The connections between speed and safety risk are clear-cut.
In his brilliant dissection of the underlying causes of automobilism, Wolfgang Sachs says that:
“The automobile is much more than a mere means of transportation; rather, it is wholly imbued with feelings and desires that raise it to the level of cultural symbol.” (Sachs, 1984, vii)
Our culture is a high speed one, autos are one consequence of that. As are road deaths and disabilities in obscene numbers.
We ignore cultural issues at our peril.
- Driving at speed increases the time and distance it takes a vehicle to slow down – increasing the risk of a collision.
- Driving at speed increases the force of impact and so the likelihood of injury.
- Driving at speed reduces the ‘cone of vision’ of driving and so increases the likelihood of an unexpected event.
In his brilliant dissection of the underlying causes of automobilism, Wolfgang Sachs says that:
“The automobile is much more than a mere means of transportation; rather, it is wholly imbued with feelings and desires that raise it to the level of cultural symbol.” (Sachs, 1984, vii)
Our culture is a high speed one, autos are one consequence of that. As are road deaths and disabilities in obscene numbers.
We ignore cultural issues at our peril.