[Dnick]

I have a big bag of mixed feelings on these "helpers".

Intuitively, I truly believe the general driving population will become WORSE drivers, given their comfort/confidence in the presence of a crutch to keep them out of trouble; be this a conscious or subconscious condition.

BUT, I also recognize that SOME of these features are just as valuable as the advent of airbags (don't go there) or seat belts. The frontal collision avoidance schemes for instance (brake automatically).

AND, if the entire control of the car were managed by a near zero-fault system, and it were in ALL vehicles, I'd be fine with it.

BUT, any random scattering of various tech features that potentially instill false confidence in drivers, and that vary from vehicle to vehicle is NOT a good recipe for improved safety on our roads, IMO.

Think about those drivers that fall into that lull of no-worries, now driving a vehicle, not their own..... and without those features.

Think also about the victims of those drivers; drivers who feel shielded by their car's ability to shield THEM from danger, but who now don't pay enough attention to keep from creating road-havoc for the OTHER guy.

'Just makes me uncomfortable that the standards for the DRIVER are not being focused on; because until ALL vehicles are equipped with a LOT more automated safety systems than are presently available, it's all a crap shoot as to who benefits & who suffers.

Not a fan of the celebratory acceptance of these "nanny" features, as they have been so appropriately tagged. Heaven help us if we don't escape this "tween" zone of "automated driving features" fairly quickly. Defensive driving was never so important as it has become lately, and as I fear will become even more essential as we move forward into this new era of "my car will take care of me" mentality (while face is in phone).

Just one opinion.....

 

[Dnick]

Alright guys, let's keep the discussion in check.

Regarding the nanny electronics, I suspect for better or worse, we can only expect more down the road, and probably mandated by the Feds (like killer airbags), whether we want them or not.

Looks like I should've waited another 30 seconds before posting! :wink:

 

[Dnick]

I can see the commercial now: "I don't drink & drive often; but when I do, I drink Pappy Van Winkle".>

 

[Dnick]

Regarding the article (not our inability to access it, LOL):

It always amazes me how people are surprised by the obvious. :surprise:

 

[Dnick]

Re: Electronic Nanny - First Death

Yes you can and anyone can, it just takes a little techknowledge.

1. Open a new browser session (if Firefox open, open an Opera or Chrome session) or close any open browser session
2. On the URL line, copy and paste this text
Tesla Draws Scrutiny After Autopilot Feature Linked to a Death - WSJ

This will automatically lookup a Google link to article on WSJ and when clicked on from the Google Search list, the entire article opens up with no need to sign in or have active subscription.

Aren't you the smart one! Thanks for the guidance. Normally my son might provide that for me, LOL.

 

[Dnick]

Stupid is as Stupid does. - Forest Gump

Actually, that's Forest quoting his "Momma".

 

[Dnick]

My opinion, if anyone cares.
Nobody would not want it if it was free.
That doesn't mean you need it, it doesn't mean you can't drive without it, but why wouldn't you have it if cost wasn't a factor?
I drive a lot of miles every year, always have, been driving for over 30 years and I can certainly get by without them clearly I made it this far, but they are great to have if that 1% of the time they save your backside.
..........

Well that sounds kind of silly to me (bold above). It's not ALL about the cost. Maybe it is for "Most" people.... but there are always those who want to choose how their vehicle is equipped. Why do think we still have manual transmissions. Why do people still drive 2 seater low-to-the-ground roadsters, convertibles, motorcycles for that matter. They aren't always practical reasons; sometimes you just have a particular thing that you'd like to experience. And if "direct control" of you vehicle is part of that, then so be it.