#warning: fatal traffic accident

[turtleations]

Pink Couldy Sky, Chapter 06 – Crossroads (Summarized) - Part 1

Note 1: This chapter is once again split into two parts, the second, longer one following tomorrow. Note 2: Whenever someone is talking about “America” here, they specifically mean the United States. Note 3: I have decided to put warnings about things like fatal accidents, illnesses, parental death etc. into the tags, so pay attention to that if there are things that can be expected to show up in an autobiography that you would rather avoid reading about.

Chapter 00 - 01 Chapter 02 Chapter 03 Chapter 04 Part 1, Part 2 Chapter 05

REM and hide felt the same way: The didn’t have the energy to assemble all new members. They also couldn’t image making a band other than SAVER TIGER. So, looking desolate, hide told REM, “I’m going to quit music and become a beauty artist in America.” REM, too, strongly felt like he should just go back to studying. And if he were to quit the band, he felt like he should quit music altogether.

Having reached this decision, he held a “retirement ceremony” in his apartment and cut off all of his waist-long rocker hair. Then he didn’t touch his guitar at all for an entire year.

Most of his guitars, his amps, he sold. The money he got for that disappeared into three or four days of binge drinking.

He didn’t listen to music either.

He had given up his dream. Threw away anything and everything. And now, he would become a dentist.

Later, REM would talk to the member who had left SAVER TIGER and led to the band’s break up. By then, ten years had passed since that day.

REM never knew it back then, but it turned out that apparently one of the reasons for that person leaving had been the fact that REM continued to go to university.

That member absolutely wanted to go major, and he needed everyone else to give it their all to reach that goal as soon as possible. And he didn’t think REM was doing that, as long as he was still enrolled in university.

Hide never said anything about REM continuing with his classes. And REM though that he was getting the same understanding from the other band members as well.

It was a pity he was not given the chance to convey this to the one who left, but REM shared the dream of going pro with SAVER TIGER and would have dropped out of university as soon as it came true.

In those days, hide often asked REM if he would quit his studies if they made it, and every time REM answered, “Of course!” From the moment REM joined SAVER TIGER, he had the feeling that, as long as he was with hide, they could do anything, make any dream a reality. But in the end that border was never crossed.

REM and that other band member talked openly about it all when they met again a very long time later. Now, REM thinks that for this guy, the choice was an unavoidable one. He cannot blame anyone for it, and does not plan on doing so.

His former band member chose the path that seemed best for him on the shortcut to success. To reach his goals, he did all he could. In that, he was no different from REM or hide.

They all walked down the path they chose for themselves, just unexpectedly in different directions. Who could blame a friend for something like that?

[Note: REM never identifies the band member in question, but by now it has been revealed that it was TETSU.]

Hide was with REM for every day of his binge drinking. Then, several days after the disbandment, Yoshiki from the band X invited him, telling him that he absolutely wanted hide to join them. At that time, X was a forceful band that was rather famous in the indies scene.

Hide and Yoshiki had met through the recording of the aforementioned omnibus album and hide had previously invited Yoshiki to SAVER TIGER at an afterparty.

Now, hide was very torn about that invitation. He meant to quit music! He didn’t dislike X, but it wasn’t the kind of music he wanted to do! But Yoshiki’s enthusiasm and sincerity eventually won him over.

Hide’s decision to join X hardened. There was only one condition that he had: He insisted on twin guitars.

Yoshiki readily agreed. When it came to the guitar, he left everything to hide, who then invited REM to join them, arguing that REM was the one he could harmonize with the best. With those words, he passionately tried to pull REM over. But REM had cut off his hair, returned to university, and given up on his music dreams. His last remaining guitar had been carelessly deposited in its case in a corner of his room, and he hadn’t touched it once since the dissolution.

Even so, his heart was swayed by hide’s invitation. But in the end, he stuck with his decision. The disbandment of SAVER TIGER had been a shock that had done a lot of damage.

REM could no longer invoke the feeling he had when first starting music. So, after some hesitation, he said, “I’m still becoming a dentist,” declining the invitation. Seeming heartbroken, hide ended the call.

After this hide found a fantastic partner called PATA and started to play a very active part in X. X quickly left the indies behind and not only went major but started to climb to the top.

Though he turned from SAVER TIGER’s leader into X’s guitarist, hide ran up the stairs towards his dreams in one big leap. Soon, he left Yokosuka and started living in an apartment in Tokyo. Since the disbandment, about one year had passed. In this time, REM also managed to get over the shock. He even started to sometimes engage with his guitar again.

In this time, hide sometimes called him on the phone. But while they gave each other updates on their recent lives and talked about music, REM couldn’t get into it like he had before.

“Ooh, hide really went pro! I’m glad! I’m jealous!” But even as he thought that, it was like that part of him was far away.

It was probably during this time that REM thought for the first time in his life that music wasn’t everything.

His instincts informed him that he no longer had the passion for music that he had a year ago. So now he put all of that passion into becoming a dentist.

Therefore, it often happened during their calls that REM only listened and left the talking to hide. Still, hide always seemed to enjoy calling him and ended with the worlds, “Next time I’m in Yokosuka, let’s go to Dobuita Street and drink until morning!”, laughing.

The other members of SAVER TIGER also joined other bands and stayed on the path of music. Kyo and TETSU went pro with a band called D’erlanger, Tokihiko joined a band called Dementia. One time, Dementia came to perform on Dobuita, and REM went to watch Tokihiko play for the first time in forever.

Tokihiko had changed his appearance a lot since his days in SAVER TIGER, and it was a refreshing sight to see him play progressive music in jeans and a t-shirt. He, too, had found his own way, REM thought, a little maudlin.

One time, when REM was visiting hide at his place in Tokyo, they also contacted Tokihiko. Until then, they had spoken on the phone a few times, but never made it to the point of having a drink together. This time, things came together and the three of them went out drinking together for the first time in a while.

They met at a place near Meguro Rokumeikan, Tokihiko coming in with his long, glossy, well-maintained jet-black hair. The three of them drank until morning without running out of stuff to talk about.

REM still vividly remembers what hide said to Tokihiko that day: “One day, I want to work with you again. I want you to play the bass on a song I wrote. Even though the music we want to do and our styles are different, I want to have your bass in my song.”

After thinking a little, Tokihiko replied. “I am not satisfied with the things I can do in today’s Japan. Therefore, I think I want to go to America. For that, I want to further raise my level as a musician. But I don’t know when I can go to America, because I have no money. As long as I am in Japan, I’ll be happy to work with you whenever you want. In any case, your words made me really happy!”

REM was deeply moved by those words. This was a Tokihiko who had grown a lot in both personality and music since the days of SAVER TIGER, when he had been young in many ways. He clearly formulated his goals and was able to communicate what he wanted to say.

Then, hide said passionately to REM and Tokihiko, “One day, I want to record with the members of SAVER TIGER! I really want to make an album with you!”

At his words, something hot welled up in REM, and doubtlessly in Tokihiko as well.

A peasant wind was blowing; it was a good night in May.

-

A few years later, in August 1995, when the swelteringly hot summer nights were going on and on, REM was on the other side of Lake Kawaguchiko at a camp of his university “Pops Club” when suddenly his cell phone rang. It was past midnight.

Tokihiko had died in a motorcycle accident. What REM learned from the band man from Yokosuka who called him was the following: In those days, Tokihiko has joined a team of bikers who often went on tours together. That time, they had come back from their tour without incident, separated in the early morning, and Tokihiko died in an accident on the way home.

REM was so stunned, he didn’t even feel sad. He called hide in L.A. and hide, too, didn’t know what to say. Between the two of them, they had no words.

REM soon ended the call because there were other friends from the music scene he wanted to inform. But when he reached them, they said, “I just heard it from hide-chan. I cannot believe it...”

Hide kept calling their acquaintances, including Yoko from UNITED, who was surprised to receive any call at all since he wasn’t even home, being in the middle of a tour. REM thinks that hide felt that was all he could do for Tokihiko at that time.

This is what REM thought when hide returned to Japan a little later and the two of them visited Tokihiko’s house, talking to their friend who smiled at them from the photo as if nothing had ever happened: That after that incident immediately after entering university, he once again got a harsh reminder of how fleeting a human life could be.

Summer turned into Autum. A memorial event for Tokihiko was held in a live house in Yokosuka called “Panama Red”, where the bands he’d been connected with gathered in his honor. Hide was at the studio that day, but even though he was in the middle of recording and kept saying that he had to rush, he was on the phone with REM for an hour, constantly asking who was on stage, who had come, what were they doing.

It was after midnight when hide finally managed to get away from the studio and made it to their meeting place. He came in, got all the tequila in the house for those assembled, and disappeared like a storm. It was a very hide-like way of expressing his grief.

Outside, the threes were covered in morning dew, the leaves on the ground scattered. The clear atmosphere made the darkness in the alleyways all the deeper. Far above the people drinking at “Panama Red”, an orange moon was silently drifting along its orbit. Another season was coming to an end.

Continued in part 2

[norrizzandpia]

I absolutely love your writing, I am obsessedd! Could you do a story where yn is in a car crash (or something along those lines), and then a scared Lando? And I would love you even more if yn doesn't immediately wake up or immediately is ok

Kissess

Is it mentally ill for me to love this trope?

What Died Didn’t Stay Dead (LN4)

Summary: Y/n’s close to fatal car crash and the epiphanies that followed.

Warnings: detailed depictions of a car crash, mentions of death, lots of angst, happy ending

Note: GUESS WHO’S BACK AND READY TO WRITE OVER THE SUMMER

There was a distant memory of Lando going ninety in a forty-five as Y/n drove his McLaren to work. Her hands on the wheel and mind elsewhere, she giggled to herself when the image of him pouting at a ticket and its astronomical price sat in the forefront of her mind.

“Could you, for one second, respond to what I’m saying?” The voice of her boss rang through the car’s speakers.

Y/n rolled her eyes. She hated this woman. “I am responding to you. I just have nothing more to say.”

The woman coughed on the other side of the phone, phlegm prominent in the sound, “What you need to generally understand here is that we, as a company and a branch, cannot have you dating someone with such a high profile. Especially when he continually goes against vehicle regulations and laws. We are a law firm, Y/n. One that helps clients who have been involved in car accidents. Lando Norris, Formula One Driver and known speeder, dating someone who handles cases such as ours.”

Y/n nodded to herself, “I get that, Ann. But, I don’t know what you want me to do? You can’t fire me due to my personal relationships and you can’t demand me to separate from him. This is an empty issue, which you have brought to my attention without a concise and cohesive solution. When you can figure out a way for me to continue to date my partner and keep my job as it is without this supposed issue, come to me. But, for right now, it sounds as though this is empty complaining.”

Ann scoffed, “Between me and you, Y/n, it would be in your best interest to part ways with Lando Norris.”

Speechless and shocked, Y/n’s eyes averted to the screen with Ann’s name and number presented. She couldn’t believe the suggestion, much less the blatant disregard for professionalism. With the massive distraction, she failed to see the aggressive driver approaching her right in the rear view mirror.

A sentence she began to speak fell short when the car attempted to move into her lane, one that had no more space to accommodate his large truck. He hit her front bumper with such force she spun out into oncoming traffic. With the rush hour and the lack of free area to miss an out of control car, the McLaren was smashed to pieces after being hit at every angle and every speed.

The shredded mound of parts smacked the shoulder of the road, ending its violent rampage. Ann stayed quiet on the other side of the call, having heard Y/n’s screams and the dwindling of them as crunching metal continued on.

“Y/n?” She whispered into the speaker, but there was no answer.

—

“Oscar! That’s not the way you do it!” Lando screeched, looking at the phone screen and the comments popping up in outrage over the way Oscar was trying to mold his car.

The Australian just scrunched his nose at Lando, “I do things the way I want to!”

Raging laughter from Lando met the ears of everyone watching the stream just as Oscar’s clay car fell apart moments after he uttered his rebuttal.

His pale hands came up in defense, “How was I supposed to know?!”

Lando just continued laughing, “‘I do things the way I want to!’ Dumbass.”

Oscar scoffed and the words formed on his lips just as the door burst open. Adam stood at the threshold, eyes red and phone clutched to his ear as he stared at his son.

“Lando.” He said, his voice breaking.

Maybe it was the tone or the fact the syllables couldn’t quite leave his mouth because of the sobs emitting from him. Lando thought it had to have been the look on his father’s face, the pain etched into his eyes and his soul, that told me what he needed to know.

HIs face dropped, remnants of laughter completely destroyed by the suggestion of Adam’s sorrow. Lando grabbed the jacket off the back of his chair and in a haze, he muttered, “Is she dead?”

Part of him wished Adam would’ve given him a definite answer. Part of him thought the answer yes would’ve been better than the I don’t know he was given.

I don’t know meant Y/n was almost there. I don’t know meant Y/n was fighting for her life and what everyone knew her to be. He hated the idea she was fighting for the existence of her memory and the achievements he knew she was bound to make in the future.

When they left the room, running to the car outside and waiting for them, Lando hated the idea that Y/n was fighting for the future they had always wished to share together. Marriage, kids, settling down, and going gray with her was almost completely out of his reach and that dread prompted the vomit that spewed from his mouth into his backpack as they rode to the hospital.

—

Lando’s phone blew up so much, he had to shut it off, so the silence he was forced to endure in the chair of the hospital’s waiting room was brought about unwillingly.

At that point, his nails had been bitten so far down, he was bleeding. Blood only spurred the picture of Y/n dosed in it as she was lifted from his wrecked car.

The insurance company and McLaren had both agreed it was very clearly not Y/n’s fault and they would cover the cost of his beloved, customized McLaren.

Beloved.

He thought it had been funny when one of the McLaren engineers had said that to him, promising his “beloved” car back to its original state. Funny because “beloved” didn’t describe how he felt about that car. He loved that car. It was everything to him. He remembered getting the car, feeling as though his life had changed completely for the better with the presence of this beauty in his life. He cherished it, he took care of it, that car would always hold a piece of his heart.

Then he realized that the sentimental thoughts he was having surrounding the car was just an allegory for Y/n.

He loved Y/n. She was everything to him. He remembered meeting her, feeling as though his life had changed completely for the better with the presence of her beauty in his life. He cherished her, he took care of her, she would always hold a piece of his heart.

Losing her was not an option. It never would be.

Please, to anyone out there, do not take her from me, he pleaded out to the emptiness of the universe. An empty universe that was trying to take his happiness from him. A cruel universe that was trying to strip the world of her impact.

Please was the only word on his mind when the doctor appeared from behind the swinging doors that led to the operation rooms. A tired look on his face was warranted for the hours of work he had just put into trying to save Y/n’s life.

He stopped in front of Adam and Lando, his tall frame making them stand up. On wobbling legs, Lando began to cry.

”Please tell me she’s going to be okay. You have no idea who she is, what she has done. Please, Y/n has gone and could continue to go so far. This cannot be it for her. She has so much left to do. Please, tell me-”

“Lando,” The doctor interrupted, his hand on his shoulder as a comfort, “Her injuries were extensive, but she pulled through. The recovery will be long and painful, but there’s no permanent damage. She’s incredibly lucky and one of the strongest people I have ever helped.”

A loud sigh of relief left Lando’s mouth, his body slinking down into the chair behind him. He held his head in his hands, his fingers clasped together as he said a silent prayer to a God he thought he didn’t believe in.

Thank you, he gave over and over in his mind.

—

“Do you think I could see her now?” Lando caught up with the doctor’s steps as he seemed to be rushing to another room.

The man stopped, turned to Lando, and then cocked his head. He stared at him for a moment with the wheels turning in his head.

A curt nod and smile had Lando rushing off to the room number he had made the nurse repeat back to him so many times just so he could memorize it for when the time was right.

Now was his time.

Pulling open the door, he stopped himself. He prepared himself for the battered and bruised Y/n he was bound to see. Lando’s mind flooded with vivid videos of her laughing, sleeping on his chest, looking at him like he had single-handedly given her the world and more. He wanted to remind himself of that Y/n, not the one he was about to see. She would always be the same to him and he knew she would come back to him, but, for the time being, he knew he would have to rely on the memories of her where she was truly electrictrified with life.

He finally stepped through and the sight of her in whatever comatose state they had put her in made his teary eyes leak.

His body fell into the chair by her bed, his hand coming to clutch hers. Her skin was cold when he brought it to his cheek, but the red tint to her cheeks was still there.

Her lungs falling up and down grabbed his attention, “Baby,” He breathed, “I love you.”

Silence responded and he continued, “When you wake up, I promise you I will not continue to make the cowardly decision of chickening out of asking you to marry me. I know you know I have the ring. That night when I came home to you elbow deep in my sock drawer was a dead giveaway. I know you know it’s taking me so long to gain the courage and I thank you for being patient, but I cannot go another waking moment with the idea floating around in my head that there is a possibility you will never share my last name. I need you to be a Norris if it is the last thing I do.”

Her body stayed in its place and her hand stayed still in his clutch, but he knew she was in there. She needed her rest, just as the nurses had explained to him and he agreed. The bruises on her face, the casts surrounding her body, he didn’t want her to wake up to this.

—

And she wouldn’t have to. When she woke up weeks later, the bruises had healed, the cuts had become skin once more, and the casts had dwindled down to one. Lando was there too when her eyes squinted open and she groaned out. Groggy and confused, Y/n’s face turned to Lando’s. The two met each other’s eyes and the rest was expected. The rushed words of gratitude, love, and adoration accompanied by Lando’s repeated statements for her to marry her were all seemingly written in the stars. Cliche, maybe, but the way they held each other in the soft sunlight of her hospital room, the now fiancées happened upon the thought that whatever was meant to happen was going to happen.

And they were meant to happen.

[halorvic]

The danger is clear and present: COVID isn’t merely a respiratory illness; it’s a multi-dimensional threat impacting brain function, attacking almost all of the body’s organs, producing elevated risks of all kinds, and weakening our ability to fight off other diseases. Reinfections are thought to produce cumulative risks, and Long COVID is on the rise. Unfortunately, Long COVID is now being considered a long-term chronic illness — something many people will never fully recover from. Dr. Phillip Alvelda, a former program manager in DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office that pioneered the synthetic biology industry and the development of mRNA vaccine technology, is the founder of Medio Labs, a COVID diagnostic testing company. He has stepped forward as a strong critic of government COVID management, accusing health agencies of inadequacy and even deception. Alvelda is pushing for accountability and immediate action to tackle Long COVID and fend off future pandemics with stronger public health strategies. Contrary to public belief, he warns, COVID is not like the flu. New variants evolve much faster, making annual shots inadequate. He believes that if things continue as they are, with new COVID variants emerging and reinfections happening rapidly, the majority of Americans may eventually grapple with some form of Long COVID. Let’s repeat that: At the current rate of infection, most Americans may get Long COVID.

[...]

LP: A recent JAMA study found that US adults with Long COVID are more prone to depression and anxiety – and they’re struggling to afford treatment. Given the virus’s impact on the brain, I guess the link to mental health issues isn’t surprising. PA: There are all kinds of weird things going on that could be related to COVID’s cognitive effects. I’ll give you an example. We’ve noticed since the start of the pandemic that accidents are increasing. A report published by TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit, found that traffic fatalities in California increased by 22% from 2019 to 2022. They also found the likelihood of being killed in a traffic crash increased by 28% over that period. Other data, like studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, came to similar conclusions, reporting that traffic fatalities hit a 16-year high across the country in 2021. The TRIP report also looked at traffic fatalities on a national level and found that traffic fatalities increased by 19%. LP: What role might COVID play? PA: Research points to the various ways COVID attacks the brain. Some people who have been infected have suffered motor control damage, and that could be a factor in car crashes. News is beginning to emerge about other ways COVID impacts driving. For example, in Ireland, a driver’s COVID-related brain fog was linked to a crash that killed an elderly couple. Damage from COVID could be affecting people who are flying our planes, too. We’ve had pilots that had to quit because they couldn’t control the airplanes anymore. We know that medical events among U.S. military pilots were shown to have risen over 1,700% from 2019 to 2022, which the Pentagon attributes to the virus.

[...]

LP: You’ve criticized the track record of the CDC and the WHO – particularly their stubborn denial that COVID is airborne. PA: They knew the dangers of airborne transmission but refused to admit it for too long. They were warned repeatedly by scientists who studied aerosols. They instituted protections for themselves and for their kids against airborne transmission, but they didn’t tell the rest of us to do that.

[...]

LP: How would you grade Biden on how he’s handled the pandemic? PA: I’d give him an F. In some ways, he fails worse than Trump because more people have actually died from COVID on his watch than on Trump’s, though blame has to be shared with Republican governors and legislators who picked ideological fights opposing things like responsible masking, testing, vaccination, and ventilation improvements for partisan reasons. Biden’s administration has continued to promote the false idea that the vaccine is all that is needed, perpetuating the notion that the pandemic is over and you don’t need to do anything about it. Biden stopped the funding for surveillance and he stopped the funding for renewing vaccine advancement research. Trump allowed 400,000 people to die unnecessarily. The Biden administration policies have allowed more than 800,000 to 900,000 and counting.

[...]

LP: The situation with bird flu is certainly getting more concerning with the CDC confirming that a third person in the U.S. has tested positive after being exposed to infected cows. PA: Unfortunately, we’re repeating many of the same mistakes because we now know that the bird flu has made the jump to several species. The most important one now, of course, is the dairy cows. The dairy farmers have been refusing to let the government come in and inspect and test the cows. A team from Ohio State tested milk from a supermarket and found that 50% of the milk they tested was positive for bird flu viral particles.

[...]

PA: There’s a serious risk now in allowing the virus to freely evolve within the cow population. Each cow acts as a breeding ground for countless genetic mutations, potentially leading to strains capable of jumping to other species. If any of those countless genetic experiments within each cow prove successful in developing a strain transmissible to humans, we could face another pandemic – only this one could have a 58% death rate. Did you see the movie “Contagion?” It was remarkably accurate in its apocalyptic nature. And that virus only had a 20% death rate. If the bird flu makes the jump to human-to-human transition with even half of its current lethality, that would be disastrous.

[flowerandblood]

The Knight & The Judge

[ modern Frollo • Aemond x Esmeralda • female ]

[ warnings: dubcon, sex content, smut, angst, domination and humiliation kink, description of physical and mental disabilities, prejudices against disabled people, aggressive behavior, violence, swearing, trauma, mention of an accident with fatalities ]

[ description: After a car accident, his brother has to deal with the consequences of what happened, and he, as his protector, does not know how to help him. His sister comes up with the idea of hiring someone as his carer who will be able to cheer him up and occupy his mind. It turns out, however, that the girl he hired charmed not only his younger brother. Obsession, self-destructive behavior, verbal and physical aggression, sexual tension, dark, malicious Aemond. ]

Author's note: This story is a request, but I decided to freely use what I liked in the book and Disney film to create a new, disturbing story taking place in modern times. It is intended to be uncomfortable and will contain scenes that are at least morally questionable, in my version "Esmeralda" is not Romanian. This story will also include motifs from Jane Eyre, which was a separate request. My story will also touch on the problems of people with disabilities, so if these are sensitive topics for you, I advise against reading further. You have been warned.

Part 2 − The Sin & The Penance Part 3 − The Doubt & The Delight Epilogue

Main Characters Moodboard Aemond NSFW Alphabet

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Next chapters: Masterlist

_____

On that day it seemed to him that the whole world had turned against him. His coffee machine had broken down, there was more traffic than usual on the roads, he was sure he would be late for work, and his brother had woken up in a mood worse than always and cried all the way to the centre.

"I don't want to go there. I-I'm scared of some of those kids." He muttered under his breath, swallowing loudly, whooping with tears. He looked at him in the mirror, feeling a squeeze in his throat every morning when he left him there, but saw no other alternative.

He still hadn't recovered mentally after what had happened five years ago and, according to his psychiatrist, he wasn't ready to attend a normal school until he gained more confidence.

He did not want to force him to listen to unpleasant comments, however, he felt uncomfortable himself.

The centre was huge, classes were taught in different groups of matched children, however, there were times when Daeron encountered kids with a spectrum of disabilities other than physical and was simply afraid of them.

He tried to explain it to him, but how was a child supposed to understand these complicated, sometimes even uncontrollable behaviours and screams?

He swallowed hard, leaning the back of his head against the backrest, turning on the right indicator with his hand, driving into the car park of the building where he would leave him for the time he spent at work, during which he studied and had various extra classes with children with problems similar to his.

However, was he to surround himself all his life only with children who had mobility problems, who had no arms or legs, who suffered from paresis or lack of feeling in their limbs?

Every time he thought about it he wanted to cry.

He turned off the engine, staring dully ahead, hearing his mother's screams again in the background of his mind as his father fainted behind the wheel and drove off the road into the other lane – he felt once again that hard crash with the big truck coming from the opposite direction that crushed them.

They were only alive because they were in the back seats at the time, Daeron, however, was not as lucky as he was.

Compared to what happened to his younger brother, the glass that smashed into the left side of his face was nothing.

"Mrs Thomson said you can't spend all day at home doing one-to-one tuition. You have to see other children." He calmly repeated the formula he said whenever such a situation arose, opening his door, heading for the boot of his big black SUV – the car dealership had told him it was the safest and biggest model they had.

He took out the small wheelchair that had been put together and unfolded it, driving it closer, to the back seat where his brother sat, opening it – he looked away, unable to watch his brother's weeping face.

"I'm already late for work. Please. I promise we'll play FIFA' 23 together when we get back. Hm?" He muttered, and Daeron nodded, pale, breathing loudly, using his hands to move slowly towards the wheelchair onto which he shifted the weight of his body, hissing loudly as he lifted his legs onto the special supports.

The bones of his little legs had been simply crushed then – he continued to grow, the rehabilitation was hard and caused him great pain.

He would have preferred it to be him who suffered like this and not an innocent child, but God, who he wasn't sure he still believed in despite the deep faith his mother had always instilled in him, decided otherwise.

He closed the car and moved with him to the main entrance, pushing his wheelchair forward. When they got inside they were greeted by a lady they knew very well, several of his friends waved to Daeron, one of them was paralysed from the waist down, the other was missing one arm.

He swallowed loudly, thinking that his brother had to watch someone else's misfortune every day, himself for sure feeling like a cripple, like someone defective, someone who was a burden, even though he loved him the most in the world.

The cruelty of the situation left him with a clenched throat, so he would usually only throw him a few words to say goodbye, stroke his head and leave, only by the car tightening his fingers on the base of his nose, his healthy eye burning from the moisture that gathered under his eyelids.

As he always did in moments of breakdown, he started the engine, selected the number of his sister phone on the display under his dashboard and, turning on loudspeaker mode, started backing his car as he tried to drive out of the car park and drove ahead towards the national prosecutor's office.

"Hello? Aemond, did something happen?"

He heard Helaena's soft, sleepy voice. He knew she was still doing overtime as a doctor, overworking herself as much as he was and thought that he had woken her up after the night shift.

He felt remorse for not being able to handle it himself, although she always reassured him that she would always help him as best she could.

She got Daeron the best possible physiotherapist so that he was even able to take a few steps in the last month while holding on to his supports, however it still caused him great pain, the doctors said his bones would continue to hurt as long as he grew.

Perpetual undeserved suffering.

"I don't know what to do anymore. He says he is afraid of some of the children, those with intellectual disabilities. I know it's cruel, but fuck, I'd be scared of some of them too. Do they have to see each other in the same building, pass each other in the corridor? Shouldn't they be separated somehow?"

"God, Aemond, they're not animals. After all, they're children too." She said with sadness and resentment – he clenched his eye, sighing impatiently, trying to focus on the road again, tense.

"I know. I know. I really feel for them, but it's bad for his psyche. He recently asked me if he was normal, if he too would start shouting and babbling like them. That sometimes they are aggressive and the carers have to drag them away from him and his friends."

"It's horrible. Maybe he really should go there less often?" She asked sighing quietly, he heard her rise up on the bed with a quiet creak of the mattress.

"And what, he's going to sit at home with some boring old teacher? How will I know that no harm comes to him in my absence?" He asked resignedly, hearing silence on the other side for some time.

"Maybe find someone who won't be very distant in age. Someone who won't just teach him, but play with him and spend time with him. Someone old enough to be responsible for him and at the same time young enough not to feel so distant. Someone joyful." She replied, and he rolled his eyes as he drove into the underground car park of his office building.

"Joyful? I am supposed to pay someone to be joyful?" He sneered, shaking his head, his sister sighed again.

"He needs it, Aemond. We're all tired, and he's a child."

He hung up after a few minutes of further discussion, telling her he had to go, grabbed the case folders he'd just brought in and headed for the underground lift. He pressed the button showing the floor he wanted to move to when a woman's hand stopped the sliding doors, which opened a moment later.

Alys smiled broadly at him as she stepped inside with a confident stride – her high black heels emphasised how slender and long her legs were, her fitted, waist high pencil trousers and black blazer with a beautiful white shirt underneath highlighted both her confidence and her attractiveness.

He remembered the last few times the thrusts of his hips had pushed her into her desk, bent over and helpless, with firm, wide buttocks on which he tightened his fingers as he panted heavily, watching what he was doing to her, rooting into her again and again, thinking with mockery and amusement how easy it was to make a mere whore out of such a proud woman.

"Good morning, Mr Prosecutor." She said softly, contentment and calmness on her face, several of their intense close-ups had clearly left an intense mark in her, not just physical.

She liked the violent and determined ones, he knew that – she hid her age well and apparently decided that this was the last moment in her life when she could reach for what she wanted.

"Good morning, Miss Rivers." He replied calmly, uninterested in her ambiguous look, apparently suggesting that she wouldn't mind if what happened between them was repeated a few more times.

He was all about the sex. He was frustrated in this aspect – his artificial eye, although perfectly colour-matched to the other and the still clearly visible scar from where the glass pierced in, were a source of his complexes and shame.

He knew that no matter how perfect a professional he was, it was his appearance that made the first impression.

In the courtroom he still struggled to be taken seriously so much so that his cold, calculating, ruthless nature began to frighten some – his judgement and questioning was harsh and lacking in compassion.

He knew exactly what he wanted and strove to get it.

He preferred them to fear him rather than pity him.

His superiors quickly appreciated how skilful a lawyer he was and his ability to bring cases to an end and push whoever he needed to, hence he quickly moved to the National Prosecutor's Office, where more responsibilities and more money awaited him, which he could spend on Daeron's rehabilitation.

As he sat over the files he thought hard about what his sister had told him and decided that he would install CCTV in the house and then hire someone on a trial basis to see if it made sense.

He put up an anonymous job ad not wanting anyone to recognise him, described briefly his broad expectations and his rate per hour.

It turned out that dozens of people responded to his ad, just as he suspected attracted by the sum he had quoted, but he didn't know how he was supposed to sort them to choose the ones that seemed best to him. He began to read their answers, figuring that already from them he could deduce what types of personalities they were.

I am interested. My phone number is below.

Reject, he thought, clicking the red button informing the message sender that his offer was not accepted, and began to scroll further.

I am a carer with 10 years of experience. I have already cared for 14-year-old Mike with cerebral palsy, Adam with….

Reject, he clicked again.

He had no intention of making his home a second centre for the disabled.

He felt frustration and rage when he found that most of the messages were similar and just as empty in their tone, nothing convinced him about these people.

He knew Daeron wouldn't want to stay with them, and neither would he.

He stopped at one of the messages that looked completely different and blinked.

Good morning! I saw your ad and thought I would speak up. I'm a student, I'm studying costume design at the Faculty of Fine Arts. I'm looking for a casual job and I really enjoy working with children, I teach dressmaking as part of the teaching section of my university classes. I think that helping your brother with his studies at primary school level would be no problem for me at all, and I would also be happy to come up with different extra-curricular activities with him. Even if you decide not to hire me, I would like to sew your brother a costume of his favourite super hero, without any payment of course. You would just have to give me his measurements. I don't think anything makes kids his age happier!!! My warmest regards and I am sending my email below.

He looked at her message not too sure how he felt, at the same time being impressed, on the other hand feeling the seed of uncertainty and extreme caution characteristic of him when it came to his approach to newly met people.

What if this was a psychological tactic to make him believe her to be innocent and unselfish? To make him subconsciously choose her because she was the only one offering him something for free? If it was just her free promotion?

He chose two people reluctantly, but kept coming back to her message, trying to imagine her, seeing some crazy painting student looking like a hippie.

Maybe this was just what he needed? He thought with regret and sighed heavily, opening a new window in his inbox, writing her a short, brief email to appear at their house in a few days' time.

He was going to interrogate her.

The young man before her immediately made him uneasy – he had the impression that he smelled weed from him even though he had taken a shower, so he must have been smoking like crazy, and he had no intention of letting anyone who might encourage him to use any stimulants look after his brother.

The other girl was very frightened – his questions clearly startled her and made her uncomfortable, it frustrated him that she was barely able to make a sound. He thought she had something to hide, that people who have a clear conscience don't behave this way.

He thought with resignation that all he had left was a mad artist.

He sighed heavily as he heard the bell ring suggesting that someone was standing outside the gate. He walked over to the intercom and opened it, seeing in the small monitor a petite girl with dark, slightly wavy hair tied up in a ponytail.

He thought in disbelief that she was dressed for a job interview in a white turtleneck, dungarees and trainers, a fabric floral back on her back.

What the fuck, he thought, opening her door with a cold, indifferent expression on his face.

"Good afternoon." She said softly, a wide smile on her face. Before she walked in she wiped her shoes on the doormat, which pleased him. When she came inside she wanted to take off her trainers – he looked at her surprised, thinking she must be crazy.

"No, you don't have to. You can stay in your shoes." He said lowly, pointing towards the armchair, indicating to her with his hand the seat on the couch next to him.

She sat down in the seat he showed her, looking boldly straight into his eyes, her cheeks rosy with emotion.

She was clearly a tad nervous after all, he thought, musing for a moment that she had incredibly long, dark eyelashes.

"Do you have experience in working with children?" He asked immediately; she blinked and corrected herself in her seat, as if prepared for the question.

"Only in terms of working with them in sewing workshops." She answered simply, without any further explanation, which pleased him.

She was letting him draw his own conclusions, rather than imposing them on him so as to present herself in the most favourable light.

"My brother has mobility problems. How do you imagine helping him, for example, if he needs to go to the bathroom?"

"I think he's old enough that he can tell me himself what he'll need help with and what he won't, and what he'll feel comfortable for me to help him with and when he'll want me to leave." She said without thinking, shrugging her shoulders as if it was obvious. He squinted, intrigued that she was allowing herself to say unthoughtful things in front of him, as if she wasn't afraid of the consequences they might bring.

"And your studies? How will you have so much time to come here?"

"From what I understand, I would be expected to turn up on Tuesdays and Thursdays from eight in the morning until sixteen. I have practice classes then, the costumes I'm sewing I can bring with me and finish them while he's eating or watching something, maybe he'll even like it and want to practice with me?"

"What will you do if I don't hire you?" He asked dryly and she looked at him surprised, a light smile on her face indicating that his words didn't worry her.

"Then I will continue to work in the café. But my words about the superhero costume stand. Even if I can't work for you, sir, I would like to meet him and give him something. Children can be so brave." She said softly with sincere, bright joy and some kind of pride, as if Daeron was her brother and not his, something in her innocence, something in her attitude endeared him.

He could smell a lie a mile away, she wouldn't be able to pretend so well even if she were an actress.

These reactions were natural, she was saying exactly what she was thinking about.

"I will contact you once I have made my decision." He said indifferently, getting up from his seat and pointing with his hand towards the exit, suggesting that their conversation was over.

She stood up and smiled, undaunted by his behaviour or the length of their conversation. Both of them flinched when Daeron appeared in the living room, pushing the wheels of his wheelchair with a light flick of his hand.

"Good afternoon. Who is this lady?" His younger brother asked him, obvious curiosity on his face. He swallowed loudly and glanced at her – she answered nothing but waved at him vigorously, Daeron smiled shyly and waved her back, embarrassed.

"No one. I needed to talk to her." He replied, opening the door for her. She said a polite goodbye to him and his brother, waving at him once more, Daeron waved her back again, looking at him with questioning eyes as he closed it.

"I like her. She seems fun."

With no other choice, he decided he would give her a chance.

The first day she was to be left alone with Daeron he was all nerves despite the fact that his little brother hadn't seemed this excited to him in many years. He told him about his toys and the cartoons he was going to show her.

"First the lessons. Then two hours to play and free time." He replied dryly, tense, glancing at his watch, thinking with rage that she only had fifteen minutes left, that she was sure to be late or not come and leave him in the lurch when he had already cancelled his presence at the centre's classes.

They both flinched when they heard the bell ring; Daeron said, moving briskly forward in his wheelchair that he wanted to open for her and indeed, after a moment the girl he had hired appeared on the doorstep of their house, smiling and content – her cheeks flushed again, her dark hair loose, pleasantly framing her bright face, on her body only a black top and tracksuit shorts as it was a sunny, warm spring morning.

"Good morning, Daeron, nice to meet you!" She said with fondness and satisfaction in her voice, extending her hand in front of her, which his brother shook confidently. Daeron moved ahead of her, glancing over his shoulder at her.

"Come, I'll show you my room. I'll explain everything to you." He said, rolling his wheelchair up to the door, which was located on the ground floor of their house so that he could move around easily. The girl nodded, pulling her trainers off her feet, saying that she will come to him in a minute.

He took the opportunity to walk up to her, towering over her, and she threw him a quick surprised look.

He thought her eyes seemed even bigger than before, he wasn't sure if they were blue or green, both colours blending into one.

"You are to take care of him. I want you to go through all the material that was prepared for today. Only two hours of free time, no more. Behave responsibly and only call if it's really urgent or if something happens to him." He said matter-of-factly, and she swallowed quietly, nodding quickly, clearly horrified by how close he stood and how cold his voice was.

Good, he thought.

He wanted her to be afraid of the consequences of her actions.

He sat in the office all day terrified, stressed and unsure, trying to focus on the file in front of him, while involuntarily still glancing at his phone, checking to see if she might have called him.

Was everything okay? What if something had happened but she was afraid to call him? Maybe he should go home and test her, see what was going on?

He thought he would go mad if he didn't, so he left work an hour early – Alys threw something at him as he walked past her, probably something about a meeting or an evening out together, but he didn't answer her, heading for the stairs and the underground car park.

He drove forward, trying to calm himself down, thinking about how oversensitive he was, that surely everything was fine.

He pulled up in front of their house hearing music in the distance, wondering if any of the neighbours were having a party outside at this hour.

However, as he pressed the key to the gate and it slowly swung open he saw in disbelief the girl he had hired riding with lightness and grace on roller skates in his driveway to the tune of the Scissor Sisters song Don't Feel Like Dancin. Daeron laughed out loud, spinning beside her in his wheelchair, both of them wearing elbow and knee pads, in addition to his little brother wearing a bike helmet on his head.

What the fuck was that supposed to be?

He got out of the car, furiously slamming the door, his brother wheeled up to him briskly, his companion spinning slowly around them on roller skates – she raised her eyebrows with a smile, seeing the look on his face and waved at him.

"Look how well I dance, brother!" Exclaimed Daeron, spinning the wheels of his wheelchair around his own axis again.

He, however, instead of looking at him grabbed aggressively the arm of his carer who was doing another spin – she nearly fell over because of his tug and caught him abruptly by his jacket in an attempt to catch her balance.

"Ah!"

"What the fuck are you doing? Is this what I pay you for?" He growled and shook her hard. She stared at him with wide-open eyes, her lips slightly parted in accelerated breathing from fear, her face red from exertion, strands of her hair stuck to her cheeks.

"Let me go, sir. I will not speak to you like this." She said warningly, her brow furrowed. He pressed his lips together noticing that something had changed in her gaze, suddenly confident and angry, ready to fight if necessary.

He felt that look in his trousers, he'd never had the urge to slap a woman's ass as hard as hers before.

He glanced at his brother, who was looking at him in horror, only realising after a moment that the song had long since ended and there was a tense, awkward silence around them.

He let go of her arm, seeing with satisfaction that he had left a bruise on her skin in the shape of his fingers – she massaged at the spot, furrowing her brow.

"You're fired. You're irresponsible. Good thing I came back earlier." He said with mockery and fury, walking over to his brother, unbuckling the helmet he wore on his head. Daeron burst into a loud, uncontrollable sob.

"I don't want to. I don't want to, I don't want to go back there, I want to stay with her. It's my fault, I told her I wanted to dance, please, please, please, I want her to stay, I don't want to go back there." He babbled, running his hands over his shoulders in some helpless, childish pleading gesture from which he felt a squeeze in his throat. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, her gaze fixed on his little brother, sad and resigned – she was leaning over, untying the laces of the roller skates that had once belonged to his sister.

"Something could have happened to you. You could have fallen over and hit your head on the ground." He replied coldly, kneeling in front of him, unbuckling his knee pads.

"But I had a helmet on my head. After all, normal boys fall off bikes and stairs and they're fine! Nothing would have happened if I'd bruised myself a bit, I'm not made of glass!" He burst out suddenly with a fury he had never seen in him before, burying his little face in his hands, all red from tears and despair.

"I won't go back there, I won't go there tomorrow, if she doesn't stay, never, never again, I'd rather kill myself!" He whined out loud, falling into another attack of hysteria in recent months – he had trouble catching his breath, his lungs were wheezing all over. He took his face in his hands, but he closed his eyes, not wanting to look at him.

God, why?

"Remember what I told you?" She asked walking up to his brother in just her socks, kneeling beside him, grasping his hand. Daeron immediately fell silent, looking at her with wide eyes.

"That boy who calls you Quasimodo is just mean. You are my Phoebus, you have his beautiful hair, humour and valour. I'll sew us costumes and we'll go to the carnival ball together. His jaw will drop when he sees that you came with your Esmeralda. What do you say?" She asked softly, and he looked at her in disbelief, wondering if that was the reason his little brother didn't want to go there.

That boy who calls you Quasimodo.

He felt a twitch in his throat and swallowed loudly, his brother nodding quickly, drawing in air loudly, his eyes full of hope.

"Promise?" He asked in a trembling voice, and she smiled broadly, sincerely, squeezing his small hand.

"Promise."

They entered their house as his brother calmed down; he told Daeron to go to his room and leave them alone, which his brother eventually did with great reluctance, crying for a while longer, not wanting to say goodbye to her.

As soon as he heard the door close behind him at the end of the corridor he slipped his wallet out of the back pocket of his trousers, took out a few banknotes and threw them on the table in front of her in a careless gesture.

"Get the fuck out of my house." He said coldly, looking her straight in the eye. He saw her lower lip twitch, the pain of humiliation in her gaze, her eyebrows arched in disbelief that such words had left his mouth.

He wasn't paying her to make a circus of herself dancing like some fucking Esmeralda, exposing his brother to danger and injury.

He pressed his lips into a thin line and trembled with rage as she took the money and tossed it in his direction, the banknotes flying scattered around his feet.

"You could dress up as Frollo for the carnival ball, sir. It would suit you." She said drily, turning away tensely – he moved behind her, feeling anger buzzing strongly in his veins at her words.

He grabbed her by the neck with an aggressive flick of his hand and slammed her back against the wall, her voice stuck in her throat in horror, her big, bright eyes open wide in disbelief.

He took a step closer to her, feeling her warm body quiver all over in his grasp, digging his fingertips deeper into her skin, finding with delight that she was obscenely soft.

"Do you have anything else to say?" He asked in a low whisper filled with threat – she shook her head quickly clearly feeling the situation was out of her control, obviously fearing if he was really going to do something to her.

"No, are you sure? I'm listening to you. Tell me something else interesting about me." He said softly, encouragingly, moving even closer to her, the tips of their noses almost touching.

He could finally get a good look at her and he found curiously that he still couldn't tell what colour her eyes were, now slightly reddened from tears of fear.

She shook her head quickly, not making a sound; all he could hear was their quickened, raspy breaths, her hand touched his wrist as if she wanted to make sure he didn't strangle her.

He was somehow delighted by how delicate, long and slender her fingers were, feeling a pleasant pulsing in his trousers at the thought.

"Look at you. So silly. Because you're a silly little girl, aren't you? You would benefit from someone teaching you a lesson. No? Then apologise and I'll let you go and pretend I never met you." He said calmly, her whole body quivering with terror.

"Never." She said quietly, and he felt involuntarily that his lips curved in a dangerous, satisfied grin, his fingers clenching tighter around her neck.

"You're asking for trouble, Esmeralda." He muttered lowly, her nostrils twitching in accelerated breath.

"I will report what you are doing to the police." She said dryly and he smiled even wider, feeling her tremble all over as he leaned over her ear, his nose sinking into her soft, flower-scented hair – he closed his eyes and savoured the experience for a moment before whispering something she froze from.

"I am a prosecutor −"

Her hand clenched tighter on his wrist, a moan of despair escaping her lips, as if what he had said had really shocked her, as if she was only now realising what she had gotten herself into.

"− and I've never lost a case yet." He whispered in her ear, sliding his face lower, to her jaw and then to her neck, pressing his full lips to her skin, leaving wet, hot marks on it. He heard her draw in a loud breath.

"− w-what are you doing, sir? − no −" She whimpered, he felt her lift her arms up in a defensive gesture, trying to pull away from him, but he pressed her against the wall with his body, letting go of her neck, his erection throbbing hard in his trousers, pressing again and again against her stomach.

She felt it, a terrified cry escaped her lips as his lips pressed tightly against her neck – he began to suck painfully hard on her skin, wanting to leave her a crimson reminder of himself.

"− how did you put it? − who do I remind you of? −" He asked tauntingly, running his rough tongue over her red skin, feeling the veins pulsing rapidly under her soft, warm skin.

"− I'm sorry − I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry − please, please let me go −" She mumbled out in despair on the verge of crying, her voice trembling all over in terror, her breathing raspy and uneven, her small hands clenched on the material of his black turtleneck that he wore under his jacket.

He gasped at her words, sliding his mouth lower, repeating the same process, rubbing against her with his hips – his cock was all swollen and hard, pulsing with pleasure, his hands roaming down her back, sliding at last to her buttocks where they clenched.

"− look at you − so you can be polite after all, hm? −" He asked softly, lowering the material of her tracksuit shorts a little, his large hand grasping her plump, firm buttocks and slapping it hard – she clamped her lips together, trying to hold back the whimper that squeezed its way down her throat.

"− that's what I thought − turn around and let's get this over with −" He murmured, soothingly massaging the place that was now pulsing from his slap, grinning as she did so wordlessly, tears of helplessness and fear on her cheeks.

"− please −" She muttered and he sighed softly, sliding the material of her shorts and underwear down, revealing what was underneath – she shuddered and wept quietly as the tips of his fingers ran over her swollen folds, focusing their pressure on her sweet spot hidden between them, digging into her fleshy skin in circular, calm motions.

"− shhh − this way it will be easier for both of us −" He explained in a soft tone of voice, as if he was telling her something obvious, as if it would benefit her in the future and teach her something.

He heard her shy moan full of fear, then another, a tad louder as his fingers sank more firmly into her skin. He licked his lips at the sight of the wetness that began to leak slowly from inside her and slapped his hand with a short, rough movement into the space between her thighs.

"− quiet −" He ordered, and she pressed her lips together, stifling whatever wanted to come out of them. Daeron was far away, locked in his room, but he still preferred him not to hear anything, and he didn't have the time or desire to take her upstairs to his bedroom.

This situation, her bent figure and her lovely buttocks pushed up towards him, suited him completely.

"− good girl − see? − it's not that hard −" He murmured pleased with how obedient she was despite the fear and terror from which her whole body was twitching. The confident movements of his fingers were accompanied by the louder and louder click of her moisture, her cheek pressed against the cold wall where her hands were helplessly trying to find support in this position, her eyes closed as if she just wanted to wait it out.

She opened them when she heard the sound of his zipper being opened – her lips pressed together with difficulty as he guided the fat, swollen head of his throbbing cock against her opening, leaning with his free hand against the wall just above her head, trying to force it between her tight folds with the motion of his hips.

"− wider − that's it, there you go −" He exhaled as she opened her thighs a little more and he spread her wide on his cock, feeling her muscles gave him a wonderful squeeze – he sighed loudly, surprised at how pleasurable the sensation was.

"− fuck −" He hissed out, clamping his hands on her buttocks, spreading them like a ripe fruit; she squirmed in discomfort as he forced her to take him deeper inside her, filling her so much that he felt like he was going to rip her skin apart.

"− barely fits −" He scoffed, moving his hips back and forth with a splat of her moisture dripping down her thighs – he heard her begin to pant along with him as he deliberately rubbed against her lower wall just above her very entrance, teasing the spot inside her from which her whole body was quivering.

"− here? − do you want me to fuck you here, little one? −" He gasped as he stretched her skin enough to fit all of him inside her, rooting into her again and again with increasingly brutal thrusts of his hips, digging his fingertips into her buttocks, looking at the spot where their bodies joined, at her muscles clenching against him greedily in panic, sucking him inside.

"− please −" She cried out, squeezing her eyes shut, her lips parted in disbelief at how pleasurable and terrifying the experience was. He sank his hand into her soft, dark hair and tilted her head back, burying his nose in the hot skin of her cheek, speeding up, stretching her weeping folds with a loud, lewd slaps of his thighs against her buttocks.

"− use full sentences −" He commanded, his other hand from her hip slid down between her thighs – she squirmed helplessly as his fingers sank again into her fleshy skin, sticky from her moisture, teasing her clit with circular, slow motions.

"− here − fuck me here, sir −" She mumbled with difficulty in a voice trembling with exertion, her cheeks all red, the beautiful curls of her dark hair clinging to her sweaty face – he felt with satisfaction that her hips began to respond to his eager thrusts.

"− good girl − that's my good girl −" He breathed out with a quiet groan of pleasure, seeing and feeling her walls squeeze his fat cock at his praise – he licked his lips thinking that Alys had never responded to him the way she did, so frightened and aroused at the same time, relying only on his mercy, his goodwill.

"− you understand that this is necessary, don't you? − that you need to be taught a lesson −" He muttered, feeling that he was losing his temper, thrusting into her so fast that he was barely slipping out of her, slamming into her again and again, his cock throbbing with desire, signalling to him that his peak was coming, her wonderful scent filling his lungs.

"− y-yes − yes, I'm sorry −" She mumbled out –he wasn't sure if she was saying what he wanted to hear or if she really believed it herself for a second, but she clamped her eyelids shut and spread her mouth wide, helpless, girlish, sweet moan of relief burst from her throat as she came, sucking and squeezing his cock, soaking it in her moisture. He sighed in relief when, after a few desperate, deep slaps he spilled inside her, feeling the wave of hot pleasure shake his body.

"− fuck − oh, God, little one −" He muttered, their bodies involuntarily moving for a moment longer, wanting to prolong this surprisingly shocking experience, both of them panting embarrassingly loudly, her body trembling all over – if his arm hadn't been holding her around the waist she would have fallen for sure, her legs completely numb.

He looked down at their joined bodies, his half-hard, throbbing manhood sinking into her again and again, all sticky from his semen and her wetness.

He swallowed loudly, sliding out of her slowly, realising now what he had actually done to her – he heard her quiet hiss of discomfort and sigh of relief, her face flushed from exertion and tears.

"− are you all right? −" He asked in a trembling voice, quickly zipping up his trousers, her shaking hands slipping her underwear and shorts back onto her buttocks.

"− y-yes −" She mumbled in embarrassment, horror and disbelief, not looking at him, in some automatic gesture reaching for her trainers, putting them quickly on her feet.

"Come back on Thursday as we agreed before." He muttered, feeling the rapid pounding of his heart and the panic rising inside him, a complete void in his mind.

What had he done?

"I can assure you that you will never see me again." She whispered in a trembling, broken voice, quickly put her backpack on her back and walked out, slamming the door, leaving him with complete silence, remorse and horror.

He pressed his forehead against the wall, hiding his face in his hands, and burst into tears like a small child.

How could he treat a strange, innocent girl like this?

What if she didn't take her pills, what if she got pregnant?

How could he have been so irresponsible?

What if she really does report it to the police?

I'll destroy her, he thought with a bitter certainty that, after a moment, turned again into terror, regret and shame.

He grabbed his phone quickly and dialled her number, wanting to beg her forgiveness, but she didn't answer. He sat down on the couch and drew in the air loudly, devastated, not recognising himself, realising what kind of man he was.

He laughed desperately, shaking his head, thinking with painful amusement how well she had judged him.

He didn't even have to pretend.

He was like Frollo.

_____

Author's note: Many of you may believe that Quasimodo is the best and most worthy of imitation character, not Phoebus, and this is true when it comes to the book, but I assume that if anything, Daeron at this age has only seen a Disney fairy tale, in which Phoebus is a handsome man with a noble heart. The whole idea of this scene, in which the heroine says that he will be her Phoebus and she will be his Esmeralda, is that Daeron wants to see himself not only as a person with a disability, but as someone handsome, a warrior that a woman could love one day. It's easy to understand how children's minds work and why his works this way, and his "Esmeralda" only wants to help him become the person he wants to be and encourages him not to give up on these dreams and this self-image.

_____

Aemond Taglist:

(bold means I couldn't tag you)

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[baki-tiene-un-simp]

Hey Hey hey! Yujiro, Jack, Baki and Hanayama, BUT. . . They are traditional Onis from the Japanese folklore 👀

En lo profundo de la montaña / Deep in the mountain.

~Palabras / Words~ 1k

It is often whispered that in the high mountains of Japan there are monstrous creatures, mischievous entities that enjoy tormenting people who are unlucky enough to get lost on mountain trails. Demons similar to enormous beasts with fangs like daggers, mountains for muscles and horns majestic like a crown, but terrifying like enormous spears.

It may sound like a legend invented to keep people away from the mountains, to prevent hikers from getting lost or having fatal accidents, but there is simply something that can disturb you about the religiosity with which this legend is maintained; as if it were not a story, if not, a warning.

They warned you a lot, all those kind old people who seemed so concerned when you expressed that your destiny was in the mountains. The worried look on their faces made you endeared, but it was also disturbing how they believed, so fervently, that if you weren't careful you would end up running into those terrifying creatures. However, you couldn't turn back now. Your grandfather, a self-proclaimed hermit in his eighties, lived at the top of the mountain, and it was your responsibility as the eldest grandson/granddaughter to take care of his health now that your father is gone, as well as supplying him with provisions for up to a month.

You belong to a very close-knit and somewhat traditional family, you couldn't even think of turning your back on your grandfather, even if he wants that. Your father went up the mountain every month, cleaned your grandfather's house, showed him respect and came back down, every month without fail. Now it was your turn.

You carried the provisions on your back, duly packed and sealed, setting off towards the mountain when the birds were still waking up and singing in the morning. The paths were lonely, but full of vegetation, an unmistakable sign of the little traffic that there was in that area, the view was simply beautiful; You don't remember the last time you saw a green as bright as the color of the trees that stood and covered the ground.

You kept up the pace of your walk as you reflected, remembering all the warnings and good wishes from the people who lived at the base of the mountain. They talked about the oni and how aggressive they were, that you shouldn't leave the trail for anything and that you shouldn't stop at anything. They mentioned that there were some who walked around these parts more frequently, their names and how you could identify them.

When they told you about Baki they told you to be careful, although he was the calmest among the four oni in the area, the reddish color of his skin still betrayed his greedy nature. Despite his otherworldly and monstrous appearance, it was comforting to look at him, his smooth features a little more striking than his rough fangs and horns that stood out from his short tangle of hair. It would be lucky to run into him when you are lost, he is usually in a good mood, so if you can give him some interest, he will be willing to help you get off the mountain unscathed.

Both Jack and Kaoru can be unpredictable, although they are not very problematic, but they are not completely neutral either.

Jack is a tall oni, you could mistake him for a building if you forgot that you were in the forest, the reddish tone of his skin also denotes a certain greed, but he does not seem to follow these instincts unless he is in the presence of the blue oni. Jack shows very little interest in the travelers, almost ignoring their insignificant presence if he is in a good mood; If he's upset, well, it's easy to imagine what such a large, powerful creature could do to a tiny human who scream and struggles in vain against him.

Kaoru is not very different from Jack, his reddish skin marked by multiple wounds shows that he is a creature to be feared, that he is no stranger to battles and that he is capable of resisting a lot. No one wants to be a prisoner of his enormous hands, gigantic prisons that would end the life of anyone. Not many incidents have been heard involving Kaoru, but everyone who has gone on his hunt never returns. He is more selfless than Jack when it comes to human presence, but his calmness does not guarantee safety.

And finally, the blue oni, Yujiro. He is angry and confrontational in nature, the presence of people is repulsive to him and there is no chance of turning out well if you end up in front of him. Many of the incidents on the mountain are his work. They say that his eyes shine a crimson red in the middle of the darkness of the night, you won't be able to confuse them with anything, because once you notice them it will be too late. There is no way to reason with him, there is only one way to go with him; run away, the problem is that nothing guarantees your survival. No matter how fast you run or how much advantage you think you have, he will catch you.

You didn't quite believe in that, but inside you… Deep inside you, there was a little voice that begged heaven for your path to be safe and away from any problematic entity that would disturb the rhythm of your walk.

The sound of footsteps caught your attention, you would swear they were footsteps. You were sure. The birds moved and took flight, fleeing, small, harmless animals ran a few meters away from you, fleeing, and if it weren't something intangible you would assume that the breeze blowing against your face was also fleeing.

You froze when you noticed a large silhouette among the trees, from your place, you were unable to make out anything other than its large size and unusual height, it was certain that it was not a human. Your mind thought of every possibility; A bear… A oni. Bear or Oni, you couldn't face them, you had to get away before they noticed you, but it was difficult to look away thanks to the fear you felt at the thought of losing them from your field of vision.

You backed away slowly without looking away, which made you not notice the unevenness in the path, you fell with a scream of surprise and when you recovered you could notice that the great shadow was looking at you with luminescent eyes. You froze in place as a clawed hand emerged from the darkness to make its way through the trees that blocked its path, your mind hazy and your throat dry from the long gasps of fear…

… You really would have preferred a bear.

[Open ending to let you choose the ending you prefer, and I don't know, maybe I can write continuations with each character (Baki, Jack, Kaoru or Yujiro)]

Versión es español.

Se suele murmurar que en las altas montañas de Japón existe criaturas monstruosas, traviesas entidades que disfrutan al atormentar a las personas que tienen la mala suerte de perderse en los senderos montañosos. Demonios similares a enormes bestias con colmillos como dagas, montañas por músculos y cuernos majestuosos como una corona, pero atemorizantes como enormes lanzas.

Puede sonar como una leyenda inventada para mantener a las personas lejos de las montañas, para evitar que los senderistas sigan perdiéndose o teniendo accidentes fatales, pero simplemente hay algo que puede perturbarte por la religiosidad con la que se mantiene esta leyenda; como si no fuera un cuento, si no, una advertencia.

Te lo advirtieron mucho, todos esos amables ancianos que se mostraban tan preocupados cuando expresabas que tu destino estaba en las montañas. La mirada preocupada en sus rostros te daba ternura, pero también era inquietante la forma en que creían, tan fervientemente que si no tenías cuidado terminarías topándote con esas aterradoras criaturas. Sin embargo, no podías retroceder ahora. Tu abuelo, un autoproclamado ermitaño de unos ochenta y tantos años, vivía en la cima de la montaña y era tu responsabilidad como hijo mayor el cuidar de su salud ahora que tu padre se ha ido, además de abastecerlo de provisiones hasta el mes siguiente.

Perteneces a una familia muy unida y algo tradicional, ni siquiera podrías pensar en darle la espalda a tu abuelo, aunque él quiera eso. Tu padre subía cada mes a la montaña, limpiaba la casa de tu abuelo, le mostraba respeto y volvía a bajar, cada mes sin falta. Ahora era tu turno.

Cargaste las provisiones a la espalda, debidamente empacadas y selladas, emprendiendo camino hacia la montaña cuando todavía las aves se despertaban y cantaban por la mañana. Los senderos eran solitarios, pero repletos de vegetación, una señal inconfundible del poco tránsito que había en esa zona, la vista era simplemente hermosa; no recuerdas la última vez en que viste un verde tan brillante como lo era el color de los árboles que se alzaban y arropaban el suelo.

Mantuviste el ritmo de tu caminata mientras reflexionabas, recordando todas las advertencias y buenos deseos de las personas que vivían en la base de la montaña. Hablaban sobre los onis y sobre lo agresivos que eran, que no debías salir del sendero por nada y que no te detuvieras ante nada. Mencionaron que había algunos que se paseaban con mayor frecuencia por estos lares, sus nombres y como podrías identificarlos.

Cuando te hablaron de Baki te dijeron que tuvieras cuidado, si bien era el más tranquilo entre los cuatro onis de la zona, el color rojizo de su piel seguía delatando su codiciosa naturaleza. A pesar de su apariencia sobrenatural y monstruosa, era reconfortante mirarlo, sus facciones suaves eran un poco más llamativas que sus toscos colmillos y los cuernos que resaltaban por su corta maraña de pelo. Sería una suerte el toparse con él cuando estás perdido, usualmente está de buen humor, así que, si puedes darle algo de interés, estará dispuesto a ayudarte a salir de la montaña ileso.

Tanto Jack como Kaoru pueden ser impredecibles, si bien, no son muy problemáticos, pero tampoco son completamente neutrales.

Jack es un oni de gran altura, podrías confundirlo con un edificio si olvidaras que te encuentras en el bosque, el tono rojizo de su piel también denota cierta avaricia, pero no parece seguir dichos instintos a menos que se encuentre en presencia del oni azul. Jack muestra muy poco interés en los viajeros, casi ignorando su insignificante presencia si está de buen humor; Si está molesto, bueno, es fácil intuir lo que una criatura tan grande y poderosa podría hacerle a un pequeño humano que grita y lucha en vano contra él.

Kaoru no es muy diferente a Jack, su piel rojiza marcada por múltiples heridas muestran que es una criatura de temer, que no es ajeno a las batallas y que es capaz de resistir mucho. Nadie quiera ser presa de sus enormes manos, gigantescas prisiones que acabarían con la vida de quien sea. No se ha escuchado muchos incidentes que involucren a Kaoru, pero toda persona que ha ido en su casería jamás regresan. Es más desinteresado que Jack cuando se trata de la presencia humana, pero su tranquilidad no garantiza seguridad.

Y por último, el oni de color azul, Yujiro. Es de naturaleza iracunda y conflictiva, la presencia de la gente es repulsiva para él y no hay oportunidad de salir bien si terminas frente a él. Muchos de los incidentes de la montaña son obra suya. Dicen que sus ojos brillan en un rojo carmesí en medio de la oscuridad de la noche, no podrás confundirlos con nada, porque una vez que los notas ya será demasiado tarde. No hay forma de razonar con él, solo hay un camino a seguir con él; huir, el problema radica en que nada te garantiza sobrevivir. Sin importar que tan rápido corras o cuanta ventaja creas tener, él te atrapara.

No terminaste de creer en eso, pero dentro de ti… Muy dentro de ti, había una vocecita que rogaba al cielo porque tu camino sea seguro y alejado de cualquier entidad problemática que perturbe el ritmo de tu andar.

El ruido de pasos llamo tu atención, jurarías que fueron pasos. Estabas seguro. Las aves se movieron y emprendieron vuelo, huyendo, pequeños e inofensivos animales corrían a unos metros lejos de ti, huyendo, y si no se tratase de algo intangible darías por hecho que la brisa que soplaba contra tu rostro también estaba huyendo.

Te congelaste cuando notaste una silueta grande entre los árboles, desde tu lugar eras incapaz de distinguir algo más que su gran tamaño e inusual altura, era seguro que no era un humano. Tu mente pensó en cada posibilidad; un oso… Un oni. Oso u Oni, no podrías hacerle frente, debías alejarte antes de que te notara, pero era difícil apartar la mirada gracias al miedo que sentías al pensar en perderlo de tu campo de visión.

Retrocediste lentamente sin apartar la mirada, lo que hizo que no notaras el desnivel en el sendero, caíste con un grito de sorpresa y cuando te recuperaste pudiste notar que la gran sombre te miraba con ojos luminiscentes. Te congelaste en tu sitio cuando una mano con garras salió de la oscuridad para abrirse camino entre los árboles que bloqueaban su paso, tu mente estaba confusa y tu garganta se secó por los largos jadeos que te provocaba el miedo…

… Realmente hubieras preferido un oso.

[Final abierto para dejar que escojas el final que prefieras, y no sé, quizá pueda escribir continuaciones con cada personaje (Baki, Jack, Kaoru o Yujiro)]

[argumate]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has given important instructions on the rescue and disaster relief work after a fatal expressway collapse in south China's Guangdong Province.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attached great importance to the disaster, instructing that every effort be carried out for on-site rescue, treatment of the injured, and properly handling the aftermath.

Efforts should be made to repair the damaged roads and restore traffic order as soon as possible, said Xi, adding that all regions and relevant departments must adhere to bottom-line thinking, consolidate work responsibilities, strengthen monitoring and early warning, improve emergency plans, promptly investigate and deal with potential risks in key areas and key sectors, and ensure the safety of people's lives and property and the overall social stability.

Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and premier of the State Council, has given instructions to spare no effort in rescuing the injured, carry out follow-up work, do everything possible to search and rescue trapped persons, and strictly guard against secondary risks.

Li emphasized that the ongoing May Day holiday is the peak of tourism prime time, accompanied by widespread rainfall in some areas, necessitating all-out efforts to prevent accidents and disasters.

Following Xi Jinping's instructions and Li Qiang's request, Zhang Guoqing, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, led officials in charge of relevant departments to the scene to guide the rescue and disaster relief work.

I don't know how Global Times is so good at capturing the editorial voice of The Onion in articles like this, they must be making all-out efforts

[fictional-love-is-my-life]

May I have hotrod, Bumblebee, and Optimus reactions by headcanon of them running into eachother while in their alt modes ( car form) during a Decepticon chase? Like they are chasing the same con and they end up crashing into eachother by accident? Not fatally, just like a major dent and skimmed paint or broken windshield or lights out. Who crashes into who is up to you to decide.

Warnings: Mentions of small car crashes. Accidents in cars, cars hitting each other while driving. Mentions of swearing.

Hot Rod:

Hot Rod and Bee are driving side by side behind a Decepticon.

He tells Bee that he's going to go around and cut the con off, Bee acknowledges. Now he assumed that Bee was going to continue going straight, or perhaps go in a different direction. But that's what he gets for assuming, and also not indicating which way he was going to go.

He starts to speed up to try and get in front of Bee. Bee decides to drift left and catches Hot Rods bumper.

This surprises Hot Rod, startling him, the hit was also enough of a bump to push him off course making him swerve.

He brakes and controls his steering so he doesn't spin out of control. He drops back losing the con, but he'd rather that then get into an accident.

He proceeds to swear in French over the comm link. "Really Bee? Merde!"

He feels grumpy and petty so tells Bee to go and catch the con by himself. He does still follow after them, in case Bee gets ambushed. But he stays a far distance behind, not wanting to get hit again. He starts to drive the speed limit, still complaining over the comms, making remarks such as 'I've never been hit by a human before, only you Bee' and 'Do you know how much effort it will be to fix that?'

He hasn't seen the damage. It doesn't feel like a lot and it doesn't hurt or impair his ability to drive, but it was still uncomfortable. He's almost scared to look, hoping it really isn't that bad. But he feels annoyed, his alt mode was beautiful and perfect and now it was ruined.

When they do get back to base he points it out to Bee. 'Look what you did to me!'

He demands that Bumblebee be the one to fix it. Bee caused the damage so he should spend the time and effort to repaint his bumper

"I'm never driving with you again." He's being dramatic about it, and a little over the top sure. But that's how he feels. He hates getting his paint scratched, so he's going to make sure Bee never hears the end of it.

He complains the whole time Bee fixes his paint. As soon as Bee is finished he walks off without a thank you. Why should he thank him? Bee caused it. He proceeds to give Bee the silent treatment for a couple days.

Finally after 3 days and a million apologies from Bee, Hot Rod forgives him. He was just frustrated and needed time to cool down. He does forgive Bee as it was an accident and knows Bee didn't do it on purpose.

Even though it was forgiven, it was not forgotten and Hot Rod is now very careful anytime he drives with Bumblebee. Sometimes he'll tease Bee about it. "Remember that time you hit me?"

Bumblebee:

He was chasing the con with Optimus. They had done this dance a thousand times and had never had an incident before, so he wasn't expecting one now. So he followed Optimus, watching him drive in and out of the traffic with ease. Bee was following quite close behind Optimus as he trusted his driving.

What he never expected his leader to do, was brake suddenly. The con had pushed an innocent car into Optimus' way, causing the truck to brake. Bee tried to stop, but was too close behind, so ended up going into the back of Optimus.

His front bumper pushed inwards, his headlights smashing from the impact. He slowed way down, pulling away from Optimus and the con to regain himself. It was not the worst he had experienced, and it did not cause him great pain or cause and energon leak. His bumper would be able to be popped out easy enough, but his lights were gone.

He swore and grumbled, complaining to himself. He knew it was not on purpose, but damn it sucked.

He also hated the fact it was Optimus. Any of the other bots and he would have cursed them out. He also would have gone back to base and scratched their paint, making them feel what he felt. But he couldn't do that to Optimus, so he had to just suck it up and accept it.

Optimus called him over the comm link and apologized. Bee accepted to apology, but continued to grumble to himself. He was almost tempted not to accept the apology out of spite, but he knew Optimus really was remorseful.

He continued to follow Optimus but now driving beside him. He made a promise to himself to never drive behind Optimus ever again.

Bee knew accidents happened, but he never wanted to get into one. It just took time and effort to repair damage and was a bit of a bother to go through. He was not looking forward to going through it.

He was also not looking forward to the other bots making comments about it. He knew Crosshairs would say something about it. Fine, he would just take his anger out on Crosshairs instead of Optimus.

Once the chase is over he goes straight to Cade, getting his help to fix up his bumper and replace his lights. Optimus came over to apologize once more and Bee really wished he didn't. It was awkward that they hit each other and he was trying to be polite, but he felt angry. Optimus could have gave him some warning and he would have swerved, but he didn't.

Once his repairs were done he looked himself over. His bumper was a slightly different color yellow to the rest of him. He tried to not let it bother him but it did. It was going to be a reminder that it happened.

He seeks out Crosshairs, needing to take out his frustration on someone.

Optimus:

He had never driven with Hot Rod before. But he thought he was probably a good driver, Bee tended to give him high praise. So he was fine chasing after a con beside Hot Rod. He was also used to the speedsters chasing off since they were a lot faster than him, and he was fine with that.

Optimus was focused on the Decepticon, expecting Hot Rod to speed off like Bee usually would. In reality he forgot Hot Rod was beside him. The fact that Hot Rod was so low to the ground, also didn't help. Optimus decided to drift right, trying to go around a civilian. He heard a complaint over his comms but it was too late.

Out of fear of being crushed Hot Rod quickly transformed, but going that speed he still collided with Optimus. Hot Rod fell on Optimus, landing on his roof before rolling over and off him.

This left Optimus with both a dented roof and a cracked windshield.

He groaned in complaint. Slowing a little to regain control of his steering. Once he was safe and not in danger of hitting any civilians he sped up trying to catch up to the Decepticon. He radioed Hot Rod to make sure he was ok and not greatly injured, but he continued to drive. He could not let the con get away.

He also tried very hard to ignore his own 'injuries'.

He was not hurt, but he knew his dented roof was going to bother him. He was not looking forward to transforming, knowing it was going to be awkward with the giant dent. For now though he pushed the thoughts to the side and focused on the con.

Once the chase was over he caught up with Hot Rod and drove back home. He felt a little rude, but he kind of wished he had been with Bee. Just because he was so used to driving with Bee.

He apologized to Hot Rod, mentioning that he did not see him. Hot Rod accepted the apology, which Optimus was thankful for, he did not want Hot Rod to hold any resentment to him.

Hot Rod offered to help with the dented roof. Optimus was thankful for the offer and allowed him. While still in truck mode, Optimus opened his door. Hot Rod put his servo through the door and pushed the roof of the cab upwards popping the dent out.

It was a little uncomfortable, like a pinch. But Optimus felt relief once it was done. He transformed and looked himself over. The only indicator he was in an accident was the cracked windshield.

That bothered him. He would have to ask Cade to source him a new one. Unfortunately it could take a while, meaning he would have to drive around with a giant crack.

He didn't need to see through the windscreen, but he didn't need any cops pulling him over for it. He tried to think, maybe he should stay at home until he could get a new one. He didn't want to. He hated being cooped up and didn't want to be stuck in one place. But he didn't want to risk getting pulled over. This made him feel a little annoyed at the situation but he was the one that caused it so he could only blame himself.

He felt embarrassed and awkward, so spent a few days avoiding Hot Rod. He never wanted to be the cause of an accident to any of his Autobots. He knew Hot Rod forgave him, but he still felt awful about it.

He just needed a few days to get over the incident. Deep down he hoped that at some point both he and Hot Rod would just forget about it.

He also made mental notes to himself. From now on, whenever he drove with another bot he would make sure they stayed in front of him the entire time. He was never going to let one get into his blind spots ever again for fear of another accident.

[beardedmrbean]

In Africa, the risks of traffic accidents are exceptionally high. The number of road accidents is also higher than on any other continent. 

In the past week alone, road accidents have claimed dozens of lives in Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, to mention just a few countries. Available data from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that Africa has the worst rate of road traffic deaths in the world, with an unacceptably high fatality rate of 26.6 deaths per 100,000 people — nearly three times that of Europe.

The Dominican Republic takes first place in a ranking compiled by the health service platform World Life Expectancy using WHO data. After that, only African countries, such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Liberia, Eritrea and others, follow until Venezuela breaks the ranks at 26th.

Kenya's crackdown on traffic offenders

Kenya is ranked 12th, with 48 traffic fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants. However, the number of deaths in relation to the population has risen steadily since 2013. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki announced that he would take tougher action against drivers who do not obey the traffic rules.

"We expect all regulations governing traffic on our roads to be complied with 100%, by all people, regardless of their rank or social position," Kindiki told reporters, adding that he had instructed the police to take action against all those who violate traffic regulations without exception.

South Africa: 'Arrive Alive' campaign bears fruit

Traffic authorities in South Africa have warned motorists to be mindful on the roads during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. With slogans such as "Be safe — get there," radio stations have been drawing attention to the dangers of flouting traffic rules almost every hour.

The "Arrive Alive" campaign has been active for years and provides valuable tips on responsible behavior behind the wheel and during traffic jams and other disruptions. It also offers help on how to plan trips to a destination popular with tourists. Recently, South Africa has observed a decline in traffic fatalities.

Nevertheless, traffic accidents still killed about 22.2 people per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 on South Africa's roads, according to the WHO. By African standards, that's a huge improvement, but well above the global average. 

For example, about four people per 100,000 inhabitants in Germany died in road traffic accidentsin 2018.

Fighting corruption and driving while drunk

Alcohol is a major factor in accidents in South Africa, writes the South African Journal of Science on its website. The journal recommends introducing zero tolerance for drunk driving. 

Overall, calls for stricter penalties for road traffic offenses are growing louder, not least because corrupt police officers often make it difficult to punish traffic offenders efficiently when they can buy their way out for small amounts of money.

In Kenya, too, the excesses of corruption contribute to carnage on the roads. In some instances, some have been caught driving without licenses, thereby risking the lives of other commuters. 

"Our drivers cut it short. They buy papers at the counter, and the next day, they're on the road, driving too fast and we have to be on our guard," Eunice Imwenda, manager of a driving school in the capital, Nairobi, told DW. 

Accidents different from crashes

In Nigeria, road traffic crashes are among the leading causes of death, along with insurgency and banditry, according to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Africa's most populous nation recorded 41,709 road deaths between 2013 and 2020.

In many cases, one should speak of collisions (crashes) rather than accidents, Gbenga Akimbule, a policy analyst, told DW. 

"An accident is something you didn't plan for, but if you have a bad tire and you know that the tire might not get you to your destination and you pray and believe that God will get you there, that's different."

Daily reports of road accidents

"Road accidents and collisions have become so normal that hardly a day goes by without a report of a road accident that takes lives or causes permanent disabilities for victims," Badiya Sani from Maiduguri told DW. "Those of us who don't own a car have no choice but to switch to public transportation. But we do so with a lot of trepidation," she added.

As in many African countries, authorities must establish a good public transport network. Buses and minibus cabs are usually in poor condition, technically untested and often involved in accidents. The government needs to do more about this, Sani urges.

Educating Kenya's bodaboda riders

In Kenya, local motorcycle cabs known as "boda bodas" are a popular means of public transport. But they are also responsible for many accidents, Evans Langat of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) told DW.

The agency is therefore emphasizing this in its educational campaign. "We've made all drivers aware, and I think the message has gotten through," Langat said.

The numbers in the coming years will show whether he's right about that. For now, many a Kenyan family will breathe a sigh of relief once the holiday traffic is over.

[rpmtrish]

Customizing a car that stands out from the crowd and delivers top-notch performance is a dream for many automotive enthusiasts. However, while focusing on enhancing aesthetics and power, it's essential not to overlook safety. Verified Market Reports states that the automobile modification market is expected to reach a valuation of $149.5 billion by 2030. This sector focuses on customizing vehicles to meet individual preferences, whether through performance upgrades, aesthetic changes, or technical enhancements. With a broad range of services, experts in this market help drivers transform their vehicles while ensuring safety, compliance, and high-quality results. A truly exceptional car balances unique design and high performance with the necessary safety measures to protect the driver and passengers. In this article, we'll look at the best ways to customize your car while considering safety. We will go over everything from picking the correct modifications to planning for unexpected dangers on the road. Choose the Right Modifications for Performance and Safety When customizing a vehicle, the modifications you choose play a significant role in both performance and safety. Engine upgrades, suspension modifications, and braking system enhancements are common choices for boosting performance, but each must be carefully selected and installed. Opt for high-quality components that are specifically designed for your vehicle model and have been tested for safety. For example, a lowered suspension can enhance handling, but only if paired with appropriate safety checks to avoid compromising ride quality and road clearance. Similarly, upgrading to a performance exhaust system can improve horsepower but should not compromise emission standards. In March 2024, the EPA announced stricter standards to cut harmful emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles starting with the 2027 models. Building on earlier greenhouse gas standards set in 2021, these new rules aim to reduce air pollution, protect public health, and tackle climate change. Phasing in through 2032, these standards will also help drivers save on fuel and maintenance costs. When the Unexpected Hits the Road: Risks and Accidents Even with the best modifications, the road is full of unexpected risks. Accidents, adverse weather conditions, and road hazards can turn a pleasant drive into a dangerous situation. To deal with these risks, prioritize safety features alongside your custom upgrades. Consider investing in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as collision warning systems and lane departure alerts. These technologies can help you react more quickly to unexpected dangers. Additionally, ensure your vehicle is equipped with high-quality tires that offer excellent traction in various weather conditions. The Threats Posed by Commercial Vehicles One particular risk to be aware of is truck accidents. Areas that are commercial hubs, such as major cities and industrial zones, tend to have a higher concentration of large trucks on the roads. This raises the risk of accidents involving these huge transport vehicles. Truck accidents can prove to be particularly severe owing to the vehicles' size and weight. Adding to the challenge are the reckless or inattentive drivers commonly found in busy cities. These aggressive drivers can make the roads even more dangerous, particularly in areas with heavy traffic and high truck volumes. St. Louis, for example, is known for its unpredictable drivers and the city’s high rate of accidents. In a report by ConsumerAffairs, St. Louis ranked among the top five cities with the worst drivers in the United States. A concerning 32.39% of fatal crashes in the city involve drivers with a positive blood alcohol content. This statistic highlights the serious risks on the road in St. Louis. In January 2024, KSDK reported a tragic crash in south St. Louis involving a semi-truck and a speeding Pontiac G6. The accident occurred near South 2nd and Sidney streets, where the Pontiac failed to stop at a sign and collided with a 2019 Freightliner. Sadly, the 35-year-old Pontiac driver, Brant Renfro, was pronounced dead, while the 62-year-old semi-truck driver was hospitalized. According to TorHoerman Law, such cases usually end up in lawsuits. In these cases, the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the truck can be held liable. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to consult with a truck accident lawyer. In the case mentioned above, a St. Louis truck accident lawyer would play a crucial role. They would evaluate the accident's details, identify liable parties, and ensure that victims receive the support and compensation they deserve. Whether through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, legal representation can be vital in securing a fair outcome in the aftermath of a truck accident. At this point, you must realize that the right safety features in your car could make a difference. Defensive driving is another key aspect of staying safe on the road. Balancing Aesthetics and Safety in Custom Designs Customizing your car’s appearance is a great way to express your personality, but it's crucial to balance aesthetics with safety. When selecting exterior modifications, such as custom paint jobs, body kits, or window tints, make sure they comply with local regulations. They also must not impede visibility or aerodynamics. For example, excessively dark window tints can limit your view, particularly at night. On the other hand, overly aggressive body kits can affect the car's stability at high speeds. Inside the car, choose custom seats and harnesses for both style and safety, ensuring they effectively protect occupants during a collision. FAQs How to stay safe when driving a modified car? Make sure any changes are professionally done and fulfill safety regulations if you want to drive a modified car safely. Check your car often, paying special attention to important parts like the suspension, tires, and brakes. Finally, always drive cautiously, as high-performance modifications may alter your car's handling in unexpected situations. When do I need a truck accident lawyer? If you were hurt in a truck crash, you should see a lawyer, especially if there were large losses or complicated responsibility concerns. A lawyer can guide you through insurance claims, assist in settlement negotiations, and guarantee just recompense. Consulting one early can protect your rights and strengthen your case. Is it alright if I install a body kit on my car? Adding a body kit to your car can enhance its appearance and aerodynamics, but it's important to consider the quality and fit. Choose a reputable kit that complements your vehicle's design without compromising safety. If in doubt, get expert advice for installation and to make sure it complies with regulations. It's fun to customize your car to be functional and distinctive, but safety should always come first. As you choose modifications, make sure they not only enhance performance but also keep you protected on the road. Investing in advanced safety features like collision warning systems and upgrading your tires can go a long way in minimizing risks. And don’t forget, driving defensively is key. The road can be unpredictable, so being prepared for unexpected challenges is essential. By prioritizing safety in your customizations, you can enjoy your upgraded ride with confidence and peace of mind. Read the full article

[playincphoton]

Data Collection and Analysis with Radar Speed Signs: Maximizing Traffic Safety Insights

Traffic safety is a top priority for communities worldwide. Exceeding speed limits not only increases the accidents risk but also creates a fatal atmosphere for pedestrians and cyclists. Radar speed signs, also known as radar feedback signs and digital radar signs, offer a compelling solution for promoting safe driving practices. These innovative signs utilize radar technology to detect a vehicle's speed and display it in real-time on a digital readout. This immediate feedback loop encourages drivers to adjust their speed and adhere to posted limits.

This article delves into the power of data collection and analysis with radar speed signs. We'll explore how these signs go beyond simply displaying speed, providing valuable insights into traffic patterns and aiding in the development of data-driven traffic safety strategies.

How Radar Speed Signs Work?

Radar speed signs operate on a simple yet effective principle. They employ radar technology similar to that used by law enforcement to detect a vehicle's speed. The radar unit emits a radio signal that bounces off approaching vehicles. By analyzing the reflected signal, the sign calculates the vehicle's speed and displays it on a digital display board. This information is typically accompanied by the posted speed limit for the area, allowing drivers to instantly compare their speed and adjust accordingly.

The Power of Data Collection: Beyond Speed Monitoring

While the primary function of radar speed signs is to provide real-time feedback to drivers, their capabilities extend far beyond simple speed monitoring. Many radar speed signs are equipped with data logging features. These features allow the sign to capture and store valuable traffic data, including:

Traffic volume: The number of vehicles passing the sign over a specific period.

Speed distribution: An overview of the range of speeds at which vehicles are traveling.

Speeding trends: Identification of peak times for exceeding the speed limit.

Vehicle classification: Distinguishing between different vehicle types (cars, trucks, motorcycles).

Benefits of Data Analysis in Traffic Management

Analyzing the data collected by radar speed signs offers numerous benefits for traffic management. Here's how:

Identifying Speeding Hotspots: The data can pinpoint specific locations where speeding is a recurring problem. This allows authorities to prioritize traffic enforcement efforts or deploy additional calming measures in these high-risk areas.

Evaluating Traffic Calming Measures: After implementing traffic calming measures like speed bumps or roundabouts, data analysis can reveal their effectiveness in reducing speeding. This data-driven approach allows for adjustments and improvements to ensure optimal results.

Optimizing Speed Limits: Traffic data can shed light on the real-world flow of traffic. This information can be used to assess the appropriateness of existing speed limits and identify areas where adjustments might be beneficial.

Long-Term Traffic Planning: By analyzing historical data, traffic authorities can gain insights into traffic patterns and trends. This information can be used for long-term planning, such as road infrastructure development or traffic signal optimization, ultimately creating a safer and more efficient traffic flow.

Types of Radar Speed Signs

Radar speed signs come in various configurations to cater to diverse needs. Here are some popular options:

Solar-powered Radar Speed Signs: These signs utilize solar panels to draw power, making them a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

LED Radar Speed Signs: LED displays offer excellent visibility in all weather conditions, ensuring clear communication with drivers.

Customizable Radar Speed Signs: These signs allow for modifications such as displaying warning messages alongside the speed reading for exceeding the limit.

Portable Radar Speed Signs: Portable units can be easily deployed in temporary zones like construction areas or school zones.

The Future of Radar Speed Signs and Data-Driven Traffic Management

Radar speed signs represent a significant advancement in traffic safety technology. As technology will evolve, we can expect even more advance features, such as:

Integration with traffic signal systems: Data from radar speed signs could be used to dynamically adjust traffic lights, optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion.

Real-time data visualization: Traffic authorities could access real-time data from a network of radar speed signs, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of traffic conditions across a city or region.

Advanced data analytics: Machine learning algorithms could analyze traffic data to predict potential bottlenecks and proactively implement corrective measures.

Conclusion

Radar speed signs have emerged as a valuable tool for promoting traffic safety and improving road conditions. Beyond their primary function of displaying vehicle speeds, these signs offer a wealth of data that can be analyzed to gain insights into traffic patterns and inform data-driven traffic management strategies.

[photonplayus]

Enhance Traffic Safety with the Feature-Packed iCop R1500M Radar Speed Sign

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing traffic safety is paramount. Speeding drivers pose a significant threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. Radar speed signs, also known as radar feedback signs or speed radar signs, have emerged as a powerful tool for promoting traffic calming and reducing speeding incidents.

The iCop R1500M Radar Speed Sign stands out as a leader in this category. This innovative sign boasts an impressive array of features designed to enhance driver awareness and promote responsible driving behavior.

iCop R1500M: A Feature-Rich Solution for Traffic Calming

The iCop R1500M is an affordable speed sign equipped with cutting-edge radar technology. It detects the speed of approaching vehicles and displays it on a bright, easy-to-read solar LED radar speed sign. This real-time feedback mechanism instantly informs drivers if they are exceeding the posted speed limit.

Here's a closer look at some of the key features that make the iCop R1500M a game-changer:

High-Visibility LED Display: The R1500M features a large, high-resolution LED display that ensures clear visibility in all lighting conditions, day or night. This clarity is crucial for drivers to quickly recognize their speed and adjust accordingly.

Solar Powered Operation: This solar LED radar speed sign harnesses the power of the sun, eliminating the need for external power sources. This eco-friendly design translates to cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

Data Logging Capability: The R1500M offers the option to log speed data. This valuable information can be used by traffic authorities to identify areas with high speeding incidents and implement targeted enforcement strategies.

Multiple Display Modes: The sign can be configured to display various messages in addition to vehicle speed. This flexibility allows authorities to tailor the message to specific situations, such as flashing warnings when the speed limit is exceeded.

Durability and Weather Resistance: The R1500M is built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Its robust construction ensures reliable operation year-round, even in extreme temperatures and precipitation.

Easy Installation and Maintenance: Designed for user-friendly setup, the R1500M can be quickly installed in various locations. Its minimal maintenance requirements further enhance its cost-effectiveness.

Ideal Applications for the iCop R1500M

The iCop R1500M's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some prime examples:

School Zones: Neighborhood radar speed signs are particularly important in school zones, where children's safety is paramount. The R1500M's real-time speed feedback can significantly reduce speeding, creating a safer environment for children walking and biking to school.

Residential Neighborhoods: Speeding in residential areas can pose a significant threat to pedestrians and cyclists. The R1500M can effectively curb speeding in these areas, fostering a safer environment for residents and promoting a more peaceful community atmosphere.

Construction Zones: Construction zones often require reduced speed limits for the safety of workers and motorists. The R1500M ensures drivers are aware of the reduced speed limit and encourages them to slow down, minimizing the risk of accidents.

High-Traffic Areas: Busy roads and highways are prone to speeding incidents. The R1500M's prominent display can effectively remind drivers of the speed limit and encourage them to adjust their speed accordingly, promoting safer overall traffic flow.

The Benefits of Investing in this Radar Speed Sign

There are numerous advantages to installing an iCop R1500M Radar Speed Sign:

Enhanced Traffic Safety: By encouraging drivers to slow down, the R1500M plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.

Improved Driver Awareness: The real-time speed feedback fosters greater driver awareness, prompting them to adjust their speed and be more mindful of the posted limits.

Reduced Speeding: Studies have shown that radar feedback signs are highly effective in deterring speeding. The R1500M contributes to a significant decrease in speeding violations.

Cost-Effective Solution: The R1500M's solar-powered design eliminates ongoing electricity costs. Moreover, its durable construction ensures long-lasting operation, minimizing maintenance expenses.

Versatile Applications: As highlighted above, the R1500M's adaptability makes it suitable for various traffic safety applications.

Conclusion

The iCop R1500M Radar Speed Sign stands as a testament to modern innovation in traffic safety. Its comprehensive feature set, including customizable speed limits, multilingual display, and versatile mounting options, makes it a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies and communities alike. By promoting responsible driving and reducing accidents, the iCop R1500M is a significant step towards safer roads for everyone.

[timothymccoyboston]

Safety Tips for Boaters

Boating is a multifaceted activity. Boaters can fish, swim, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. However, boating comes with serious risks. According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 3,844 boating accidents and 2,126 boating deaths in 2023. To prevent accidents, boaters must prioritize safety.

Boating safety starts long before passengers board the vessel. Experts advise boaters to take a boating safety course before their first trip. Nationally approved training by the US Coast Guard equips boaters with the skills and knowledge they need to operate a vessel and navigate the water.

Boaters also need a float plan to keep them on their route. A float plan details departure time and place, sailing route, and duration of stay. However, a float plan is only useful if boaters follow it. They should also communicate important parts, such as expected arrival time, to their friends and family members.

Boaters must know their route before setting out. Taking the time to study the route and its potential dangers and challenges can help prevent unnecessary boating accidents. Boaters should also familiarize themselves with traffic regulations and navigation rules.

Seasickness can make a boating trip unpleasant or even dangerous. A leading cause of seasickness is an empty stomach. Boaters should hydrate and eat well before sailing and take snacks.

Of the 2,216 boating fatalities reported in 2023, 28 resulted from weather and water conditions. Signs of impending storms include rough winds, dark clouds, and a sudden fall in temperature. Sources of reliable weather forecasts include commercial radio, VHF (very high frequency) marine radios, and TV stations. Boaters must heed weather advisories and take appropriate action.

The ocean can go from calm to dangerously choppy without warning. Boaters can prepare by making a pre-departure checklist of everything they need, including a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, food, water, a radio, flashlights, distress signals, and life jackets.

Everyone on a boat must wear a life jacket at all times. Seven in 10 boating fatalities are from drowning. Of those, 87 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Boaters must also wear life belts to prevent falling overboard. Boaters should also wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Waterproof clothing such as rain jackets are useful, and shoes with rubber soles help prevent slips.

Drinking alcohol is the leading cause of boating fatalities, responsible for 211 accidents and 79 deaths in 2023. Boaters must stay sharp on the water; alcohol inhibits judgment and situational awareness and impairs hand-eye coordination. Wind, sun, and motion can amplify the effects of alcohol.

Boaters should avoid dangerous behaviors such as jumping the wake (the milky path created as a vessel moves through the water) of other boats. Other safety hazards include speeding and wakeboarding in crowded areas. Also, the boat driver should avoid using a mobile phone when operating the vessel.

In addition to being adequately prepared, boaters must exercise good judgment. Preparing includes ensuring the vessel is in good working order and fitted with all the necessary safety equipment and gear. Respecting speed limits, watching the weather, and acting before things worsen helps boaters stay safe.

[timesofinnovation]

In Plymouth, a new AI-driven camera system has been launched on Tavistock Road with a clear objective: to improve road safety by actively monitoring driver behavior. This innovative technology captures images of vehicles to detect traffic offences, specifically focusing on seatbelt usage and the use of mobile phones while driving. The system utilizes AI to identify potential violations, but crucially, human reviewers are responsible for making the final decision on whether a violation occurred. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics related to road safety. Adrian Leisk from Devon and Cornwall Police has pointed to numerous fatal incidents linked to the dual hazards of not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones while driving. By shining a light on these dangerous habits, authorities aim to cultivate safer driving behaviors rather than solely focusing on penalizing offenders. Interestingly, the implementation follows encouraging results from similar AI camera systems deployed in other regions of Devon and Cornwall last year. Data collected from the A30 and A38 revealed remarkably low offence rates, with only 0.31% of drivers observed using mobile phones and 0.38% not adhering to seatbelt regulations. These statistics suggest that such monitoring not only catches violations but may also deter unsafe driving practices in the first place. The cameras work on a simple principle: capturing images as vehicles pass by and running them through sophisticated AI algorithms to detect whether the driver is using a mobile device or is unbuckled. In cases where the AI identifies a potential violation, logics are set in place to scrutinize the evidence further. Human reviewers then analyze the footage to confirm the violation before any actions—such as sending warning letters or prosecution notices—are taken. This blend of machine intelligence and human oversight aims to foster a more just and responsible approach to traffic enforcement. Authorities such as Plymouth City Council remain hopeful that the introduction of such systems can dramatically impact driver behavior, ultimately leading to a safer road environment. The strategy aligns with a broader public safety initiative, which has repeatedly underscored the need to prevent accidents caused by distractions, including mobile phone use, and the failure to wear seatbelts. These driving habits have been linked to not only individual risks but broader societal consequences with regard to road traffic incidents. Moreover, this approach is reflective of a shifting strategy in traffic enforcement. Rather than adopting a hardline stance of penalties, the emphasis is on education and fostering understanding of the risks associated with distracted and unsafe driving. By encouraging compliance through awareness rather than punishment, authorities hope to engender a culture of safety among the driving public. There is an ever-growing body of research supporting the transformative potential of AI in public safety contexts. In this case, the adoption of AI technologies can streamline processes, enhance data collection capabilities, and ultimately lead to more effective law enforcement through intelligent monitoring systems. As cities around the world grapple with traffic-related challenges, AI-powered cameras may represent a future-forward approach to maintaining road safety. Ultimately, the focus remains clear: improve driver behavior for a safer road experience for all. As the system rolls out, ongoing analysis and public feedback will likely be key to refining its effectiveness and ensuring it meets the community's needs. This AI initiative in Plymouth shines as an example of how technology can bridge the gap between monitoring and safety, setting a precedent for others to follow. As urban areas continue to evolve, the integration of AI solutions could well be the next logical step in public safety and traffic management.

[rdoverseas01]

The Importance of Anti Sleep Alarms for Drivers: Enhancing Road Safety

Driving requires constant focus and alertness. Unfortunately, fatigue can sneak up on drivers, turning what should be a safe journey into a dangerous situation. This is where Anti Sleep Alarms for Drivers come in, serving as a crucial tool in preventing accidents caused by drowsiness.

What is an Anti Sleep Alarm?

An Anti Sleep Alarm is a small, lightweight device that helps keep drivers awake and alert while on the road. Worn behind the ear or placed on the dashboard, these alarms detect signs of drowsiness, such as head tilts or eye closure, and emit a loud sound or vibration to wake the driver. The concept is simple but effective, making these devices a must-have for anyone who drives long distances or at night.

Why Do Drivers Need an Anti Sleep Device?

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents worldwide. Studies show that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing reaction times and decision-making skills. An anti sleep device for drivers ensures that even if you start to feel drowsy, you’ll receive an immediate warning before it's too late.

Truck drivers, taxi drivers, and people who frequently travel long distances often face long hours behind the wheel. Without proper rest, they are at risk of dozing off, which can have fatal consequences. Investing in an Anti Sleep Alarm for Drivers can prevent these unfortunate events, offering a proactive approach to staying safe.

How Does an Anti Sleep Device Work?

Most anti sleep devices for drivers use sensors to detect abnormal head movements or monitor eye blinks. When the device detects that the driver is nodding off, it triggers an alert through sound, vibration, or even flashing lights. Some advanced models also come with additional features, such as monitoring the vehicle's speed or keeping track of driver alertness over time.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, long hours on the road are often unavoidable. But with the help of an Anti Sleep Alarm, drivers can reduce the risks associated with fatigue. Whether you’re a professional driver or someone who enjoys long road trips, an anti sleep device for drivers is a small investment that can make a big difference in your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Stay alert, stay safe, and let technology assist in making your journeys as safe as possible!

[doranrun]

Railway CMS Crossings: A Safety Challenge

Railway CMS (Closed User Group) crossings are a common feature in many parts of the world. These crossings allow pedestrians and vehicles to cross railway tracks at designated points. While they are essential for connecting communities, they also pose significant safety risks. Accidents at CMS crossings can result in serious injuries and fatalities. In this blog post, we will discuss the challenges associated with railway CMS crossings and explore some potential solutions to enhance safety.

Challenges of Railway CMS Crossings

Lack of Visibility: CMS crossings often have limited visibility due to obstructions such as buildings, trees, or parked vehicles. This can make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see approaching trains, leading to accidents.

Misjudgment of Speed: People may misjudge the speed of a train, particularly when it is approaching from a curve or at night. This can lead to fatal accidents if they attempt to cross the tracks before the train has passed.

Distracted Drivers: Drivers who are distracted by cell phones, passengers, or other factors may fail to stop at CMS crossings, putting themselves and others at risk.

Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrians may not be aware of the dangers posed by railway crossings, especially when they are in a hurry or distracted. They may attempt to cross the tracks without looking for approaching trains.

Solutions to Enhance Safety

Improved Visibility:

Install warning lights and bells at CMS crossings to alert pedestrians and drivers of approaching trains.

Trim trees and bushes that obstruct the view of the tracks.

Provide adequate lighting at night to improve visibility.

Traffic Management:

Implement traffic control measures to reduce the flow of vehicles at CMS crossings during peak hours.

Consider closing certain CMS crossings to traffic during times of high train activity.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Educate the public about the dangers of railway crossings through public awareness campaigns.

Promote safe crossing practices, such as stopping, looking, and listening before crossing the tracks.

Technological Solutions:

Install advanced warning systems that can detect approaching trains and activate alarms and barriers to prevent accidents.

Explore the use of automated crossing gates that can be activated by approaching trains.

Conclusion

Railway CMS crossings are an essential part of transportation infrastructure, but they also pose significant safety risks. By addressing the challenges associated with these crossings and implementing effective safety measures, we can reduce the number of accidents and protect the lives of pedestrians and drivers. It is crucial for governments, railway authorities, and communities to work together to ensure the safety of railway CMS crossings.

[dh5ryxhgbctgr]

Crosswalks Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons RRFB Market Insights and Future Opportunities Report 2024 - 2032

The Crosswalks Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) market is gaining momentum as cities strive to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic management. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the market, including its growth drivers, challenges, competitive landscape, and future trends.

Introduction

The Crosswalks Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons market is poised for robust growth as cities and municipalities prioritize pedestrian safety and effective traffic management.

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) are innovative traffic control devices designed to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians at crosswalks. By providing a visual warning, these beacons significantly enhance pedestrian safety, making them an increasingly popular choice for municipalities aiming to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow.

Market Overview

Definition and Functionality

RRFBs are characterized by their rectangular shape and rapid flashing lights. They are typically installed at mid-block crosswalks and activated by pedestrians pushing a button. When activated, the lights flash rapidly to capture the attention of approaching drivers, thereby increasing the likelihood of yielding to pedestrians.

Market Segmentation

The RRFB market can be segmented by:

Application: Urban crosswalks, rural crosswalks, school zones, and highway crossings.

End User: Municipalities, government agencies, and private developers.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Pedestrian Safety Concerns

With rising pedestrian traffic and increased awareness of road safety, municipalities are investing in technologies that improve safety for pedestrians. RRFBs have proven to be effective in reducing pedestrian accidents, thereby driving their adoption.

Government Regulations and Initiatives

Various government agencies and organizations are promoting the installation of RRFBs to comply with safety standards and improve road infrastructure. Initiatives aimed at enhancing walkability in urban areas further boost market growth.

Advancements in Technology

Technological advancements in LED lighting and solar-powered systems have made RRFBs more efficient and cost-effective. These innovations allow for better visibility and longer operational life, attracting more users.

Market Challenges

High Initial Costs

The initial investment required for purchasing and installing RRFBs can be a barrier for some municipalities, especially those with limited budgets. While the long-term benefits may outweigh the costs, upfront expenses can hinder widespread adoption.

Maintenance and Operational Issues

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of RRFBs. Issues related to battery life, weather resistance, and overall reliability can pose challenges for municipalities in managing these systems.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

The RRFB market is populated by various manufacturers and suppliers. Key players include:

TrafFix Devices, Inc.

McCain, Inc.

TWS Traffic Control Systems

Flashing Beacons LLC

Econolite Group, Inc.

These companies are focused on product innovation, enhancing features, and expanding their distribution networks to capture a larger market share.

Market Strategies

To remain competitive, companies are employing several strategies, including:

Product Development: Investing in research and development to create advanced RRFB systems with improved functionalities.

Collaborations: Partnering with government agencies and urban planners to promote the benefits of RRFBs.

Awareness Campaigns: Engaging in marketing initiatives to educate the public and policymakers about pedestrian safety.

Regional Analysis

North America

North America is the leading market for RRFBs, primarily due to the high number of pedestrian fatalities and the commitment of local governments to improve road safety. The U.S. has been proactive in adopting RRFB technology in urban and suburban areas.

Europe

In Europe, the RRFB market is growing steadily, supported by increasing investments in smart city initiatives and pedestrian safety. Countries like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands are at the forefront of implementing RRFBs in their urban planning.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a significant market for RRFBs, driven by rapid urbanization and increasing traffic congestion. Governments in countries like India and China are recognizing the need for enhanced pedestrian safety measures, leading to a growing demand for RRFB systems.

Future Outlook

The Crosswalks RRFB market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. As urban areas continue to evolve and prioritize pedestrian safety, the demand for effective traffic control solutions like RRFBs will increase. Additionally, innovations in smart technology, such as integration with traffic management systems and real-time data analytics, are likely to further enhance the capabilities of RRFBs.

Conclusion

The Crosswalks Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons market is poised for robust growth as cities and municipalities prioritize pedestrian safety and effective traffic management. Despite challenges related to costs and maintenance, the advantages offered by RRFBs make them a vital component of modern road infrastructure. As technology continues to advance and awareness of pedestrian safety increases, the RRFB market is set to thrive in the coming years.