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Safer cars, but ...

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One wonders... random blip (seems to large for that)... population increase (don't know)... distracted drivers (they only mention "human error").
 
There has always been distracted and impaired driving. I have to believe that at least some of this increase in fatalities is due to an increase in cell phone use. There are times when 25% or more of the drivers I see are texting, dialing, or talking on their phone. Texting and dialing are bad, but even talking on the phone decreases your awareness of your surroundings. It's easy to spot drivers who are talking on their phone; they just react more slowly to traffic. Couple that with the general increase in speed limits, and you have a recipe for crashes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the increase in the speed limits. There are several interstates in Utah for which the speed limit is 80 mph. In good weather, with a modern car, these roads are safe at 80 mph -- PROVIDED you are paying attention!

...end of rant
 
Interesting statistics, thank you.

I think it is texting / other distractions available in cars. For example, I used to have two knobs and five buttons on my radio. Now I have two knobs and 21 buttons! My climate control has two knobs and 12 buttons. That was three sliders. Bottom line, changing anything takes more thought.

Also, cars are bigger and quieter, with less sensation of speed. In my first car, going 80 was a hair-raising experience. Now 80 can be driven under total control - but physics don't change; the kinetic energy of driving at 80 is still 80% more than driving at 60.

Not sure what the solution is - noisier cars, less functionality, or automate everything to take the human element out of it? (I know there are valid arguments against the latter.)

I think an easier part of a solution is to add logic to cell phones: GPS and map information is built in and could be used to time interruptions. For example, if the car is approaching an intersection, delay delivery of a text message.
 
Sure agree about the "smart phone" distractions!

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I like the "take the human element out of it" idea.

Don't let humans in the cars - and then we won't care about the car crashes!
 
Count me among those that are convinced...smarter technology is dumbing down the human race.

 
I previously posted about the ultimate distracted driver in Florida at the intersection of Glades Rd. and Military Trail who pulled up next to me in a convertible with a latte in one hand and a cellphone in the other. What was she steering with, her...oh never mind.
 
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