Miles to Go!

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.” (Frost)



We do a lot of driving, most of which is not an actual enjoyable experience, although being able to do so is a real privilege. My wife and I visited our friend, the fabulous Ms. G who lives in Ojen which is located just eight kilometros inland of Marbella. Ojen is a small white village that sits on the side of a mountain. It is very typical of so many villages but each has its own story.

Ojen was in fiestas and the party went on in spite of the uncooperative weather. There are very few flat parts to the village, and every thing is a mini of what Madrid or Valencia would have. It is a town of locals and others, and that is made very clear as the locals don’t go out of their way for us foreigners, however, we were perfectly free to roam about and to enjoy ourselves, which we did.

I did wonder what effect a hillside town has on its aging population. Do people live longer because of the strength they build from walking up such steep inclines, or do they depart this life at a younger age? That is the question.

Our hostess was very kind to take us on a long drive through country roads over the mountains, and that is what I want to share. Driving through cities and along the national or autovias is the fundamentals of getting from point A to point B. This was just pleasure driving, something we have to go out of our way to achieve.

For this excursion we travelled from Ojen further inland to Ronda to see the great Gorge. Our journey took us along the A355 to Monda, then via a shortcut through Guaro to pick up the A366 to Ronda. Along the way we passed through Tolox, Alozaina, Yunguera, and El Burgo where we stopped for a rest. These are all small towns but they seemed to be well ordered with a functioning society built around agriculture.

This was a delightful trip for us passengers but for the driver it requires full concentration on the road as it was a mountain route with narrow roads and hairpin bends all the way. We are therefore very grateful to our friend who did the driving.

Taking the route that we did meant having to cross the Sierra Bermeja. We went up one side, then along the top at 1190 meters above sea level, and down the other side. I thought it quite astonishing that so many people live in these wide-open spaces. Mainly it is olive country so I suppose that’s the principal reason why there is such a large population so far away from the major centres. By contrast the density of people living down along the coast is horrific. At one point I actually closed my eyes away from the obscenity of that sight.

I observed something on that journey that was really striking: you pass from deeply forested areas into sudden arid conditions where hardly anything at all grows. The line is quite rigidly drawn and seems preposterous. After travelling for many kilometres the land changes again to one of no greenery at all. Now we were in rock country. This is the most amazing environment, it’s like what I would expect on other planets. I was going to try to describe the types of formations and colouring, which is basically different shades of grey, but I’ve concluded that would not be possible. It’s simply something one has to see with own eyes.

After leaving this area we re-enter the world of green, but in a gentle way with hedges and green grass, and then comes the outskirts of Ronda. This is a major town and also a significant tourist centre. Its draw is the El Tajo gorge. The land extends at one level, then suddenly falls away by about 300 feet. This must surely be something of a rarity in Spain. In the United States there is the Grand Canyon, and that would be something similar, except that with the Ronda Gorge the drop off is only on one side.

Amazingly, down below there are homes and farms and a mini-community. I’m sure that far too many people give in to the temptation to see how long something thrown takes to reach the bottom.

So, an enjoyable visit to the southern parts of Spain, and in particular the inland and remote parts that I’m sure many would say, “This is Real Spain.”

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

250 kmp/h

I was driving the CV-35 during a period when it was very quiet. It was a lovely day, and as I drove I had my driver’s side window down. Ahead of me in the right lane was a learner-driver cruising along at about 85, so I moved into the middle lane to overtake her as I was moving at about 115-120 kmp/h.

Suddenly, I was overtaken by two cars. The first was a white car, being either an Audi TT or a Porshce, and that was followed closely by a dark blue beemer. (BMW) They were travelling at about 250 kmp/h.

Mainly, I want to try to describe the experience of having that happen so unexpectedly, but I’m sure it can only be appreciated if you’ve lived through it.

I didn’t see them coming, so the first I knew was when they passed me. With my window open I was treated to both sudden sound and movement. If I tell you that the sound was of the nature of an explosion I’m sure you can appreciate that.

Blam! That was accompanied by a big push, and they were gone. I quite literally jumped and my heart went to my throat. I let out a foul cry, too objectionable for this blog, because I thought I’d been hit. I followed that with :” You stupid bastards! Slow down!”

I’ve said this before and I’m moved to say it again: Eliminate stupidity from the roads and our crash statistics will fall like a rock. Why would a person think that it was ok to push their car to that limit, at any time of the day or night, when they know that the maximum speed limit is 120 kmp/h? They don’t have to be particularly bright to know that up ahead there will be other road users travelling at half their speed, and that there would be no way that they could slow in time to avoid a crash.

It’s especially annoying that the people who do this type of stupidity are also rich. It’s too bad that the gain of money doesn’t necessarily mean a gain in common sense. The drivers who did that were simply hooligans, but rich ones. A hooligan is a hooligan, is a hooligan. That the person is rich doesn’t make him, or her, any better.

While we are on the topic, why do manufacturers release to the public vehicles that can travel so fast anyway? The speed limit is set at 120, so why does my car’s speedometer suggest that it can get up to 240. When am I likely to need to travel at that speed? I’m fairly certain that my car would start to disintegrate over 200 kmp/h, and I say that as a Volvo driver.

Apparently no crash occurred, but that in itself was an accident. Good fortune was firmly on everyone’s side that day. Those two morons were certainly tempting fate severely.

So, for goodness sake, let common sense rule. Slow down and save my life. I also suggest that we each preserve our own lives for the one’s who love us.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.” (Frost)

Do we Drive Too Much?

To live free is truly a wonderful thing! We take it for granted and we forget about what it takes to keep us so. That’s a particular shame because people lose their lives in the commission of freedom. Those individuals and their families who make it possible should occupy a high position in our consciousness.

What do we do with our freedoms? All the many aspects of living go under that heading, even the committing of crimes. That’s what freedom means, to be able to do what we choose when we decide. This got me to thinking about our use of the highways, and the reasons we use our cars and bikes. I’m sure there is a real case to be made for overly using the facilities. England is thinking about charging a fee per trip. Should they do that, it will be interesting to note the effect on the consumer.

Lately I haven’t been out much. My petrol bill has been halved as I spend a lot more time in front of my computer. I have to admit that I get the urge to go out, and that usually means by car or motorbike. Why not just go for a walk? That would do me a lot of good, but I prefer to go by car.

I recall the time of my youth back in Bermuda before the car was introduced for public use. Cars appeared on our roads in general circulation in 1947, and it was many years after that before it could be said that they were in “normal” use. During those times people walked. Firstly, everybody kept a garden to grow vegetables. Ours was a family of seven children and two parents, so we had to be self-supporting. We also kept chickens, and on Fridays it was my duty after school to go and bring in the fish for dinner.

Please note that I was not commanded to try, I was told to just do it. I have no recollection of ever having failed. There were no supermarkets in those days, just Mom & Pop grocery stores where we went on Saturdays to get stuff that we couldn’t grow. What an adventure that was! I always looked forward to receiving an apple or orange. It was only after having moved here to Spain did I get in the habit of eating more than one fruit in a single sitting. My son can demolish a kilo or more of mandarins in one go.

Our shopping habits were vastly different back then in the good old days. We shopped once a week in spite of the fact that we did not have a refrigerator. These days food stores remain open 24-hours a day, and there is always someone inside doing their shopping.

So, in the old days we just didn’t move around much. Life was lived in the neighbourhood, and pretty much everything was local. We thought that it was amazing that my father cycled thirteen miles to see my mother. Since then, I have held courtships in other countries.

Recently Valencia held what it called una dia sin coches. That was a day to encourage people not to drive their cars. Instead we were invited to dust off our bicycles and to get around in that manner. I did cooperate by simply doing nothing.

As petrol prices began to climb I started to think carefully about the use of my car. It seems that I was forever going somewhere. Now, I try to combine into one journey several things. For instance, I live in Pedralba which is about 50 kilometros from downtown Valencia. So, if I need to drive into the city I try and save up several things that have to be done along the way. Clearly, if I can use one journey to accomplish many things I am cutting down on costs and fuel.

The peculiar thing about all this is that the CV-35 has now been upgraded and driving along it is such a pleasure as the congestion is a thing of the past. (Hopefully!) However, I do invite you to consider whether the next trip out in your car is really necessary, simply in the interest of reduced fuel and use of space.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Unconscious Driving

One of my favourite columns is written by a psychologist/hypnotist. He covers some very interesting subject matter that serves to remind me of how complex we humans are.

He was trying to make the point that most people go through life in two forms. There is our conscious mind that drives us to do things when we are fully involved and perfectly aware of what we are doing. For the most part the sorts of things we are likely to do under this state are new things; current challenges; problems to be worked out on the fly. We have to be involved with these matters, as we have never encountered them before, so they require our full concentration.

Then he said that there is the other state of being that operates under our unconscious mind. I’m going to make bold and suggest that he may have intended to say our sub-conscious mind, because that seems more appropriate with what he suggested we do under this state.

Our sub-conscious accounts for our other personality. It deals with all the many things that we have learnt over the years that we now do without giving any thought. For instance, the simple typing of this piece involves both parts of me. I don’t have to think as I type, but I do have to think about what I’m typing. This is a new thread that requires my concentration, but the computer is something known to me.

When we eat we do so without thought, but what we eat does provoke us into being critical, praising, or just neutral. When it comes to riding a cycle, or horse, or driving a car, we go onto auto-control. However, while we really don’t have to think about the gear we just changed into, we do think about road conditions. It is entirely possible that many people end up in car crashes because they trusted too much to the sub-conscious.

I have written before about driving habits while we are too distracted. The trick is to remember that our car and our living room are two distinct entities and must never be confused. To mistake the situation when driving is potentially deadly. Have you ever come across a one-car crash along a straight road? The problem there was most likely that the driver turned his head to talk to his front seat passenger and simply drove off the road.

The rule to keep in mind is to pay attention to what you are doing that is of the primary purpose. Keep your eyes on the road and never let too much responsibility slip from your conscious to your sub-conscious mind.

If we do actually drive in an unconscious state, that might explain all those ridiculous crashes. Many people do seem to drive like that.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Stupidity

I was thinking that if stupidity on the roads could be eliminated entirely, the number of motor “accidents” would fall tremendously.

Wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing!

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Discipline

Driving is supposed to be a very disciplined activity, just by its definition. It’s all about the rules of the road and is dependent on everyone knowing what they are supposed to do, and carrying out their duties in a workman-like manner. So, when I approach a stop sign all other road users in the vicinity are supposed to be able to rely on me to stop at the appropriate place. In this country, the Spanish roads are notorious for indiscipline. It’s as though we’ve never heard of the word.

By comparison certain other countries develop drivers who are super disciplined, and it is an absolute eye opener to ride with such people. I have been passenger on two occasions when very careful people were driving the vehicles, and frankly, it was wonderful. I was somewhat concerned that other people had no idea of what was taking place. I could image conversations in the cars behind me going something like this: “What is he doing?” “I’m not sure, but it looks like he’s obeying the law.” “Why?”

I’m not talking about anything radical, just adhering to the rules that we are all supposed to know about. It goes something like this: After we all buckled up, our journey began. Even while we were still on the estate road turn signals were given, even if there were no other vehicles around. We maintained travel along the right side of the road, and when we came to stop signs we actually stopped and stood completely still for a count of three.

As we proceeded along the road we observed the speed limit signs precisely. Especially those signs that reduce speed were scruptously obeyed. In fact when we passed each sign our speed was compatible, even if our driver had to use the brakes to slow down.

Hands were always at the ten to two position except when shifting gears. No overtakes were even attempted except of tractors. When driving through towns our drivers were super alert to pedestrians suddenly appearing out in front of us, or traffic lights suddenly changing.

One of the drivers was from germany, and he explained that his reward for all that discipline was the autobahn when he can drive as fast as he wants. Even then he had never exceeded150 kmh/s.

This was all very commendable, and by comparison with the usual driver on Spanish roads was worthy of a medal. However, owing to the fundamental suspicious nature of the police, were they to be observers they would no doubt have wondered: what is that man carrying that is so illegal that he does not want to give us any cause to stop him?

Sometimes it’s very difficult to win.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

The Elitist Valencia Formula One

The day was just fine. Glorious sunshine, excited crowds, more than 112,000 paid admissions, a brand-new track, and the dream came true. The waiting was over. There had been so much preparation and anxiety that it would be completed on time, but that was all in the past.

The idea was the brainchild of the president of the Valencia Community, Frances Camps, and the long-time mayoress of Valencia, Rita Barberá. Valencia has always been considered the poor cousin behind Madrid and Barcelona, but the dynamic duo have determined to change all that.

First they have set about doing what they can on a local level to encourage participation in the annual fiestas, and they have promoted Valencia for its exports and its sports, particularly football. Then, taking a huge gamble they bid for America’s Cup, and got it. That meant a massive investment in the port area that had been ignored for so many years. It was said that Valencia was a city that turned its back on the sea and its port.

So America’s Cup came to Valencia, and the average resident could not have cared less. It was an event that was held way out there on the water, and it brought higher prices on land as the teams sought the best accommodation, and drove up real estate and staple goods prices. Were it not for those things we could have ignored America’s Cup altogether, however, Formula One racing in the city was something else again.

This was an event that was loud and brash and in everybody’s face. City Hall was faced with major protests from city residents who were not amused by the prospect of so much noise. In her typical brilliant fashion, Mayor Barbará suggested that it be held in August, the traditional month when most residents head out of town on vacation. That was an instant hit. Because not only could many residents leave town, they could also rent out their balconies and rooftops for insane amounts of money, so Formula One was off to a fine start in first gear.

To accommodate the new track a swing bridge had to be built and new asphalt put down that would be of racing standard. Much of the track consists of existing roadways that take in a loop around the City of Arts and Sciences, the signature image for Valencia.

The reason I call this an elite event is that you had to be able to find at least two hundred euros to watch the action live. Tickets prices originally were between two hundred and five hundred euros, but when they sold out scalpers made a fortune. Obscene amounts of money were charged for balconies and rooftops for the three-day event. Missing was any accommodation for the general public of a standing-only area for spectators who could only afford more modest prices.

Organisers did set up a screen along the Malvarrosa beach for the public to follow the race on television. Apparently about 600 million people watched around the world, but the local television stations, Canal 9 and Punto 2 were free to show anything they wanted, just as long as it was not live action from the track. Such was the cost of broadcast rights. Understandably, this is one very expensive sport to fund, but by providing a section for cheap viewing, and by upgrading the public toilets from the portaloos to something more dignified, there would not have been any criticism at all.
I acknowledge that one-month before the real race there had been Formula Three racing to test the track at a cost of only 10 euros a day. I took full advantage of that
I also note that the City laid on free concerts for the general public, including Gloria Estafan. Shame about the rain!

I must not leave this thread without mentioning that Valencia has a first-class racing track at Cheste that led many of us to question why the race had to be held in the streets. The owners of the track at Cheste must have taken their snub very hard, but they have decided to strike back in a very positive way by bringing The Madonna Travelling Road Show to town. I’m almost tempted to go see the show, even though Madonna is not even on my list of admired artists, just to see what they do with 88 trailer loads of equipment.

For the future we can almost be sure that Valencia will become a centre for tennis.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

Formula One in Valencia

The time is here and all the waiting and scramble to complete the track on time is over. As I write this it is August 23rd, 2008 and we have seen the practise session on Friday, the 22nd and the qualifiers today. So far, all has gone well, even the weather has been cooperating in spite of rain in the area.

Excitement has been intense as the brand new circuit gets its baptism. Generally opinion has been complimentary except for the port-a-loos, and Sir Jackie Stewart’s comment that the venue looks like a dock, which it partly is.

Lewis Hamilton did his usual thing and leapfroged from behind only to lose pole to Massa, but no worries he will deal with that in his own style. For Fernando Alonso the worst possible thing happened, he failed to qualify in the top ten starters in front of his home crowd. Ah well, I guess these things happen and one has to roll with the punches.

Having attended the Formula Three trials back in July that tested the track ahead of this month’s historic race, I complained that patrons only got to see a little of the race at a time. However, giant screens have been erected that allow all the action to be followed.

Several buildings at various points around the circuit provide wonderful viewing, and a well known fact is that many people have taken advantage to rent out their space for a lot of cash. However, the town council declared such activities to be illegal after waiting long enough for contracts to be signed and money to change hands. I doubt if that is enforceable, but we’ll see.

So, the hour is at hand and by 4pm Valencia time on Sunday August 24th, another name will be declared winner on the day. I will be most disappointed if that name is not Lewis Hamilton.



Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael

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