Lucky to Be Alive, Calling for a Revolution in Road Safety

By | February 24, 2017

  • February 24, 2017 at 1:25 pm
    Mr. Integrity says:
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    Start with the root cause, which is getting a driver’s license.

    A 20 question written test (seems to be a national standard) and ~ 60 minutes behind the wheel demonstrating you can stop, accelerate, and parallel park is not sufficient for today’s roads and distractions.

    Driving lessons in various environments, i.e., day, night, weather, highway, neighborhoods, etc., should be standard. A written test that examines all road signs, situations, and rules should apply.

    Mandate stiff fines and primary offenses for distracted driving, excessive fines, failing to completely yield/stop, not using turn signals, no seatbelts, etc., to enforce driving laws.

    Getting a license to drive should be based on knowledge and ability, not entitlement.

  • February 24, 2017 at 2:20 pm
    Perplexed says:
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    I’m with you Mr. Integrity, especially for stiff fines for distracted driving. It’s a serious problem where I live and I wouldn’t walk or ride a bicycle near any road these days. People are not watching. They’re on their phones.

    • February 24, 2017 at 3:14 pm
      Agent says:
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      Perplexed, you are entirely correct. Cell addicts are on the phone constantly either talking or texting. They have everything but driving on their minds. We won’t see much improvement until stiff penalties including loss of license are imposed.

      • February 24, 2017 at 3:15 pm
        Agent says:
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        Forgot to add that walkers are often talking and texting and some have been known to walk right out into traffic with not a hint of where they are or what they are doing. Result – Pedestrian deaths.

  • February 27, 2017 at 9:22 am
    arthur says:
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    If you plan to walk at night, please do yourself and drivers a favor. Buy an inexpensive reflective jacket at a bike shop and a flashing light…… This won’t end all accidents but it will reduce them.

  • February 27, 2017 at 2:29 pm
    normct says:
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    We were always told to walk against traffic. Then you have a chance to avoid getting hit.

  • February 28, 2017 at 9:49 am
    Jocomo says:
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    I wonder what the feasibility is for auto makers to make it so that an automobile will not continue to operate unless two hands are on the wheel. I am not sure how that could safely be done, but if one were to take one hand off to operate a cell phone, perhaps the car can start to decelerate or some loud, obnoxious ding could ring until both hands are back on the wheel. Radios can be operated these days from the steering wheel and calls can be answered the same way. I think it could be done. I will be the first to say that driving with both hands on the wheel can be uncomfortable.

    Another thought would be a type of retinal scanner to ensure the driver has his/her eyes on the road.

    Note: I never text and drive. My phone stays in my pocket. I’d be willing sacrifice some comfort (i.e. two hands on the wheel) for the sake of a safer society.

    These are just some thoughts. Again, not sure how feasible they would be or how popular they would be, but something needs to be done about these drivers that feel the need to post stuff to Facebook while moving at 70 mph.



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