Steel spiked steering wheels!
Apr. 27th, 2005 02:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thewayneI came across this in a discussion about computer safety and found it quite true and amusing.
In the auto world, the introduction of anti-lock brakes and airbags, etc. have not reduced traffic fatalities. The reason is that it is human nature to subconsciously alter your behavior due to the belief that you have a safety net. For example, those with anti-lock brakes tend to drive a little faster and follow cars a little more closely knowing they have these features, and that behavior offsets the safety factor.
One great quote was from an engineer who said that if your purpose was to reduce fatalities on the road, the one simple feature you could add to all cars was a twelve inch, steel spike in the center of the steering wheel pointed directly at your face. The more danger you perceive, the more attention you will put into being safe.
In the auto world, the introduction of anti-lock brakes and airbags, etc. have not reduced traffic fatalities. The reason is that it is human nature to subconsciously alter your behavior due to the belief that you have a safety net. For example, those with anti-lock brakes tend to drive a little faster and follow cars a little more closely knowing they have these features, and that behavior offsets the safety factor.
One great quote was from an engineer who said that if your purpose was to reduce fatalities on the road, the one simple feature you could add to all cars was a twelve inch, steel spike in the center of the steering wheel pointed directly at your face. The more danger you perceive, the more attention you will put into being safe.
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no subject
Date: 2005-04-28 02:12 am (UTC)It makes a lot of sense. People get lazy and assume things will take care of all that for them.....and consistently seem astounded when they get hurt or things go bad. That's one of the reasons I like not having power stuff in my car. If I'm gonna lock my driver's side door, I have to do it myself. The day I can't maintain enough attention to my own safety in a car is the day I stop driving.