I do agree to a large extent with what Gervais says....too many people are poised on the step waiting to be offended. However, I wouldn't say that I'm never sorry if what I say or do offends someone...that would make the gigantic assumption that I'm always right....I would analyse what has happened to a certain extent and apologise if I understand what they mean. However, I have given up apologising for the use of words and expressions whose meaning is lost in the mists of time and which I am expected to be aware of....especially as in many cases the hypersensitive snowflake is wrong about the source.
I tend to be fairly measured and calm these days Fran, so I've either considered what I'm going to say so that it's probably not particularly offensive, or it is an entirely deliberate attempt to offend - usually aimed at a particular person. If I accidentally offend someone, then that's a shame but I still don't apologise because it's not my fault that they took exception. If it was deliberate, then that's mission accomplished.
We have entered that special time of year, autumn!!! As I drive around, here in Mallorca, while the sky might be quite blue at 8.00 am, down at street level it is still "dark" and often it is hard to see an approaching car without headlights. What we need is a huge education program to encourage drivers to have headlights on throughout the winter months. Why? Well I put this to you. It is a bright sunny morning on the M27, M3, M25, etc, yet you are constantly driving from sunlight to shadow. You are in shadow and begin an overtaking manouevre, you see headlights in your rear mirror - suddenly there is a car right on top of you blasting its horn in a rage. Why? Because you did not see that car as he did not have his headlights on. Not his fault because he has not been taught about being seen emerging from a dark shadow. So please use your headlights at all times during the winter and encourage others to do the same. It could make the difference between arriving at work safely and complete carnage.
And think 'bike'. I don't know what can be done about it, but car with headlights dazzle and make it hard to see feeble little bike lights. I nearly came out from a side road in the path of a bike because he was made invisible by a vehicle far behind him...an accident (or at least a fright) was only avoided because I hesitated as I saw the car headlights flicker momentarily which puzzled me. Motorbike lights (although much brighter) can also blend into a car light....and accidents are more likely because (being faster) they will be upon you quicker. Guess the only answer is take care and time.
It is one of the answers. While we all argue about other things in life, it is the basics that get ignored. I feel that the world over, we need a massive re-education in using the road - as car drivers, as cyclists, as motor-bike riders, as drivers of commercial vehicles. You have highlighted a problem of using headlights but I feel they should be made compulsory on motorways from the beginning of October to the end of March, as much of the time motorists are driving in shadow on a bright day.
Oh...and don't drive up on the boot of a car because it isn't going as fast as you in your magnificence might like.
Is it written into Spanish road law that you must use headlights when it is raining, or is it just something that the locals do?
In more advanced countries it's been the law for many years to have your headlights on at all times! Yes, in Serbia and Bosnia too!
Last week, when I was in the UK, I hired a new VW Golf with auto headlights. When i was driving down a country road with a lot of trees my lights were going on and off all the time. Must have been confusing for the car in front, not sure they're a good idea?
Sweden, Norway too!! Not sure about Canada but the attitudes of Canadians seems light years ahead of Spain, and the UK.
The UK statistically is one of the safest countries to drive in. Only Switzerland, Sweden and Norway are better than the UK. I don't agree with your point on headlights. Having them on constantly for a 6 month period will just drain batteries. You will see a car if you look over shoulder and check your blind spot before overtaking. Simple as that.
