absolutely necessary. Those who are caught in a natural event can do little or nothing to avoid their fate.

As drivers, we are absolutely responsible for how hard we press down the accelerator pedal. No-one else can make that control. Why do we speed?
- We didn’t hear the alarm clock and now we are late for work. We try to make up the time on the road.
- We speed because the car or bike is designed to top 200 km/h. So, we put the pedal to the metal on a busy road to try it out. What are we thinking?
- We are simply impatient people who have to be in front of everybody else.
- The reason that no-one seems to consider is, we speed because we just can’t wait to meet our own death.

In all but one of the above examples there is one thing in common, and it is this: we probably won’t achieve what we want to because, when we are speeding we increase the likelihood that we will have a crash, or in a best case, we will simply be stopped by the police. Consequently, we will be late for work; we will likely lose our license so the car will sit in the garage and the speedometer will read zero; we will have to take public transport and everybody else will get ahead of us; but the good news is that we will stay alive, and for those who love us, that will be very good news indeed.

I’m not such an old guy that I forget how it was when I was young. Yes, I felt the need for speed. At times I had so much energy I felt I was about to leap out of my skin. But I survived that period and I have lived to tell the tale. Every time I hear of some young person killed on the roads I try to think of what the parents must be experiencing. It goes against the laws of nature that a parent should have to bury a child. When that happens the parents die too. To lose one’s only child leaves very little to live for. That is a life sentence full of pain and overwhelming loss. I know people who are in such situations and for them they are the living dead. There can be no worse fate than that!

Death on the roads? It doesn’t have to end like that!
Don’t overtake on two-way roads. Save your life for those who love you!

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

MOTORING´S SEVEN MORTAL SINS

One: Overtaking on two-lane, two-way traffic streets anywhere. Also making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Two: Speeding, i.e. exceeding the speed limit, or using excessive speed for road conditions at the time.
Three: Exhaustion. i.e. Driver Fatigue
Four: Driving while impaired by drink or drugs.
Five: Dangerous and reckless driving without regard for others.
Six: Tailgating and inattention.
Seven: Driving on the wrong side of the road and clockwise around a roundabout.

(ONE) : OVERTAKING AND LEFT TURNS ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC.

I place overtaking on the top of the list because it is fast accounting for a major share of the deaths that are occurring on the roads. This manoeuvre , and the left turn across oncoming traffic, if not done in absolute safe circumstances can produce the dreaded head-on collision. In such cases someone almost always has to die, notwithstanding seat belts and air-bags. Rarely is it possible for all to walk away from such an event.

The problem is that these roads have become so crowded, and are growing more so daily, that generally when one car is overtaking another it is only just possible to pass the one car before being confronted by a vehicle coming in the opposite direction. Often the car being overtaken has to slow, as does the oncoming vehicle so that the overtaking car can get back in the right-hand lane. When other motorists have to swerve or slow because of someone else´s judgement that person is acting as a bad and possibly dangerous motorist.

There is a major difference between being a good driver and a bad motorist. Fernando Alonso is a very good driver. Michael Schumacher is a very good driver. Lewis Hamilton is a Phenom. But if these gentlemen drove on the highway as they do on the Formula – One racetrack they would be very bad motorists indeed.

I´m certain I am being contentious when I suggest that we all should abandon the practise of overtaking on the N-330, the N-332, the N-340, the N-344, etc, especially if it´s simply out of impatience. Also, my suggestion would have to fly in the face of the seeming need of so many men (it´s usually men) who appear to have this burning need to be in front of everybody else. They are the people who hop around one car at a time creating unnecessary danger for all concerned, just so that they can end up at the head of the line at the red light.

Personally, if I did that, while I sat there at the light I would feel the stares from all the drivers who I would have practically run off the road, and I would have to know they all would be thinking “What an idiot/ imbecile/nut case/jerk/Tonto!/fool/and even worse.

And, what about that attitude that says “I have to be in front of you!” The thing is that if you really pressed a person to explain why they feel that way, they would surely tell you that they don´t know what it is. It simply is that way. “I have to be in front of you, and that is that!” Where the real problems start is when there are at least two people like that and they are competing. Then the race begins, and it can get nasty and out of hand often ending in road rage or worse.

I suggest that there must be something of a death wish about such behaviour. If that is the case I would like to encourage such people to give some thought, in fact give a lot of thought to the people who love them and who would be left in the wake of their own untimely deaths. Would anyone mourn them? Who would be most affected by their loss? Who would be left with a huge hole in their heart and a life-long sense of loss and pain like no other.

Did you ever spare a thought for the people who create those roadside monuments to a loved one who died there in a crash? I pass one quite regularly. No expense has been spared, but more to the point for over two years fresh flowers are placed there perhaps twice a week. How much pain is that? Does life really go on for such a person? As we contemplate who such a person might be in our own lives it becomes pretty clear that to repay a person who would be devastated by our premature death with overwhelming pain just for loving us, would be at least unconscionable. Might that person be a wife or husband, the children, and if so which one would likely be affected most. Perhaps you might be thinking of a very special grandchild . The point is, if not to drive safely and soberly for ourselves, do it for them.

Death on the roads? It doesn´t have to end like that!

Don’t overtake on two-way roads. Save your life for those who love you!

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

A Cautionary Tale

On Saturday, May 10th, 2008, I was robbed in the car park of IKEA in Murcia in broad daylight, while several people were present. It was while loading up purchases in the boot of the car, a thief was unloading from the front of the car. To make certain the thief had a little more time to himself a car stopped to ask for bogus directions.

We have heard these stories before, and perhaps we do take on-board the warnings, but trust me, the lesson is never learned so well as when you are the victim. Please don’t say that it’ll never happen to me, because there can be no basis for that. Why not new?

My concern is that this sort of problem will get much worse. We in Europe are facing some very difficult times in the future as unemployment takes hold. At present those mainly heavily involved in the theft trade are people who have come to Spain expecting to better their lives, and have found that there’s nothing here for them, economically speaking.

The culprit is the very high value of the euro that is making exports very difficult, and so, if companies cannot sell their goods overseas they surely will not need the great numbers of workers they employ at present. When that happens chaos will take over. During such times you can be sure that whatever it is that you have, someone will want to take it from you.

Under such conditions, and to some degree those conditions presently exist, people will make it their occupation to steal from your home, your car, your person. You will never be able to relax your awareness. The slightest carelessness and your valuables are gone.

In my case, I opened my car door and put my small bag that contained my car documents on the driver’s seat. Attached to that bag were the keys to the car. There were at least five from my group standing around the car, but that didn’t stop the thief from approaching, and with the help of the distraction of the passing car asking for directions, he took the bag.

In actual fact he did not get much of monetary value, but he has my car’s documents and the keys, and potentially he could have made off with the car. He must have been gob smacked to have seen me drive away with the car. That was due to my having a duplicate set of keys on my person. I want to stress how important it is to have your duplicate keys with you, on your person. When you need that key, you invariably need it immediately. No duplicate key at home was ever of any use beyond walking distance from your home.

I have since changed the locks to my car doors and ignition, an expensive necessity, and I am on super alert. I take the time and effort to attend to my motoring security, and I recommend the same to everyone.

I’m fairly sure that shops like IKEA, and the large hardware and department stores must all be experiencing such problems. It would be very helpful if they could alert customers to use caution. They could do this by deploying their security staff to patrol the car parks keeping a special lookout for customers who are particularly vulnerable, and for the gangs who operate such rip-off scams.

You’ll know that we are truly in a crisis when you have your food purchases stolen when you take the shopping cart back.



Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Monday, 19th November, 2007

A Good News Day

Just once in a while the madness stops, if only for a short period of time. The above date is frozen in time as a day when absolutely no one lost his or her life while out on the Spanish roads. Sure, there were so-called accidents, but none that resulted in actual death. So often the reports state that more people died than there were collisions. To have a day in history that was death-free is especially note-worthy.

The last time that happened was on January 30th, 2006.

To give drivers in Spain their due, we are getting better every day in every way. In 1997, 5970 people lost their lives on the roads. That would have made a drive to the supermarket an exercise in survival. As at November 2007, loss of life for the year stood at approximately 2,500. We can reduce that figure even more significantly if we really want to. Between 2003 and 2007 the death rate fell by a staggering 32% on Spanish roads. We can even do better.

When we examine what went wrong in each case to cause a collision, it usually is due to driver error. The disturbing thing is that all too often it’s due to just plain stupidity, including drunkenness, which is the worst form of avoidable stupidity.

There is perhaps nothing so pathetic as the accused offering as an excuse,; “but, I was drunk, your honour”. Well then, that makes it all acceptable, doesn’t it? In order not to be misunderstood, let me explain that I have had my share of stupid moments. As a young man I made my mistakes, only I lived to tell about them. Probably I survived to share those mistakes with young people in the hope that they will not put their lives in mortal danger by repeating my mistakes.

What’s the chances of that happening? Probably not really good odds that young riders and drivers will listen to an “old man” (meaning anyone over thirty) like me. But we do the best we can, and put the information out there. If one life is spared as a result, that’s a good thing.

What would we need to do to have an accident-free day? Could we, meaning every rider, driver and pedestrian make that happen? It would take a supreme effort on everybody’s part, and we would have to be careful not to actually make accidents happen by being too careful. Confused?

To avoid being involved in an accident, whether as the cause or the victim, some of the things that we would have to do would be:
Simply do not drive or ride if you have taken alcohol or drugs that impair ability;
Be well rested and alert while driving;
Avoid talking on the telephone while driving, whether hands-free or otherwise;
Use speed conservatively, taking into consideration road conditions at the time;
Obey road traffic signs, especially those that call for moderation in speed.
Do not exceed speed limits.
Pedestrians would only walk when they have the green, and they would take care to ensure that the traffic has stopped for them at other non-light controlled crossings.
Pedestrians would wear reflective clothing when walking along roads without a sidewalk, day and night.
Pedal cyclists would ride single file while on the main roads, keeping as close to the side of the road as possible.
Be alert to conditions and anticipate what may lie ahead.
Drivers, be especially aware of cyclists, small children and the elderly.
Cyclists, wear the lime-green reflective “Gerry Jacket” at all times when riding. “Be Seen to be Safe.”
STOP means STOP! Completely!
Stay focused when in charge of your vehicle. Avoid becoming distracted.
Don’t bring Right-Hand Drive vehicles to the Continent. How will you pay toll-booth charges?
Maintain your vehicle in good condition.
Plan your day to leave more than adequate time for travelling.

These are just some of the things that would be applicable, amongst others to make for an accident-free day. Can we do it? “We, the People, can do anything we set our collective minds to.


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Red Lights, Stop Signs, and You & Me

Well, you and I have both seen them as they drive right through red lights, or just cruise past stop signs as though they weren’t there. What are they thinking? Have you made the same mistakes? I have. I’m embarrassed to say that on more than one occasion I have gone through a red light quite inadvertently. On one of those times a collision was narrowly averted, but only due to the other driver’s vigilance.

I can honestly say that I have never run a stop sign, even those where there is a flashing orange light with stop sign. For those it is intended that you stop then proceed with extreme caution. But those lights that never go to green, but only switch from red to flashing orange can trip a person up. You glance at it and it is flashing orange. Then you focus your attention back to the car in front and you don’t notice that the light has stopped flashing but has gone to non-flashing orange, and then suddenly its on red.

I have run those a couple of times. However, just recently, having learned to keep a close eye on the light I very nearly committed the ultimate faux-pas as I had a Guardia Civil vehicle right behind me when the light suddenly did its trick. I stopped, but more abruptly than I would have preferred. However, I did save myself from a ticket.

With regard to stop signs, I will confess to not always coming to a complete stop with all wheels at standstill, and for a count of three. That’s what Stop! means, but there will be very few of us who do that especially when we can see that we have the all-clear. But, the cameras are watching, and if we don’t come to a complete halt we run the risk of receiving in the mail a demand to pay a fine for our folly.

One final thought: If you are ever tempted to roll off early, before the light actually changes to green, remember that on the cross street there is likely someone who is determined to squeeze the last little bit from the green light that has now changed to red. If the two of you must meet, try not to do so by accident.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Gas Pains

On a slow day many petrol stations process on average three vehicles a minute with the normal top-up taking 90- seconds. That is, if the method of payment the customer intends is acceptable to the service station.

It has been discovered that in spite of the wide usage/acceptance of credit/debit cards, not all service station operators accept them. Individual operators are not obliged to accept cards, and that can be a problem in those stations where the customer is not informed before filling up. Consequently, the problem arises at the point of payment. If the customer does not have sufficient cash backup, and there is no cash point machine on premises that will accept his or her card, they will have to leave the car while going off on foot in search of cash.

To confuse matters more, even those stations that do accept cards do not necessarily indicate this anywhere on the premises. Thus, motorists need ask before filling up, or be certain that they have enough cash to cover the purchase. Otherwise a 90-second top-up could very easily become a 90-minute headache.

A great many service stations are now demanding that the customer pay first. That eliminates the above problem but raises another. How many of us can accurately estimate how much petrol we need. My problem tends to be an overestimation, so at the end I have money coming back to me. That means at least two trips to the cashier. The other day I paid and went to the pump, and it failed to start, so on that occasion I made three trips. One thing’s for certain, the companies don’t care about the inconvenience to me.

Having said all that, the thing that ticks me off the most is if there’s a really good price per litre and I underestimate how much I need, I end up driving away not completely filled to the brim. Does that bother you too?


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

How Not to do Road Repairs

I do not get pleasure from complaining or criticizing, but sometimes the frustration level rises so high as to just make you blow your top.

My pet peeve concerns Roads Work and Management. There is so much that one can point a finger at as to be overwhelming, but this week I saw something that was so bad that I was driven to my keyboard to let off steam.

In the Community of Valencia there is a region called the Camp de Turia, and three small towns sit next to one another as neighbours. There is the town of Pedralba, which serves as my town; and next to us further up river is the town of Bugarra, and farther on, Gestalger. These towns are connected by a very narrow ribbon of road that has become increasingly overcrowded in both volume of traffic, as well as size of vehicles.

Just prior to the March, 2008 elections the Valencian government promised that a long awaited by-pass road around Pedralba would get underway. In fact, there will be two by-passes to convey traffic around the town as it approaches from either of two directions. Certain sections of the road between Pedralba and Bugarra will be widened and hairpin bends eliminated.

So far, all of this is very welcome news as at present all of this very heavy traffic travels directly through the town of Pedralba, shaking the plaster from walls, and in some cases very high trucks have collided with balconies. The situation has become intolerable.

The thing that has got me upset is that for a lot of people what has been a ten minute drive will be turned into a 45 minute nightmare as the plan is to cut access between Pedralba and Bugarra along the existing road. The entire project may take as long as nine months, or more, but one would hope that the road will not be closed for that entire length of time. There are many houses in between, and a business or two and several farmer’s fields.

What annoyed me so much was to see the signs go up notifying of the closure of the road and advising the detour route. These signs were up and in plain sight of motorist who would have gone the long way round, while the shorter road continued to be open. After a couple of days the signs were covered up with black plastic, and will only be uncovered during those periods when it is necessary to actually close the road for temporary periods.

By displaying the signs falsely and causing the motoring public to take long and unnecessary detours did not seem to be of any concern to the road bosses. How do these people think, or more to the point, are they capable of rational thought?

I shudder to realize that these are the same people responsible for the design and construction of the very roads that we commit ourselves to get about safely. Somehow, anyone who can be capable of such cavalier attitudes and disregard of the motoring public can hardly be trusted for our safety.


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

We call this An Accident?

An English language newspaper reported that an English couple seemed to have been involved in “ A Macabre Accident.”

It seems that they become entangled with a young motorcyclist who was first struck by another car coming in the opposite direction, and he was then struck by the English couple’s car travelling in the counter direction, and his clothing was caught on their car. So far it appears that they were not at fault in this very sad tale, but then, inexplicably they carried on for two kilometres dragging the unfortunate child. Finally, they were seen by CCTV camera taking a manoeuvre to shake the child from their car, before carrying on.

All the while the young man was still alive, dying later from his injuries. I have a 17 year-old son who rides a motorcycle, and this is really too difficult to think about. I am trying to have empathy with his parents and family.

Investigating officers later determined that the couple were trying to change the license plates to their car.

Firstly, I maintain that there can be but one true accident, that being when a wild animal enters the roadway unexpectedly. Otherwise, the accident can normally be avoided or blame laid at the door of someone, including bad road design, faulty maintenance or design, or just plain other human error.

Of course, this case has not yet been prosecuted and we have not heard all the facts, but if the truth is broadly that as reported we are being faced with one of the most inhuman acts that could be perpetrated by one “human” to another.

I am outraged that someone who is English could take such an action. Hundreds of people have responded by attending this young 17 year old’s funeral, thereby demonstrating their concern for a young life lost in such a tragic manner. It would be fitting, I think for a major response from the English community in Spain to hold some form of demonstration to reassure our Spanish hosts that such action on the part of English nationals, if proved to be true, is certainly not supported, and in fact is roundly condemned.

We, the general public are somewhat complicit however, for as long as we continue to call cases such as this one “an accident” we excuse all those acts that occur on the road that are in reality manslaughter, or suicides/murder.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

A Hypothetical conversation with Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Be Seen to be Safe (II)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay safe. “Be Seen to be Safe!”

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Lane Discipline

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your fellow road users will thank you.

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Motoring Security (II)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Monster Truck Travelling Road Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Formula One Racing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright (c) 2008 Eugene Carmichael