[TheForge] OT - The science of driving.

[Bill Alleman]

Andy Vida wrote on 1/20/2004, 6:58 PM:

 >     This is emminently arguable.  The 10th Amendment, IIRC,
 >     reserves all non-enumerated rights to "the people", meaning
 >     each and every one of us.  The right to travel implies
 >     the right to the means to travel just as the right to self
 >     defense implies the right to the means of self defense.

The 2nd Amendment specifically states the right to a means to self=20
defense. A bus fulfills the right (which I don't recall being=20
specifically enumerated anywhere, but if nothing else, doesn't rise to=20
#2 on the hit parade) to travel. Nowhere is a right to be a provable and=20
imminent danger to fellow travelers granted. After nearly 3 decades, I=20
remain amazed that society trusts me with a 3000lb, 100+mph weapon of=20
mass destruction. But then, I haven't done anything to abuse that trust,=20
and as a riding instructor for NH, I refresh my training every year.


 >     This is done all the time.  Doesn't change anything.
 >     Sit in a traffic court one night and see how many people
 >     are asked to surrender their licenses for the manifold
 >     idiocies they commit on the roads.  Doesn't seem to make
 >     a dent it the bozo factor on the highways and byways.

Thereby illustrating how ridiculously low that bar is set.


 >     Who sets the standards?

How 'bout insurance companies? They have a vested interest in safe=20
drivers, but also in, well, _drivers_.


 >     We have standards and I believe they are good.

I respectfully disagree.


 >     The consequences do not seem to have an appreciable
 >     effect on the driving population.  Not sure why because they
 >     are pretty draconian in some cases, especially for DWI, yet
 >     people still drive drunk as a shyte here with no apparent regard
 >     for the welfare of others.

Precisely my point. No thought, no consideration, no regard, no=20
appreciation of consequences. Devoid of the thought process. "I have a=20
right!"


 >     I don't think the laws in Norway
 >     are any worse, yet the designated driver concept is taken VERY
 >     seriously.  It's cultural, as far as I can tell.  Many Americans
 >     have learned how not to give a rat's ass about anyone but
 >     themself. I don't know if that can be readily changed.

It can be if their behavior needs to change in order to retain=20
certification, rather than the certification devolving to meet the=20
lowest common denominator.


 >     Any recommendation to behave sanely is political suicide in the
 >     USA.  Weird nation this is.

Ya got that right...
--=20

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