Poll Question Review
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Do u think speed traps & roadblocks can reduce car accidents?
Yes- 12%
No- 83%
I dont know- 4%
Its obvious a lot people vote for NO (maybe the people said no to roadblock consists of car tuners?hehe). Actually factors that causes car accidents are a plenty and its pretty much unavoidable (Fate). Actually i agree about speed traps can help reduce car accidents as it creates awareness and letting people drive slower than they use to. But The officials should also consider looking on our sad for sore eyes road conditions. Most roads are full with potholes and uneven road level which is sometimes becomes dangerous in raining condition. Another reason for lots of car accidents happening here is the selfish attitude of some drivers ( no need to explain further, i assume you all understand what i mean).
Any comments are welcome..
May 7, 2008 8:12 PM
haha i like this...here is my point of view..whether you like it or not..
well speed traps do reduce accidents.cause it create awareness all the time, but roadblocks don't.some accidents occur due to negligence bald tire..driving too fast , failing to indicate when turning.drunk driving.road condition..bla bla..and some take it for the insurance claim..death occur in the hands of god..anytime anyplace..accident involving death sometimes carries a point where others are to blame due to the losses..but the fact is just be careful while driving a car, it matters to yourself and other people around you things can go wrong.
well roadblock, they do check those technical things like tires, light tinted mirrors,and others but that just stop those pimp out cars, cruisers, racers to lay low on their home garage..whats the point in having that.they know the roadblocks are out at the usual place. well at least we know they are out there doing it..thats good. well those unlucky would get caught be smart.
May 10, 2008 5:54 AM
This is a very interesting topic. I think the question we need to ask, or even the questions the government should be asking is:
what is THE REASON for the road blocks or speed traps?
If the answer is to save lives, then this is not the answer. albeit the COMPLETE answer.
Guys, apologies but this will be a long post!!
Lately we have been inundated with the rising stats of fatalaties from road traffic accidents. and these rise is paradoxical to improved safety standards of cars! why is this? okay cars are getting faster too.
My opinion is that although speed traps are good, there are other reasons that we should strongly consider first:
1. Seatbelts
Yes seatbelts. and yes we know we should wear it but do we? not just the driver, but everybody, yes including you in the back!! i think seatbelts are the most important factor that reduces the risk of fatalaties in compariosn to anything else. one way of seeing it is that if you drive according to the speed limit (eg 100kph) and not wear a seatbelt, chances are you would probably die in comparison to if someone wears a seatbelt and drove over the speedlimit at 120kph. worth a thought, but not gonna experiment on that!
Also, studies have shown than even in a 35mph (55kph) crash, G forces generated during deceleration is between 40-50 Gs! no joke man. check this link: http://www.vcu.edu/cppweb/tstc/crashinvestigation/kinetic.html
So what does that mean? this is especially for people NOT WEARING SEATBELTS IN THE BACK. If you are 70kilograms, the EFFECTIVE weight you will be producing in a crash at 35mph is 70kgx40Gs: 2800kg!!!! that is like the weight of 2 elephants. this might be okay cos u got the front seat to crash onto, but your dad, mom or friend in the front seat will probably die cos his seatbelt multiplied by your new weight will cut him in half!
I would like to know what the official number of people who died in accidents were actually wearing or not wearing safety belts. worth a thought?
2. Speedtraps + speeding
This is a good idea if used correctly. Again as i said earlier, it all depends on the reason why. In the UK, speedtraps are placed in areas where they have been 5 FATAL ACCIDENTS. Hence, a camera is put up, in BRIGHT YELLOW, and motorists are informed by multiple speed limit signs and camera warning signs. This is not to catch out motorist but to inform the public that the area is dangerous and hence a speedlimit is put on it.
So at the moment, the speedtraps done by the police would probably annoy motorists rather than educate us!
3. Road condition
yes yes, i agree, better quality roads, less potholes, better streetlighting does help
4. The driver + car
yes i agree with mr.carzine (editor) about attitudes of drivers. also knowing which lane to use is helpfull, in highways and roundabouts! and i agree with sputniq about making sure the car is in a reasonable condition
If u guys reach this point, i congratulate u in reading this post.
So in summary:
1. WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS, its there for a reason!!
2. The government should spend more time in research into this area so they can provide a more effective way in reducing road fatalities and educating motorists. this recent burst in speedtrap activities is just a mere REFLEX action and i have no doubt that it will not work in reducing the stats in the longrun.
3. And about roadblocks to catch out tuned, or 'upgraded' cars, well that is a whole different debate guys!
ps: mr.editor, i think u should highlight this topic more. yes we are all car junkies, we love our rides, but we dont want to die in a car crash either! so safety is definitely everyones responsibility!