Dead Man’s Curve

Over the months, now years of this blog, there have been several regular themes, not least that of road accidents and of the floral tributes that are left and then updated on anniversaries; floral tributes like the one opposite the Delfin Azul in Puerto Alcúdia. Yet that particular accident, awful though it was, was not one associated with potentially lethal road conditions. Today in the “Diario de Mallorca” there is a feature on these floral tributes, one in particular being highlighted - that at the curve by Albufereta on the road between Alcúdia and Puerto Pollensa. As part of the report, it is pointed out that the speed limit is meant to be 70 around the curve (too fast in my opinion) whilst there is also a further warning of pedestrians. The tribute there is to a 17 year-old killed by a drunk driver when walking by the bridge of Albufereta. The reporter adds that in the time they were by the curve not one vehicle went past at 70 or less (I’m not sure how that was verified, but I can imagine it to be accurate).

Walking or driving, this is one of the worst local blackspots; indeed most of the road is a nightmare. Lack of lighting, the turns into the Club Pollentia, the additional hazards (yes hazards) of pedestrians and cyclists; I’ve mentioned all this before, but it’s worth repeating. There are two other really bad spots in the area - the turn into Cala San Vicente and the exit from the bypass at the back of Bellevue into the road between the horse roundabout and the main roundabout coming into Alcúdia. This is pretty frightening. Even with years of using this junction, one still approaches it with trepidation, the speed calmers having done little to allay such a feeling. That’s because the speed calmers are not on the road between the roundabouts. I am of the opinion that putting another roundabout in - at that junction - could be a benefit.

The thing is mostly everyone knows that these are blackspots, and yet little is done. As Diario de Mallorca ask, in respect of the non-observance of the 70 limit, what’s going on? What indeed? The answer is - nothing.


Turns out it was actually a tornado. Whatever.


QUIZ
Yesterday - Spirit from the outstanding “Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus”. Today’s title?

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