I wholeheartedly agree that using your head should be you first and best
defense.
However, it is not going to save you at every situation and use of passive
protection has its merits.
Although I scan the mirrors every few seconds, I can't track the movement of
every vehicle around me at all times.
Nor can I always predict what each one will do, especially when half the
drivers do not use turn signals here in southern california. Our muscles
take half a second to react to what we see. A lot can happen in that half
second. We can however, position ourselves in the areas with the best
escape route. I often think of scenarios of what might happen while driving
and what to do if it does. I keep myself on my toes, but I don't slow at
every intersection expecting a car to run a red light and I doubt many
people do. That would make driving a tedious and mentally fatigueing chore.
But there is so much unpredictability out there on the roads that just being
aware is not enough.
Hence the passive protection. (ie. seatbelts, crumple zones, rollbars, and
air bags)
Bottom line is that S#!+ happens and sooner or later we will get blindsided.
Some rely on their wits to keep themselves safe, some rely on technology.
I prefer to use both.
Steve
70' 1600
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Frisbee" <efrisbee@charter.net>
> Being AWARE of where you are, what you are doing and what is around you is
> the greatest asset you have in life, not some stupid rollbar or fancy
> seatbelt setup. I learned a great deal from my dad, who was/is an
> insurance investigator, flight instructor and ex-police officer. He's got
> some horrific stories about people who did not pay attention to their
> surroundings and aren't around to tell the tale. It is ridiculous to add
> more safety features and ignore the best feature that we all have and
rarely
> use... our brains! By all means put on your rollbar and whatever else
you
> think you need... and good luck out there!
> Eric
>
>
> > Accidents are just that. Accidents. You cant forsee much less avoid
some
> > accidents.
> > Some things are out of your control and taking steps to protect yourself
> > is
> > prudent.
> > As for being safe to the point of ridiculous, I'd rather be ridiculous
> > than
> > dead.
> > I prefer to just watch where I'm walking as well. But if objects keep
> > jumping out at my feet at random........
> >
> > I'll wear steel toe boots, but I won't stop walking. That would be
> > ridiculous.
> >
> > Steve
> > 70' 1600
|