Why do people insist on being stupid?

[InjaYew]

Since people do insist on being stupid drivers, then we ought to have laws to force people to drive more responsibly. I would like to see laws banning the use of cell phones while a vehicle is in motion.

I was almost in an accident the other day cuz a woman was too busy chatting on her phone to see the traffic light change. The driver in front of me was paying attention though and her quick thinking saved us all from a pile up. Anyone who takes driving a vehicle lightly is behaving in a foolish manner, yet we see it every time we're on the road. I guess that should tell us something about the IQ of the driver ahead of us. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I'm sorry what you had to experience Animal. No one should have to go through something like that.

[ 02-28-2004, 09:46 AM: Message edited by: InjaYew ]

[Bungleau]

I recall reading an interview with a professional race car driver a few years ago. In that interview, he said that whenever he drove on the regular roads, he drove without the radio or anything so he could give it his full attention.

His reasons? Too many amateurs out there.

Sounds reasonable to me.

[Aelia Jusa]

Originally posted by SomeGuy: I think maybe we'd have a little more safety if they enforced laws or something that keep people from having certain distractions on the road.

Yes, I agree. We have laws banning the use of non hands-free mobile phones while driving here, however I think the number of people picked up for breaking that law has been quite low since its inception - not enough police out enforcing it. Scarily though, research has shown that even using a hands-free phone is just as dangerous as physically holding your phone because of the concentration required to speak to someone who is not privy to road conditions (unlike a passenger). While I don't disagree with speed cameras and police using radar equipment to enforce speeding limits, I think it's a shame that there isn't equal fervour in enforcing laws that ban other activities that can really impact on driving performance. And of course, banning mobile phone use is just the tip of the iceberg as has been said here - eating, reading, doing hair/makeup, looking through bags, sending text messages (!!!)... Drive-throughs are convenient of course, but how many people start eating as soon as they pull away and get back into traffic? And the proliferation of cup holders in cars just screams - do other things as well as driving in the car!

[Animal]

Originally posted by SomeGuy: Animal, that is a very sad thing to happen, and I'm so sorry to hear what happened. I think maybe we'd have a little more safety if they enforced laws or something that keep people from having certain distractions on the road.

Do not feel sorry for me, just learn something from my experience.

I hope everyone who reads this post, decides to be a little more responsible as a driver and understand that, although you may think you are a good driver you cannot respond to the unexpected unless your full and undivided attention is directed at driving.

I posted this, not for people to feel sorry for me, but to learn from this experience. It CAN happen to you.

[Downunda]

Driving is a privelige, not a right...

Kakero, I don't have any want to start a flame war but there are many of your posts where I've read them and wondered wtf you were thinking... I respect your opinion on things but there is a certain subtlety that you don't seem to have grasped yet. How bout thinking before you post next time huh? As for going blindfolded, try closing your eyes and walking from your computer to the kitchen and then the lounge and then back to your computer, not using your arms or hands for guidance... just walking as per normal, doesn't feel as co-ordinated as if you had your eyes open hmm?

As for having a map imprinted in your mind that's fair enough, I see where you're coming from but what about things that are on the map today that weren't yesterday? like 12 year old boys crossing the street?

I fully agree animal, when people drive irresponsibly they not only put their lives at risk but everyone elses that uses the road too. A safe and careful driver is a good driver.