US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Supposedly it might be due to the economy, less people travelling to work. Due to this the figures won't be accurate for 3 yrs as far as are our roads really getting safer. I THINK NOT.

If I were a college student majoring in psychology I would do a thesis paper
on this subject.

Yes, the older you get the faster things seem to go and the slower you get.

So.... now that I'm 52 I keep wondering why everyone around me in a car seems to be going so fast? I'm not talking about youngster's (I had my own share of automotive insanity when I was 16) it's people in their 30's and 40's, even 50's. And yes I KNOW their's way more vehicles on the road then when I got my license.

An everyday scenario for me: (could be anytown usa)
Right in the middle of town, speed limit 30 mph, I'm going 35, almost everyone else is passing me like I'm standing still. The vehicle that is 2" from my bumper and whip's around me in frustration is sitting right in front of me at the next redlight.
Many of these people by the looks of their vehicles, seem to be intelligent and well educated. What gives? Has everyone lost their minds?

I am probably talking about some of you, your wives, girlfriends, etc., etc.

I just don't understand it. Maybe I've just become an old f**t.
And please, let's not even get started about talking on the phone while driving.

 

[kend301]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

An everyday scenario for me: (could be anytown usa)
Right in the middle of town, speed limit 30 mph, I'm going 35, almost everyone else is passing me like I'm standing still. The vehicle that is 2" from my bumper and whip's around me in frustration is sitting right in front of me at the next redlight.
Many of these people by the looks of their vehicles, seem to be intelligent and well educated. What gives? Has everyone lost their minds?

Million dollar bank account
250k education
70k vehicle
$2.00 brain

Just my thought

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

I just don't understand it. Maybe I've just become an old f**t.

Yup, you are an old fart!! Well.....many of us are!!

 

[JB]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Greatly reduced death toll does not say anything about driving habits.

ABS, buckled seatbelts, airbags, far better tires and lights, greatly improved handling, fewer drunks on the roads. . . all contribute to avoiding crashes and, most important, contribute a lot to survival of crashes.

Also, that statistic says nothing about the number of crashes, merely the number killed.

Weird psych, though. Yesterday I traveled in rural and city roads. Rural folks are driving mostly BELOW the speed limit. . .-5mph. City freeways are just as bad as ever; Traffic moved at +5 with a few at +10 to +20.

My take on that is that rural folk feel vulnerable and threatened in todays economy but city folk don't. City folk seem as aggressive and competitive as ever.

 

[rainman99]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Quote: ABS, buckled seatbelts, airbags, far better tires and lights, greatly improved handling, fewer drunks on the roads. . . all contribute to avoiding crashes and, most important, contribute a lot to survival of crashes.

Also, that statistic says nothing about the number of crashes, merely the number killed.

JB makes a great point here that I think it is a huge factor in this repot. Most of the rural drivers around here dontwear seat belts.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Million dollar bank account
250k education
70k vehicle
$2.00 brain

Just my thought

PRICELESS

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Maybe its because gasoline cost so much people are driving less. For sure its not because people are becoming better drivers. As a rule I never speed more than 5 miles over and if anyone trys to "give me a message" in the way they go around me I give them one back with my middle finger....

 

[JB]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Maybe its because gasoline cost so much people are driving less. For sure its not because people are becoming better drivers. As a rule I never speed more than 5 miles over and if anyone trys to "give me a message" in the way they go around me I give them one back with my middle finger....

Is that what you call "driving friendly" in Charlotte?

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Over 80% of the people driving in the Charlotte area arent from this state. As a native charlotte driver I always try to be nice BUT no plans to ever be nice to rude, smart eeses who tailgate ,talk on phones while driving, and the long list of other acts . You see people that show disrespect for other drivers dont rate nice.........they rate the finger at the least.

 

[JB]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

That sounds fair to me.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Just spent a week in Hawaii and got a pleasant surprise while driving. I slowed down to let someone into traffic and was immediately awarded the thumb and pinky "hang loose" sign. Wife and I kept watching and saw many more people doing the same thing. Great way to thank someone and let some of the stress out while driving. Afraid that in some big cities on the mainland, might get shot for making a gesture like that!

 

[DavidW2009]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

fairlaneman: "Over 80% of the people driving in the Charlotte area arent from this state."

You've got that right. Charlotte has become nothing more than a corporate community full of soulless technocrats. They have no roots.

And the traffic backups use to be so horrenous...., But now that the economy has tanked there, and with better roads, it's not as bad.

 

[mscher]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

An everyday scenario for me: (could be anytown usa)
Right in the middle of town, speed limit 30 mph, I'm going 35, almost everyone else is passing me like I'm standing still. The vehicle that is 2" from my bumper and whip's around me in frustration is sitting right in front of me at the next redlight.
Many of these people by the looks of their vehicles, seem to be intelligent and well educated. What gives? Has everyone lost their minds?

Is this a street where people could be safetly driving 40 MPH?

Many speed limits on streets and roads, are set by old habits, politics, or Governmental needs for revenue, as much as they are set for driving safety.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: US Traffic deaths lowest since 1954

Is this a street where people could be safetly driving 40 MPH?

Many speed limits on streets and roads, are set by old habits, politics, or Governmental needs for revenue, as much as they are set for driving safety.

NO!

This is a 3 lane one way street (main st.) right in the heart of the business district with traffic leaving and entering from the two outside lanes and lots of stoplights.