I would agree in terms of comparing just the cars, but in the end, it's the road and conditions that should determine what's a safe speed, not the car. I'd feel safe going near 100 MPH on the I-10 through Texas. I'd not feel safe doing that on most parts of the Capital Beltway around DC.~tc~ wrote:I think everyone would have to agree its safer to drive 80 MPH in a Kizashi than, say 55 in a '73, well, anything, in terms of handling, braking, acceleration - accident avoidance, not just safety if the accident happens.
I agree with you that modern cars are much safer than older cars. Many older folks talk about how cars were so much tougher and safer in the past. It's a misconception. You were far more likely to die in car crashes in the past than now. People think that weight and size have a lot do with safety and don't take into account modern safety designs and use of advanced materials.
This video best demonstrates how far cars have come in terms of crash safety. It compares two popular Chevy models made 50 years apart.
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Keep in mind it's technologies like ABS, ESP, traction control, etc. that have greatly reduced the number of automobile crashes and fatalities. They simply take critical control from the driver in a moment of panic and respond in a way to minimize the loss of control. Humans are susceptible of making mistakes when panicking. Computers and sensors never panic.Ronzuki wrote:Not only the distractions from the tech, but the fact that the tech is performing more and more of the thinking/learning aspects of driving. I'm talking real driving. tc hit the nail...people haven't learned to really 'drive' the machine unless they learned how to drive with one of those zero-tech 60s or 70s (or older) sleds. No power steering, no power brakes (and all 4 corners w/drum brakes to boot), absolutely abysmal handling, bias ply tires, heavy chasis', and a host of other dynamics. Anti-lock brakes were your right foot and your brain telling it to pump the peddle. The human brain learned all about those dynamics coming together in all weather conditions. One learned what speed, handling (lack of) and road conditions truly meant. You learned real quick the cars responses of 'don't do that, I won't like it and bad things will happen' (therefore, don't do it again). But then again, once you learned, it was a lot of fun to take a RWD car and make a turn by simply applying gobs of power to the rear wheels, that had absolutely no traction, and apply a tiny bit of steering. Simple physics. WESHOOT states he's been spending more time driving the Kiz with the car's traction 'puter quassi-disabled so he can use his own processor to experience and 'learn' how to really drive the car (as best as possible at least). Why? Because it's what driving really is.
While I agree that many drivers may not be as talented as in the past, fewer are dying behind the wheel. Keep in mind that most people who you see driving aren't car or driving enthusiasts. They simply use an automobile as a transportation appliance. This is how the majority of people see cars and driving. Because of this, it's a good thing technologies are implemented to keep people safer from themselves. It also works to keep you safer from them.
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