While the video addresses TEXTING as the particular cause of this
accident, you may use your imagination to include TALKING ON THE CELL,
DUI or whatever. Don't tell me that it's gross, because the anti-
smoking campaign have been cranking up some ads that are beyond nasty.
This is an ad the automobile industry doesn't want you to see...
Wow, a lot of mayhem and death. Not always is a pedestrian or a
cyclist that you kill. It could be you or your loved ones. Forget the
tantalizing ads from lawyers that you may be paid big bucks for having
survived an accident. They are real, they are serious, they can happen
any time.
WISDOM OF THE JUNGLE: PREVENTION
Make all distracted driving as bad as DUI. I don't care if you drink,
I don't care if you smoke. Have a Plan B: Ride a bike or walk if you
do. Take public transportation or take a taxi.
> > Don't tell me that it's gross, because the anti-
> > smoking campaign have been cranking up some ads that are beyond nasty.
> The gloves have always been off in that fight. About time the good
> guys got tough.
> <snip>
However it seems as if there was a silent conspiracy never to offend
the drivers who are a little "less than perfect" because they are
"only human." In my book though this is not an accident, just CAUSE &
EFFECT.
It's better for society to have scapegoats such as the drunk than face
itself in the mirror. 5 year drivers license suspension for texting or
cell phone use will make them think twice.
Mandatory cycling required to get his license back. You know what,
that's how cyclists got the "reputation" as drunks. From now they
could be texters or cell phone addicts as well.
> > > > Don't tell me that it's gross, because the anti-
> > > > smoking campaign have been cranking up some ads that are beyond nasty.
> > > The gloves have always been off in that fight. About time the good
> > > guys got tough.
> > > <snip>
> > However it seems as if there was a silent conspiracy never to offend
> > the drivers who are a little "less than perfect" because they are
> > "only human." In my book though this is not an accident, just CAUSE &
> > EFFECT.
> Oh, sorry - I didn't see the video (no Flash Player).
So, you saw it? It feels like the real thing, hundreds of accidents
happening EVERY DAY around the world, and most of them preventable.
Every driver should watch it to know the potential consequences of
their actions.
> (I know what you mean about those quit smoking ads, though - jeez
> louise! The other side is so abominable, though; it's kind of cool to
> see them doing whatever it takes.)
I quit 15 years ago and I agree that's a stupid addiction. But you
what, I could probably be HAPPIER smoking --being a couch potato--
than struggling to ride a bike. I don't believe in quitting things and
then sitting on my ass. I must have another addiction, POSITIVE this
time, and that is riding a bike.
I can not sit down like the Buddha and be happy. ;)
The thing about these anti-smoking ads is that they either too graphic
or are plain dishonest. For example, "smoking destroys your lungs"...
true, but the lungs are YOURS and nobody can tell you what to do with
it other that ban it in public places. Now, "your car's smoke pollutes
everybody's lungs and destroys the planet."
You will never see that one on public TV because that's a desirable
"addiction" for big oil and car manufacturers. No warning labels or
nothing. People still deny they are polluting the whole planet.
> > It's better for society to have scapegoats such as the drunk than face
> > itself in the mirror. 5 year drivers license suspension for texting or
> > cell phone use will make them think twice.
> Maybe $500 fine for first offense (if no one was harmed).
It's illegal in places like NY and Australia and still the fines don't
seem to deter violators.
> > Mandatory cycling required to get his license back.
> Hmm... intriguing; but not just for violators - for everyone who wants
> a license (trikes and e-bikes okay w/ a [legitimate] doctor's note).
> This not only engenders sympathy, but with clueless dorks pedaling all
> over the place every day trying to get their license, maybe motorist
> won't mind those of us who know what we're doing quite so much; and a
> lot of them will find they really like it, and one less car.
Actually I had that idea too. Perhaps they feel superior because they
got a license and they don't. They sure got a license to kill.
> > You know what,
> > that's how cyclists got the "reputation" as drunks.
> Mine came from the mere mention of tipsy wheelying to Flawless Frank
> of The Fantastic Indestructable House of Glass.
I can ride a bike with a glass of wine and not spill it. Or I can have
my favorite drink (TibetanMonkey OJ) which consists of orange juice
and tonic water (tequila optional) and still not spill it. ;)
Kidding, pedaling and drinking don't mix that much. It's another story
though when the bike is electric.
> > From now they
> > could be texters or cell phone addicts as well.
> Not this kid. (I *hate* my damn cell phone.)
You know, it's quite compatible with a beach cruiser or Dutch bike
though not recommended. The Dutch ladies are famous for applying make
up while riding. That's something to behold.
Now look at this shit. Who wants to watch this while eating?
> > > > > Don't tell me that it's gross, because the anti-
> > > > > smoking campaign have been cranking up some ads that are beyond nasty.
> > > > The gloves have always been off in that fight. About time the good
> > > > guys got tough.
> > > > <snip>
> > > However it seems as if there was a silent conspiracy never to offend
> > > the drivers who are a little "less than perfect" because they are
> > > "only human." In my book though this is not an accident, just CAUSE &
> > > EFFECT.
> > Oh, sorry - I didn't see the video (no Flash Player).
> So, you saw it? It feels like the real thing, hundreds of accidents
> happening EVERY DAY around the world, and most of them preventable.
> Every driver should watch it to know the potential consequences of
> their actions.
> > (I know what you mean about those quit smoking ads, though - jeez
> > louise! The other side is so abominable, though; it's kind of cool to
> > see them doing whatever it takes.)
> I quit 15 years ago and I agree that's a stupid addiction. But you
> what, I could probably be HAPPIER smoking --being a couch potato--
> than struggling to ride a bike. I don't believe in quitting things and
> then sitting on my ass. I must have another addiction, POSITIVE this
> time, and that is riding a bike.
> I can not sit down like the Buddha and be happy. ;)
> The thing about these anti-smoking ads is that they either too graphic
> or are plain dishonest. For example, "smoking destroys your lungs"...
> true, but the lungs are YOURS and nobody can tell you what to do with
> it other that ban it in public places. Now, "your car's smoke pollutes
> everybody's lungs and destroys the planet."
> You will never see that one on public TV because that's a desirable
> "addiction" for big oil and car manufacturers. No warning labels or
> nothing. People still deny they are polluting the whole planet.
> > > It's better for society to have scapegoats such as the drunk than face
> > > itself in the mirror. 5 year drivers license suspension for texting or
> > > cell phone use will make them think twice.
> > Maybe $500 fine for first offense (if no one was harmed).
> It's illegal in places like NY and Australia and still the fines don't
> seem to deter violators.
> > > Mandatory cycling required to get his license back.
> > Hmm... intriguing; but not just for violators - for everyone who wants
> > a license (trikes and e-bikes okay w/ a [legitimate] doctor's note).
> > This not only engenders sympathy, but with clueless dorks pedaling all
> > over the place every day trying to get their license, maybe motorist
> > won't mind those of us who know what we're doing quite so much; and a
> > lot of them will find they really like it, and one less car.
> Actually I had that idea too. Perhaps they feel superior because they
> got a license and they don't. They sure got a license to kill.
> > > You know what,
> > > that's how cyclists got the "reputation" as drunks.
> > Mine came from the mere mention of tipsy wheelying to Flawless Frank
> > of The Fantastic Indestructable House of Glass.
> I can ride a bike with a glass of wine and not spill it. Or I can have
> my favorite drink (TibetanMonkey OJ) which consists of orange juice
> and tonic water (tequila optional) and still not spill it. ;)
> Kidding, pedaling and drinking don't mix that much. It's another story
> though when the bike is electric.
> > > From now they
> > > could be texters or cell phone addicts as well.
> > Not this kid. (I *hate* my damn cell phone.)
> You know, it's quite compatible with a beach cruiser or Dutch bike
> though not recommended. The Dutch ladies are famous for applying make
> up while riding. That's something to behold.
> Now look at this shit. Who wants to watch this while eating?
> > > > > > Don't tell me that it's gross, because the anti-
> > > > > > smoking campaign have been cranking up some ads that are beyond nasty.
> > > > > The gloves have always been off in that fight. About time the good
> > > > > guys got tough.
> > > > > <snip>
> > > > However it seems as if there was a silent conspiracy never to offend
> > > > the drivers who are a little "less than perfect" because they are
> > > > "only human." In my book though this is not an accident, just CAUSE &
> > > > EFFECT.
> > > Oh, sorry - I didn't see the video (no Flash Player).
> > So, you saw it? It feels like the real thing, hundreds of accidents
> > happening EVERY DAY around the world, and most of them preventable.
> > Every driver should watch it to know the potential consequences of
> > their actions.
> > > (I know what you mean about those quit smoking ads, though - jeez
> > > louise! The other side is so abominable, though; it's kind of cool to
> > > see them doing whatever it takes.)
> > I quit 15 years ago and I agree that's a stupid addiction. But you
> > what, I could probably be HAPPIER smoking --being a couch potato--
> > than struggling to ride a bike. I don't believe in quitting things and
> > then sitting on my ass. I must have another addiction, POSITIVE this
> > time, and that is riding a bike.
> > I can not sit down like the Buddha and be happy. ;)
> > The thing about these anti-smoking ads is that they either too graphic
> > or are plain dishonest. For example, "smoking destroys your lungs"...
> > true, but the lungs are YOURS and nobody can tell you what to do with
> > it other that ban it in public places. Now, "your car's smoke pollutes
> > everybody's lungs and destroys the planet."
> > You will never see that one on public TV because that's a desirable
> > "addiction" for big oil and car manufacturers. No warning labels or
> > nothing. People still deny they are polluting the whole planet.
> > > > It's better for society to have scapegoats such as the drunk than face
> > > > itself in the mirror. 5 year drivers license suspension for texting or
> > > > cell phone use will make them think twice.
> > > Maybe $500 fine for first offense (if no one was harmed).
> > It's illegal in places like NY and Australia and still the fines don't
> > seem to deter violators.
> > > > Mandatory cycling required to get his license back.
> > > Hmm... intriguing; but not just for violators - for everyone who wants
> > > a license (trikes and e-bikes okay w/ a [legitimate] doctor's note).
> > > This not only engenders sympathy, but with clueless dorks pedaling all
> > > over the place every day trying to get their license, maybe motorist
> > > won't mind those of us who know what we're doing quite so much; and a
> > > lot of them will find they really like it, and one less car.
> > Actually I had that idea too. Perhaps they feel superior because they
> > got a license and they don't. They sure got a license to kill.
> > > > You know what,
> > > > that's how cyclists got the "reputation" as drunks.
> > > Mine came from the mere mention of tipsy wheelying to Flawless Frank
> > > of The Fantastic Indestructable House of Glass.
> > I can ride a bike with a glass of wine and not spill it. Or I can have
> > my favorite drink (TibetanMonkey OJ) which consists of orange juice
> > and tonic water (tequila optional) and still not spill it. ;)
> > Kidding, pedaling and drinking don't mix that much. It's another story
> > though when the bike is electric.
> > > > From now they
> > > > could be texters or cell phone addicts as well.
> > > Not this kid. (I *hate* my damn cell phone.)
> > You know, it's quite compatible with a beach cruiser or Dutch bike
> > though not recommended. The Dutch ladies are famous for applying make
> > up while riding. That's something to behold.
> > Now look at this shit. Who wants to watch this while eating?
> > > > > > Don't tell me that it's gross, because the anti-
> > > > > > smoking campaign have been cranking up some ads that are beyond nasty.
> > > > > The gloves have always been off in that fight. About time the good
> > > > > guys got tough.
> > > > > <snip>
> > > > However it seems as if there was a silent conspiracy never to offend
> > > > the drivers who are a little "less than perfect" because they are
> > > > "only human." In my book though this is not an accident, just CAUSE &
> > > > EFFECT.
> > > Oh, sorry - I didn't see the video (no Flash Player).
> > So, you saw it?
> No, I didn't see it. ("click here to download the plugin")
> > It feels like the real thing...
> If the real thing is having to watch out for drivers failing to signal
> their right turn because they don't have a free hand for the turn
> signal control, and their right turn becomes a right hook because they
> are not paying attention; that I have seen for real.
Only IDIOTS use signal lights here. Other cars may catch up to block
you.
> > ..., hundreds of accidents
> > happening EVERY DAY around the world...
> Well, it is a great big world with lots and lots and lots of people in
> it.
> > ..., and most of them preventable.
> Absoulutely right, but I figure there is so much messed up about the
> world; all those billions of people are never all going to do things
> exactly the way I might want, so I have to watch out for myself. I
> *do* manage to prevent what almost certainly would have been vehicle
> accidents by being aware that drivers might do *anything*, however
> ludicrous, and taking at least the possibility into account.
> But yes, I still have to rely on luck, and tragedy does strike people
> who do everything right...
If there's a word to describe traffic safety in America it would be
ANARCHISM. You can do what you want except when the police wants to
catch a few speeders that later go to a lawyer and get off the hook.
Even SPEED CAMERAS --that may do away with those cops ambushing
drivers-- are not implemented because of some fear of government
making them milking cows. "Moooo!" So is the government part of the
solution or the problem? It depends who you ask.
But there's a country that takes safety very serious, perhaps too
serious. Hey, it's never too serious...
"In Sweden as of March 2000, there were approximately 3.9 million
registered cars, 354,000 trucks, 15,000 buses and 120,000 motorcycles.
Sweden has 8.9 million inhabitants. There are thus 44 cars per 100
inhabitants. Sweden has had right-hand traffic since 1967. The switch
from left-hand to right-hand traffic naturally required a major
transformation of the traffic system. It also marked the beginning of
large-scale road safety work. Among other things, the previous system
of unrestricted speeds on the highways was replaced by speed limits.
The current basic speed limit is 70 kilometers per hour (44 miles per
hour). In built-up areas, the normal speed limit is 50 kph (31 mph),
but 30 kph (19 mph) is becoming more common in places where
pedestrians and bicyclists mix with vehicle traffic. On highways of a
good standard, the typical speed limit is 90 kph (56 mph), and on
freeways (motor-ways) it is usually 110 kph (68 mph).
Vision Zero: no fatalities accepted
Vision Zero aims at a future in which no one is killed or seriously
injured in road traffic. The program acknowledges that traffic
accidents cannot always be avoided, since people sometimes make
mistakes. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent these accidents
from leading to fatalities and serious injuries. Roads and vehicles
can be made much safer. People can be made much more aware of the
importance of safe behavior in traffic."
(TO BE CONTINUED: Why all those ads against smoking and DUI are not
what they seem. And how unsafe vehicles are promoted while friendly
bicycles are kept out of the roads.)
> On Feb 5, 6:53 pm, "TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"
> <comandante.ban...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > On Feb 5, 2:40 pm, "andresm...@aol.com" <andresm...@aol.com> wrote:
> > > On Feb 4, 2:49 pm, "TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"
> > > <comandante.ban...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > > > While the video addresses TEXTING as the particular cause of this
> > > > accident, you may use your imagination to include TALKING ON THE CELL,
> > > > DUI or whatever. Don't tell me that it's gross, because the anti-
> > > > smoking campaign have been cranking up some ads that are beyond nasty.
> > > > This is an ad the automobile industry doesn't want you to see...
> > > > Wow, a lot of mayhem and death. Not always is a pedestrian or a
> > > > cyclist that you kill. It could be you or your loved ones. Forget the
> > > > tantalizing ads from lawyers that you may be paid big bucks for having
> > > > survived an accident. They are real, they are serious, they can happen
> > > > any time.
> > > > WISDOM OF THE JUNGLE: PREVENTION
> > > > Make all distracted driving as bad as DUI. I don't care if you drink,
> > > > I don't care if you smoke. Have a Plan B: Ride a bike or walk if you
> > > > do. Take public transportation or take a taxi.
> > We are pushing black humor a bit too much here. Well that's not a real
> > accident.
> > We should air graphic scenes of accidents. I've never seen one and I'd
> > like to know. Decapitated bodies, arm found 20feet away, etc.
> > "This can happen when you chat on the phone" and then the bloody scene.
> Of course it is not real. But it is brutal and a good indicator of
> what can happen if you get distracted on the road. But the adding of
> the sound of the neck breaking at the end was really disturbing to me
> and at the same time, it was over the top.
I can find 100 anti-tobacco ads that are over the top and nasty. You
never find similar ads about "accidents."* You never find similar ads
about civilian casualties in a war, with a caption "WAR KILLS REAL
PEOPLE, and, make no mistake, it's all about the oil you put in your
car." You never find ads that say, "That Stupid Unnecessary Vehicle
can cause CATASTROPHIC damage to others," then show the picture of a
decapitated driver who wasn't protected against the higher bumpers of
an SUV. Or this ad, "If you believe automobile exhaust is harmless to
the world, try it yourself in a closed garage." Or perhaps, "Junk food
makes you fat and stupid," "COUCH POTATOES ARE LOSERS," etc.
We live in a virtual world, a world of make believe. I don't smoke
because it really sucks, but I'd do it you just to have my way.
*The word "accident" is questionable in itself. For example, "I killed
this cyclist because I didn't see him." Sure, it's smart that you wear
bright, but it doesn't explain why they go around proudly showing off
with their cell phone.
