On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:30:06 +0100, Stephen wrote:

>>80% of drivers think they're above average.  What scares me about that
>>statistic is that 20% think they're below average and they're still on
>>the roads.
>>
> Average?
> Besides that not being above average does not mean being below average.
> And even if you think that you are below average that does not mean that
> you should not be allowed to drive or 50% of drivers would loose their
> licences. Then 50% of the remainder would be below the new average
> u.s.w.

Now you're bringing logic into it - but technically only one person could 
be at the 50% mark. :-)

>>> "tend to get off the phone" Does that mean that sometimes you don't?
>>
>>Depends on the route I'm driving and how busy the road is.  I usually
>>get to the city after rush hour is over, so the surface streets are not
>>all that busy.  I also use a headset, both hands on the wheel at all
>>times.
>>
>>
> Better than using a handset, I admit, but your concentration is still
> not 100% on the road IMO.

Nobody's is at all times anyways.  You've had a crappy day at work, you 
get in the car and you're still thinking about work.  Some guy cuts you 
off doing 85 in a 65 and nearly runs you off the road; most people tend 
to think about what a jack*ss he is for at least 5-10 minutes afterwards.

Like I said, I restrict my attention to the things that are important and 
don't overload my mind.  Rather than seeing the stupid billboard at the 
side of the road, I'm having a conversation.

>>That said, a good friend of mine (who lost his license as a result of
>>the incident) ended up with a shattered ankle after a head-on collision.
>> He was over the legal limit, and the other driver died in the accident.
>> But being the freak he is, it was 100% the other guy's fault - the
>>other car was over the centre line on a long curve and there's no way my
>>friend could've avoided hitting him.
>>
>>The constables on the scene - as well as the dead driver's family - felt
>>badly for him because his license was suspended.
>>
> I suppose that you had to be there.

Very likely.

>>The guess is that the main reason he didn't die in the accident was
>>because he was relaxed as a result of the alcohol.  If he hadn't had a
>>few pints ahead of time, his injuries would probably have been more
>>severe or he might've died.
> 
> From my understanding of the way alcohol relaxes you he must have been
> blotto then. That does not add up. If he was so relaxed then he would
> not have been able to react swiftly and correctly. I presume that he was
> wearing a seatbelt and in a safe car to escape serious injury.

Ford Mondeo, and yeah, seatbelt was on.  But no, having seen how he 
drinks, he is generally pretty relaxed when stone cold sober anyways, so 
it wouldn't have taken a lot.  His account was that he was just over the 
limit.

Jim

Post a reply to this message