Comment Re:Make them safer first (Score 1) 92
That said, I'd rather see options in the cars available that include these features. I certainly don't mind paying for my own safety (and collision avoidance systems would indeed protect the safety of others as well).
Still...probably the biggest problem with American roads are the drivers, not the cars or the roads or the technology. The number of deaths could be brought down considerably if states weren't so lenient on drivers. And I'm not talking your basic speeding or stop sign rolling, but real hazards like blowing through red lights at full speed, weaving in and out of traffic on a busy freeway, or simply having no understanding of basic physics (1000 kg of steel at 100 kph has a LOT of energy). The worst offenders tend to be younger, arrogant in their thinking, misguided in their judgment, and utterly ignorant of physics.
Since you can't beat sense into reckless drivers (and boy do I wish this was possible) they should simply have the privilege of driving revoked. Less reckless drivers translates to fewer deaths, lower traffic volumes, and lower insurance premiums. Do this first and THEN evaluate whether expensive new safety mandates and technology requirements are necessary to fix public stupidity.