11–20 of 81 posts
also conducted a survey that indicates some possible causes for the steady increases, including speed, texting via touch input or voice, as well as driving while under the influence. I think most of it can be attributed to cellphone usage while driving. And now that most drivers choose to use their smartphones as GPS rather than a dedicated GPS device, I think it's going to get much worse.
"it does advise accelerated standardization and introduction of features including automatic emergency warning, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems" If these things actually made a difference wouldn't vehicle deaths be falling unless some other change is offsetting the difference?
unless some other change is offsetting the difference? FTA: "Many studies and observers cite the rise of mobile devices and their growing role in our lives as a possible cause behind the recent spike in traffic fatalities." Anecdotally, in my area, teens often receive the current family car (which is often 8+ years old), or one of the families secondary vehicles. Then another vehicle is purchased for the parents, oft…
"it does advise accelerated standardization and introduction of features including automatic emergency warning, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems" If these things actually made a difference wouldn't vehicle deaths be falling unless some other change is offsetting the difference?
unless some other change is offsetting the difference? FTA: "Many studies and observers cite the rise of mobile devices and their growing role in our lives as a possible cause behind the recent spike in traffic fatalities." Anecdotally, in my area, teens often receive the current family car (which is often 8+ years old), or one of the families secondary vehicles. Then another vehicle is purchased for the parents, oft…
also conducted a survey that indicates some possible causes for the steady increases, including speed, texting via touch input or voice, as well as driving while under the influence. I think most of it can be attributed to cellphone usage while driving. And now that most drivers choose to use their smartphones as GPS rather than a dedicated GPS device, I think it's going to get much worse.
Based on experience, the most likely explanation is texting or voice calls. When I got a new car with bluetooth calling, all of a sudden I was fumbling a lot less. A call is now about the same level of distraction as having a passenger or 2.
Texting however, I have no idea. Maybe something that moves texting to voice, but I haven't seen anything actually make that work. And, it's distracting enough that I just don't text while driving: sending ETA updates or w/e isn't worth risking my life over.
also conducted a survey that indicates some possible causes for the steady increases, including speed, texting via touch input or voice, as well as driving while under the influence. I think most of it can be attributed to cellphone usage while driving. And now that most drivers choose to use their smartphones as GPS rather than a dedicated GPS device, I think it's going to get much worse.
I haven't found a link to less generalized data. What were road/traffic/driver conditions in the fatal accidents? Were there more accidents, or were accidents themselves more fatal? What percentage of fatalities involved a semi? Happened on freeways? What if climate change is the culprit? Road conditions have deterioriated as a result of changing weather patterns. Drivers have deteriorated as mobile devices become mo…
Source: I'm in the traffic safety industry.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
unless some other change is offsetting the difference? FTA: "Many studies and observers cite the rise of mobile devices and their growing role in our lives as a possible cause behind the recent spike in traffic fatalities." Anecdotally, in my area, teens often receive the current family car (which is often 8+ years old), or one of the families secondary vehicles. Then another vehicle is purchased for the parents, oft…
There isn't much of a difference in the safety of the average 8-year old vehicle, and a brand new one.
Today's car may have collision avoiding systems, which could protect pedestrians.
automated enforcement for speed limit violations That is a concerning recommendation. How would this be achieved? GPS tracking? Speed limit cameras? Both methods can have serious privacy implications.
Almost everyone will drive 35-40 in a 30, but you could make a case that anyone breaking 45-50mph for more than a few seconds should automatically get a ticket. Even better, the automated enforcement could account for actual danger, using road conditions, traffic density, and pedestrians: you can do 15+ if the road is empty, but you had better slow way down for a stroller in the crosswalk, etc.