Car Tech: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving?
- 5/30/07 11:37 AM
Bad Drivers:
by Tom S - 5/31/07 8:30 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It is the drivers that create all the rest of the problems. Gadgets are just objects, it's the driver who decides to play while driving. Some people can't even talk in person without using both hands for expression, how would even a implant help them?
The biggest addation the Auto companys could put in a vehichle that would help, would be a "Back Seat Monkey" that would slap the driver behing the head when they were not paying attention, and that wouldn't completly work. "Some would have to turn around and argue".
Road Rage- unpredictable
by k8zatnpfl - 5/31/07 8:42 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
GPS is a tremendous help. Cell Phones when used properly are OK, but not in heavy traffic congestion, too many things going on at once. Use common sense. Road rage turns a driver into a demon, completely unpredictable hurtful actions.
Bad drivers
by rdwngsfn21290 - 5/31/07 8:45 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
'Bad drivers' is the only possible answer. All the subsequent items in your list allow drivers to become distracted. And drivers who willingly allow themselves to be distracted are bad drivers. It's that simple.
Bad drivers !
by lstrand - 5/31/07 8:46 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Bad drivers are folks from all the other category's that can not drive when doing them. The trouble is, most of them or us, don't know they or we can't.
slow drivers in the fast lane
by ePen editor - 5/31/07 8:56 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
slow drivers who (1) get to a corner before hitting their turn signal--and then, all but STOP--and then turn at 1 mile/hr; (2)'practice' causing accidents by constantly hitting their brakes--despite a clear and open road before them; (3) who, especially during rush hours, hit their brakes ALL THE WAY DOWN a turning lane (anticipating a future YELLOW??) then go thru the yellow--and trap everyone behind them; (4) wait until no cars are in SIGHT -- before turning or merging; (5) .etc. I find 'Road Rage' is largely justifiable...and those of us who drive fast, do so because we actually know both how to drive...and the rules of the road--not to mention the desire to avoid the accidents usually caused by those 'others'....
Bad Drivers covers EVERYTHING
by dnelson531 - 5/31/07 9:03 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A bad driver covers all other reasons. A good driver will not create an environment which is unsafe or too distracting for THAT driver. I hate seeing personal freedoms removed and takenen away to protect us from the worse driver on the road. Do I use cell phone yes - but only with handsfree headset. Do I eat - yes - but only things that are easy to eat (ie no tacos).
People need to take personal responsibility.
Common Sense and Education Lacking
by c|net Reader - 5/31/07 9:10 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First, people don't use their heads when driving. Maintaining proper following distance, easing off the gas rather than always hitting the brakes to slow your car, not looking 10-12 seconds down the road to identify and predict problems, being polite, etc., reduce travel time and stress for all. When I was taught to drive, we were taught IPDE. Identify/Predict/Decide/Execute. More recently, I understand it was changed to SIPDE to include Scan. The idea is that you should constantly scan your mirrors and the road looking for problems so you can react proactively and not have to act abruptly.
Many drivers don't pay enough attention to the road because they are looking at devices, mirrors, etc. Eating while driving or shaving isn't necessarily a problem. I do both -- not at the same time -- and still manage to avoid accidents quite nicely because I continue to watch the road.
Finally, driver's education is apparently lacking and there is no required followup on a periodic basis, so too few drivers understand even basic rules of the road. The driver's test in my current state focus on how much alcohol one can drink and not be considered under the influence rather than when vehicles come to a four way stop, who goes first, etc.
If drivers were properly educated, rational, polite, and careful, we wouldn't have to worry about which gadgets should be allowed or not. Those drivers would simply avoid doing unsafe things!
Bad drivers
by gslrider - 5/31/07 9:56 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Bad driving is bad driving. Anyone who gets distracted (directly or indirectly) easily, anyone who goes 10kmh or more below the speed limit, anyone who doesn't know how to make a proper lane change ie. cutting people off, anyone who doesn't know the meaning of "passing lane", anyone who has no respect for other drivers, and anyone who thinks they are being safe by being OVERLY cautious, anyone of these is a sure sign of a BAD DRIVER.
I've talked on my cell while driving, I have a GPS that I use every now and then. But the one difference for me as to others I've seen on the road doing the same thing, is that my driving is priority. So if it means me having to pull over to figure out my GPS, or to cut someone off in mid-sentence (or hang up all together) so I can concentrate on trying to avoid the "dumb ass" talking on his phone and driving in the middle of two lanes, then that is what I'll do.
People fail to realize that there is more than themselves driving on the road. I always keep my phone conversations to bare minimum. Quick and simple. If the conversation is that important, then it's obviously more important than driving... pull over and talk till your hearts content. If getting to your destination is more important, then hang-up and call them back when you get to where your going. It's such a simple and logical thing to be doing. But then again most people can't comprehend anything that isn't 2 feet in front of them, with bells, lights, and whistles going off.
It's the driver. What else is there?
by bob.taylor - 5/31/07 9:56 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The driver is the only one capable of operating the car safely - and yes, even in today's crazy world, not driving is ALWAYS an option. Skip the party, call in sick, quit. Don't answer the phone (don't turn it on!), don't yell at the kids, don't read the map. The driver makes the decision to do something besides just driving - and they need to consider the consequences.
My Dad always told me (and I told my kids) "Drive like you paid for the car, not for the road."
Happy Motoring! :o)
Bad Drivers
by slim0131 - 5/31/07 10:11 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I drive for a living. Bad drivers are the problem. If you are a good driver, all the other items don't become an issue because you realize attention to the road and surroundings is primary. If you are a mental midget and think a phone call to your significant other, changing a CD or DVD, eating a "Whopper", or scolding your kid or pet is more important than attention to the road, stay at home and off the road. Driving is a privilege NOT a right.
Causes of accidents
by SINBAD - 5/31/07 10:16 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The top two are right on. Bad drivers should not have licenses. You wonder how some of them pass the state tests.
Most cell phones I have seen people using don't have an external speaker, thus, one hand is off the wheel.
Most of everything else on this list is distracting to the driver. Any loud sounds from radio, dvd can cause a reaction which could be fatal.
As for the GPS I do not think there should be a problem with this and can't understand why it even was on this list. After all you set it before you leave to take you to a certain destination and all you have to do is sit there and listen to this voice telling you when to make a turn. You have complete concentration on the road unlike with a map when you have to take your eyes off the road. I have both a GPS and an external speaker for cell phone. Even with this speaker there are times when I do not feel confident to take a call and I definitely would not place a call while driving. That needs to be done when you pull over off the road and come to a stop. Drivers need to use common sense.
Young drivers are another cause of many accidents which are not included on this list. This is due to kids being in the car and all talking and fooling around.
The solutions would be more driver education, making driver tests harder to pass, and restrictions for younger drivers as to how many other young passengers they can transport, mandatory driver instruction renewal classes.
Tougher driving tests.
by gslrider - 5/31/07 3:33 PM In reply to: Causes of accidents by SINBADI agree. I think road tests should be more difficult. Instead of a course, or back streets, drivers should taken out on real life situations. Even in rush hour traffic. This will definitely help in weeding out bad drivers. And instructors should take more points off for driving too slow, improper lane changes, using up the passing lane, and how long it takes a person to make a right turn (especially when the way is clear). Maybe even talk to them while they're driving, to see how much they get distracted.
In my 20 years of driving, I have to say I've come across far more bad drivers than good ones. And the craziest thing is, they don't believe they do anything wrong. That's down right scary.
Speed is the most dangerous coupled with any distraction
by reli37 - 5/31/07 10:20 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
By far speed is the most dangerous factor in a crash. At 55 mph, a car travels 80 feet a second. The average stopping distance for a car at 55 mph, on a dry road ith good brakes, is 330-385 feet, factoring in perception of the problem, reaction and actual braking. At 75 mph stopping distance is close to 500 feet. For every other distraction add another second, or 80 feet at 55 mph, over 100 feet at 75mph. )The undersigned is a defensive driving instructor.)
Bad Drivers are caused by Cell Phones too
by daisie26 - 5/31/07 2:17 PM In reply to: Speed is the most dangerous coupled with any distraction by reli37I have been on the Hwy when someone is so busy yaking that they cross the line and all the other drivers have to screech to a halt and hope not to be hit from behind. Most folks cannot talk on a phone without their hands even if they have the headset on. Cell phones have gotten to be a very pesty thing. Cashiers are on cell phones while you wait in line, diners are talking and sometimes loud while you eat, try going to the bathroom when someone is talking in the next stall. Now if they are this lively then imagine having them on the phone while driving! NJ passed a law about cell phones and driving but the cops still don't stop them. What did these people do before cell phones were invented? How did we ever all survive? And Yes, I do have one. It is Off unless I need it for an emergency.
Now if you are dialing, your eyes are not on the road. Hands moving not on the wheel, making a business deal; none of the above plus writing while driving. PULL OVER if you have to talk.
Safe Driving
by sasmz - 5/31/07 10:24 AM In reply to: What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I investigated auto accidents for over 30 yrs.
I found that drivers ignore what the driver's manual says and make up their own rules because the manual, apparently, doesn't apply to them!
Let's list: speeding, improper lane changes, failure to yield, running/pausing at stop signs, improper lookout, etc. I can go on and on!! It makes you wonder what manual they read to get their license in the first place!!
Plus the 'protective' parents. They put their 16 yr old "children" behind the wheel of a killing machine, and then fail to let a professional speak to them? What's with that?
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