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