[TheForge] OT - The science of driving.

[Bruce Freeman]

I know this is way off topic, but I also know there are folks here who =
could contribute to this idea...
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On the way to work this AM, I noticed how stupid some drivers seem.  Then =
I got to wondering about it and decided that maybe they just don't KNOW =
any better.  It occurred to me that drivers are required to learn the laws =
before getting a licence, and the manuals they study to do so may discuss =
braking distance and so forth, but the manuals never go into the physical =
principals involved.
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So here's a proposal:  Write a manual of the science of driving.  Include =
all topics from physics, etc., that would aid a driver understand why he =
should or should not behave in such and such a manner.  Make the science =
rigorous, but nonmathematical.  Give some numeric examples, where =
appropriate, but let it go at that.  The manual should be easy reading, =
along the lines of a Reader's Digest article (but longer).  A child should =
be able to understand it * 5th grade reading level.
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What I would envision is to put together a little booklet, comparable in =
size to a typical state's driver's manual.  Get the thing endorsed by the =
National Traffic Safety Council, and other relevant groups.  Get one or =
more states to agree at least to pass out the booklet, or, preferably, to =
add one or two questions to their drivers test that could be learned from =
the material in the booklet.   Find corporate or other sponsors to cover =
printing costs for a first (LARGE) run of copies.  Do a test distribution =
in one or more states.
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Topics I see as relevant:
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From physics:
Static versus dynamic friction (relevant to: brakes, braking, tires, =
skids, acceleration)
Newton's first law (relevant to: cornering, skids)
Mass, Inertia, kinetic energy, momemtum (relevant to: acceleration, =
braking, collisions, driving behavior of large and small vehicles)
Force and impact force (relevant to: seat belts, collisions, injuries from =
collisions)
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From chemistry and materials sciences:
Deformation of elastomers (relevant to: tires, friction, braking)
Phases of matter (relevant to: water & ice, winter driving, effect of salt =
and sand)
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From physiology:
Human reaction time (relevant to: braking, following distance)
Human attention and distraction (relevant to: distractions vs. background =
entertainment in the car)
Human blind spot (relevant to: blind spots, collision avoidance)
A minimal discussion of human anatomy (relevant to: seat belts, injuries =
in collisions with and without seat belts)
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Reactions?  Interest?
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Bruce
NJ



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