MetaFilter posts tagged with driving

A Little to the Left

Hardcore Poser — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:42:19 -0800

The Independent State of Samoa has just 200,000 citizens, but you can be sure many are a little less than placid today. They are undergoing a shift that few nations have done; one that may be as jarring as when Jekyll changes to Hyde . They are about to change lanes. In a big way. Samoa is the first territory in over 30 years to change which side of the road is driven on (the most recent switch-hitters before them being Nigeria and Ghana. There have been several countries that moved from left-hand driving to right; very few have gone the other way. Most switches have been to accommodate the flow of surrounding countries; Okinawa Prefecture did it to symbolize its return to Japanese control after the US took over. When Sweden first brought the issue forward in 1955, just over half the citizens voted; however the result was strongly against a change in direction. Twelve years later the change was implemented anyway. Interestingly, accident rates in Sweden during the first two months were down from the norm; they soon returned to the average rate. This was likely due to the extensive planning, legislation and redesign that was undertaken to increase capacity, rework problem intersections, reduce parked vehicles and change how pedestrians cross. Okinawa was not so fortunate. The changeover plan in Samoa has not been well received, and could meet with more opposition in the days to come. Many Samoans feel that the current government has not made sufficient preparations; over 18,000 protested in April of 2007. In a one-party country this has not mattered much to the will of the government. Local chiefs, called Matais, do have influence. The government recognises the ancient tribal customs enforced by the Matai as part of modern law. Many Matai are not onside with the planned change; some have vowed to disobey the new traffic laws. Other citizens advocates worry that, since most buses are not allowed to drive (their doors now open onto traffic), many poorer citizens will face difficulty and added expense getting to work. Early reports indicate things are calm at the moment. Today however was declared a national holiday, so the real test will be when people return to work tomorrow. Sadly, any problems with the transition, or the details of Samoa's underlying issues will likely not register very high on the West's radar.

Cell time for cellphone drivers?

storybored — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:33:00 -0800

“We’ve spent billions on air bags, antilock brakes, better steering, safer cars and roads, but the number of fatalities has remained constant,” said David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah and a leading researcher in the field of distracted driving. “Our return on investment for those billions is zero,” he added. “And that’s because we’re using [cellphone and messaging] devices in our cars.” Despite an estimated death toll of up to 2600 each year, attempts to ban device use has made little headway. Regardless of how you feel about cellphone bans, Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman had this insightful comment : “There are so many things that can be forbidden. The stranger thing is that we believe everything that isn’t forbidden is allowed.”

Somebody's watching you...

desjardins — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:41:12 -0800

When the economy slows down, ticket writing speeds up. Traffic cameras spark anger from citizens. Researchers find that they increase crashes. Find the red light cameras near you. Download a free warning system to your iPhone or Blackberry. In Mississippi? You're in luck. Red light cameras have been banned. In the Chicago area? Too bad. Speed cameras are coming too.

Stupid Drivers

Deflagro — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:32:13 -0800

There's always a few things they don't teach you at Driver's Ed that everyone should know. Like making sure the car is in park and not reverse when you finally surrender to the police. If someone honks at you, don't threaten them with a python. Try not to sneeze when driving near rivers. Don't try to eat cereal while driving. The trunk isn't a good way to get into your car. A six day roadtrip is too much for a "test drive."

Being Productive on Salvia

East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:15:56 -0800

Driving on Salvia, from the series Being Productive on Salvia. Previously

Fuelly tracks your gas mileage.

goodnewsfortheinsane — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:26:58 -0800

Fuelly tracks your gas mileage over time, helping you save fuel and expenses as you drive.

The Great Automobile Race of 1908

peacay — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:32:08 -0800

On 30th July 1908, after 169 days of competition, the 4-cylinder, 60-horsepower Thomas Flyer, driven by George Schuster from America, crossed the finish line to win the Great 1908 New York-to-Paris Automobile Race. After driving to the West Coast, the vehicles were shipped to Vladivostok from where only three teams managed to continue with the race across Asia and Europe. [I wonder if Time will change their title to 'New York-to-Paris'?] See also: -The Great Auto Race 1908 -The Greatest Auto Race on Earth

Vector Portraits (1989-1997)

dhammond — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:22:13 -0800

Los Angeles-based photographer Andrew Bush mounts a camera on the side of his car to capture freeway drivers in the southwestern United States. [via]

Too pissed to drive?

maudlin — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:55:11 -0800

Too pissed to drive? ("An interactive urinary experience - not to be mistaken with the Wii.") Those naughty but practical Germans have come up with a way to discourage men from driving drunk using a video game embedded in a urinal. I don't know how successful it's been in the real world, but it did win a silver Clio award for Innovative Use of Technology. If you don't plan to be in a Frankfurt bar any time soon, or if you lack the necessary equipment to play, you can try the wee-free simulation here.

But Officer ...

netbros — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:02:12 -0800

The Unofficial Guide to the DMV ― This web site was created to provide easy-to-access information and resources for all your Department of Motor Vehicles needs for all 50 states. Details about driver’s licenses, driving records and ID cards, as well as vehicle registrations, title transfers, bills of sale and smog checks are available here. DMV.ORG also offers information you wouldn't think of getting from the Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll find guides to buying a new car, ways to order a vehicle history report, and links to auto insurance. Got a traffic ticket? DMV.ORG teaches you about online traffic schools, as well as driver's ed courses for new drivers. You can also use DMV.ORG for information about lemon laws and important updates on safety recalls. It isn't all legalese, forms and publications though. Don't miss the fun stuff section that includes several links to interesting license plates and cop jokes for example. This is one content rich, useful site. Sorry, U.S. only.

Kids These Days

jabberjaw — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:30:58 -0800

A seven year old borrows his grandmother's car, hits a couple of mailboxes, two parked cars and two moving cars. And he's not sorry just one bit. (SLYT) I used to do bad stuff just for the sake of being bad as a kid too; but I don't recall ever being so not-remorseful about it. And of course the youtube comments are about what you would expect.

Driving, How To

wittgenstein — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:00:01 -0800

Some unusual thoughts on how to drive. Wait and See. Trucks. Bubbles and Barriers. There is a lot more, though you may have better luck at figuring out exactly how to navigate the site than I did.

Signs?

jaronson — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:15:24 -0800

The number of accidents at one intersection dropped by 95 percent , from 200 a year to about 10... "You can't deny the numbers," he added. "Half the world is eager to see what's going to happen with this program."

Apparently, people in India can handle it. (Surely you saw this on Reddit?)

Smoking while driving

Lanark — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:00:15 -0800

The UK Highway Code for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians has just been updated and expanded by 50%. New advice and recommendations include: 'Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly' and 'Smoking while driving is now classed as a 'distraction.'

Papal Beep

chuckdarwin — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 08:23:17 -0800

The Vatican's new document - "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road" - contains 10 Commandments for Drivers.

Libras are the worst drivers

dov3 — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:08:55 -0800

The Zodiac made me do it.

The McMissile Case

smoothvirus — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:22:10 -0800

Virginia woman could get 2 years in prison for throwing McDonald's bag - a jury in Stafford County, Virginia has recommended a two-year prison sentence for Jessica Julia Hall, a 25-year-old mother of three, for throwing a bag with a soft drink inside into the car next to her. She was convicted of a felony offense after getting into an altercation with another driver on I-95 between Fredericksburg, VA and Washington, DC - widely considered to be one of the most congested stretches of road on the East Coast. Anyone who drives in the DC area can tell you how overcrowded the highways are. It gets worse in the summer when the tempratures rise and tempers flare. This could be an example of excessive justice, or perhaps juries in this area have had enough.

No stop signs, speed limit, nobody's gonna slow me down

fandango_matt — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:52:52 -0800

Are you annoyed with careless, rude, or stupid drivers? Instead of obscene gestures, obscenities, and aggressive tailgating, now you can snitch on them at PlateWire.com, a site where you can enter the license plate, vehicle make & model, and a description of the offensive behavior. Members can search for repeat offenders' license plates and contribute to the blogs.

Grandma's Little Helper

PreacherTom — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 05:29:03 -0800

Grandma's Little Helper Tired of bluehairs clogging up the left lane doing 20? Apparently, there are companies who feel the same way. Aware Car has developed a computer system that tracks other cars and compensates for the losses in reflex that accompany aging. This is only one example of the new industry of providing technology to the elderly, who will reach record numbers in the next 20 years as the Baby Boomers continue to age. Pictures show GPS tracking for wheelchairs, "caller ID on steroids", and the new driving system in action.

Rendezvous 2.0?

lemonfridge — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 01:43:15 -0800

Google Video + Google Maps + Rendezvous = Awesome Its been posted previously, but now with a map illustrating the route taken in real-time.

Smash the Plate

Otis — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:09:27 -0800

Bad choices, bad consequences.

gottabefunky — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 12:00:52 -0800

You're 18. You got your driver's license in February, and you just graduated from high school. Last Wednesday night you're zooming down Hwy 101 at 100 mph, racing another car, and you smash into the side of an SUV, killing all three people inside.Turns out two of them were Prince Tu’ipelehake and Princess Kaimana Aleamotu’a Tuku’aho of the Tonga royal family, the only royal monarchy left in the Pacific. Now an entire nation is is mourning and your bail is $3 million.

“the SOUND of the DEAFENING REVVING ROARS of the ENGINES and the SMASHING of METAL against FLESH and BONE"

you just lost the game — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 06:29:55 -0800

Death Race 2000. Eric Red isn't the only celebrity to have killed someone in a car accident. But his story may be the most bizarre.

brum brum beep beep

13twelve — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 06:26:40 -0800

How motorways work (slightly NSFW - ever so slightly - I think it swears a couple o times). Why we hate UK motorway users hate using our motorways. See also Middle Lane Morons.

32 Hours 7 Minutes

blue_beetle — Wed, 23 Nov 2005 13:01:26 -0800

32 Hours 7 Minutes is all it took to drive from New York to LA. via Gizmodo