News outlets like the BBC try (in my experience most of the time, but not always) to avoid implying something without some evidence or source. The driver was probably at fault, but it could have been a mechanical failure, a panicky swerve to avoid a dog running into the road, etc. Without knowing more they report passively, which I feel is appropriate.
So the owner (who is probably the driver)'s fault.
a panicky swerve to avoid a dog running into the road, etc.
So the driver’s fault.
Without knowing more they report passively, which I feel is appropriate.
But yes, this remains correct even if the driver is at fault, someone must assign that fault, and that’s not BBC’s job. Could passive voice the driver in there too though.
On the note of mechanical faults, it is odd that cars are typically safetied when sold/transfered to a new owner and never really required to be inspected again. Regular safety inspections should be a mandatory part of car ownership.
News outlets like the BBC try (in my experience most of the time, but not always) to avoid implying something without some evidence or source. The driver was probably at fault, but it could have been a mechanical failure, a panicky swerve to avoid a dog running into the road, etc. Without knowing more they report passively, which I feel is appropriate.
So the owner (who is probably the driver)'s fault.
So the driver’s fault.
But yes, this remains correct even if the driver is at fault, someone must assign that fault, and that’s not BBC’s job. Could passive voice the driver in there too though.
On the note of mechanical faults, it is odd that cars are typically safetied when sold/transfered to a new owner and never really required to be inspected again. Regular safety inspections should be a mandatory part of car ownership.
It is in the UK. You have to get an annual MOT check, I believe. I’ve also found it odd that that isn’t required where I am either, though.
Mandatory periodic (typically annual/biannual) safety inspections are fairly common: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_inspection
We had them when I was a kid in Virginia. My shitty Corolla failed because the driver-side door handle didn’t work on the inside.
They wanted $150 to fix it, so I just tied a rope to the mechanism inside the door. It passed.
All-told, it’s a great idea and also provides some business for local mechanics.
🤓
oh hey everyone! Look at the beautifully crafted reply. Isn’t that just great how this person adds to the conversation in a meaningful way?