[TheForge] OT - The science of driving.

[Andy Vida]

Ralph E Douglass wrote:

> The right to travel does not mean to say that you have to drive.

	I've been up and down this argument a million times in other
	forums.  It can be very effectively made in either direction.
	I believe in reasonable requirements.  I also believe that the
	requirements are in fact reasonable here.  Making Americans
	jump through NAZI hoops to get a license the way it is done in
	places such as Germany would not work well here.  In fact, 
	given the general timbre of American attitudes, not all bad and
	not all good, I'd almost be worried that if folks were forced to
	go through draconian hoops, the resulting resentment factor
	would breed even worse drivers.

	American standards for obtaining a license are just fine.  It's
	the application that sucks.  It's like going through 40 years
	of medical school and upon graduating deciding not to use any
	of the knowledge you gained properly.  If the consequences were
	properly engineered, American drivers would toe the line with 
	smiles on their faces in no time.  If some serious moving violation
	meant instantaneous suspension of driving rights for, say, two
	weeks for the first offense, doubling with each successive 
	offense, drivers would stop misbehaving.  Driving on suspension
	starts at 14 days in county jail, doubling for each successive
	instance.  No fines, no bullshyte "points" systems.  REAL
	measures that stop you dead in your tracks.  Imagine your third
	violation for driving while suspended... 2 months in county
	lockup eating what amounts to shyte three times a day and in
	cells with all manner of desirable characters.  Most folks will
	lose their jobs if they are away that long.  All but the most
	stupid or recalcitrant types will get smart.  As for the rest,
	let them spend a year in jail if that suits them.  it's their
	choice.