Intersections don't kill people, people kill peopl

[limblips]

OK, I know the rants I will get on this, so be it. There are a number of articles in local papers, on local forums and elsewhere calling for more lights, closing of crossovers, redesign of intersections, etc... due to the recent injuries and fatalities on area roads. While I am not naive enough to believe that these measures would not reduce accidents, I am also not naive enough to believe they will put an end to the carnage. It is time we put the blame where it belongs, on the drivers! Each of the recent accidents had a causal factor that related to inappropriate drivers actions. While road improvements will eventually (after designs, funding, impact studies, etc...) help, immediate action that will help is to agressively enforce the motor vehicle laws and educate the people. One small community in NY puts a PSA in the local paper everyday explaining a particular MV law. Another action that will have immediate results is for people (young and old) to talk about road conditions and MV laws. Get the word out. No amount of road change will make up for poor driving or ignorance of the laws.

[MrX (Premo)]

I agree.... many of the intersections have good visibility of oncoming traffic in both directions, yet some people still cant wait until its safe to cross and they get smashed.

Im sure that redesigning the intersection, installing traffic lights, etc will reduce the deaths but they will not eliminate them. Until all intersections have had this done people will contiune to excercise poor judgement and cause wrecks.

[RadioPatrol]

I am still pissed they changed all the lights on 210 to Left Turn Arrow (back in the late 90's), because people are to ####ing stupid not to cut someone off trying to jump the light .... hell now they add running a red light to the offense

[farmcats]

I agree with you . It is not only the major roads I am on back roads and I see more passing on the yellow lines /curves . More senseless accidents.

[vraiblonde]

As a defensive driver, I feel it's also the responsibility of the person who is just tooling along to watch for crazies who are trying to kill them, and take proper avoidance measures.

When you're driving on a dark road, you're alert and watching for deer who mindlessly jump out at you. Why not be alert to mindless drivers as well?

[HouseCat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by limblips

No amount of road change will make up for poor driving or ignorance of the laws.

I have to wonder if law enforcement will either. It might cut down on the speeders, but that's just one of many causes of accidents.

You just can't make the stupids obey laws. You can, however, learn to swerve around them better.

[aps45819 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by HouseCat

You just can't make the stupids obey laws. You can, however, learn to swerve around them better.

Stupids are rewarded for being stupid

[vraiblonde]

Originally Posted by HouseCat

You can, however, learn to swerve around them better.

That's where I was going with my post. You see them all the time - talking on the phone, TEXTING for god's sake! Putting on makeup, eating, fiddling with the radio, lighting a cigarette. Doing pretty much everything except driving.

There are no laws that could be enforced to keep drivers focused on the task at hand. Personally, I think if you cause an accident through your negligence, you should lose your license. But the courts see it differently and consider how this person will be able to get to work, go grocery shopping, etc. - that's how multiple DUIs stay on the road.

[mAlice (Premo)]

Originally Posted by vraiblonde

When you're driving on a dark road, you're alert and watching for deer who mindlessly jump out at you.

[aps45819 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by vraiblonde

There are no laws that could be enforced to keep drivers focused on the task at hand.

I think anyone convicted of causing an accident, should be required to drive a manual transmission.
It tends to keep you focused on driving