TeleVoce

Description

Now we have all Toyota drivers nervous and the rest of us worried about every Toyota going by. Driver training always tells you to look out for the other guy, but this is not exactly what they were talking about. Driving is one of those skills where almost everyone is above average–right! That cannot be true, but take the test. Anyone you know admit to below average driving skills? I didn’t think so. Now of all those “above average drivers” how many are really above average — on an auto skid pad, on a race track, under stressful accident conditions? How many can even answer in 15 seconds how many ways to stop a car that seems accelerating out of control? Anyone think 15 seconds will be enough time to react in a stressed situation? Any of these “above average drivers” drive in high heel shoes? Like to talk on the phone while driving? Might be eating while driving? Think that the audio/stereo experience is the highlight of their car? How many of these great drivers have read recommendations in the car owner’s manual? How familiar are drivers with the current maintenance condition? Have the tires been checked with a walk around before driving? Are drivers sensitive to feedback in the form of noises and vibrations? So we all think we are pretty good drivers, but most of us really have no clue. Now are you worried about the Toyota coming down the road or wondering who is driving? We have been reducing the driver’s role in vehicle control for years, then when the driver is critically important we hope to find drivers rising up to the role of Sully (Captain Sullenberger). For over 50 years we have demanded that driving be made easier, for example: power brakes so we don’t have to exert too much force; power steering so one finger could direct the car; isolated suspensions so we don’t feel road bumps; sound deadening to keep our cabin quiet, except so we can enjoy distracting stereo; ABS brakes so we don’t need to think about how to brake; cruise control so we don’t need to tire from our foot on the pedal; and the list goes on. We have to admit we are very lazy and have made driving a task that we can be easily distracted from. We have reduced the skills required to driving, because we expect anyone and everyone to drive. So we are a bunch of under-tested, under-skilled, and under-prepared drivers isolated from interacting with the real job of driving– except when we are tested under duress. This is where our culture has taken us. Of course when exposed, we squeal because we have lost any reference point–at least any reference that includes responsibility. Our legislature has insured our position, not just for emissions and fuel economy, but especially safety. We are not only a nation of laws, but the resulting nation of lawyers, and of course, we are ruled largely by lawyers. We want to be protected, the legislature wants to protect us, and as a result we get rolling isolation chambers to protect us from ourselves and others. Our laws force cars to be designed to protect us, not to make us more in control but in many ways LESS in control. Has any law been passed to enhance vehicle control? I have not heard of such.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby