lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I'd suggest they're intended to help design engineers compensate for the least capable in the driving pool, as are most guidelines.

For instance, FAA guidelines for pilots are based on knowing the pilot has successfully passed a number of medical, psychological, and physical tests to be qualified to operate aircraft. Those minimum thresholds are even higher for commercial rated pilots. They also know the pilot has been observed by other competent pilots who have exercised some prudence in determining a person's fitness to fly. So the rules they write assume a certain level of competence.

Given the cracker jack box licensing scheme for the vast majority of American drivers, it's pretty safe to assume the bar needs to be pretty low.

It would be interesting to know how the Japanese approach licensing for driving (I don't know the process), however, I have been told it is possible to be charged with professional negligence in Japan because they consider a driving license to be a professional credential and those who drive take their credential quite seriously. (And then I watch some of the touge videos and wonder at the foolishness of Japanese behaviour on public roads...)

Technique

I was reading the USAirways magazine today and they had a review of the LS460... Guess what? FINALLY, they are criticizing the navigation system's lockouts!!!

http://www.usairwaysmag.com/alloverthemap01.php

"Unfortunately, the GPS navigation system is optional — rather surprising for a car with a base price of $61,000. Further, Lexus cripples the navigation system by prohibiting passengers from inputting new destinations while on the go."

Let's hope that other publications follow this trend and criticize Lexus for not letting passengers input destinations while on the go!

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

The electronic tilt and telescope steering column in my Acura was tied to the memory seat setting just like Lexus. Maybe you meant to say it is not available in all Acura models? Either way, the ones that have them work the same as Lexus.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I'm just basing this off memory so I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure even the RL that is built in Japan doesn't have the restrictions just like the other Honda/Acura cars.

nabbun

I don't like pulling over on the freeway to put in an address.

I don't think that's any safer than putting in an address quickly in the slow lane =P

if you want proof click this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKHD7QEkvro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUCoFCqNcGU

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

I bet the drivers in those vans were trying to type in new destinations ...

Magellan

Good point. The safest way to put in destinations while driving is still through voice commands. Yes, it may be slower, and yes, commands often need to be repeated, but if you’re really interested in vehicle safety, that’s the way to go.

And let’s not lose sight of the fact that unless you’re a pizza delivery man putting in dozens of destinations every hour, it’s no big deal to do it this way.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Both tasks require you divide your attention. One of them divides your attention for a much longer period. Personally, using the voice commands only ensures I will be either pulling over somewhere, or using the override in short order because the voice commands typically frustrate me more than anything.

There are some interesting new studies regarding distractions while driving, most likely as a result of people using cell phones while in transit. One of them broke down the inattention into two distinct categories - mental focus on task (driving) and physical focus on task. The study concluded that anything restricting mental focus on task is a driving hazard and a greater risk. This includes a conversation with someone else in the vehicle.

So the reality is, if you are going to do anything other than drive while in the car, you are taking unnecessary risks with measurable consequences.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Actually, it's a common phenomenon, and something Magellan knows very well called target fixation. The driver's of the vehicles are looking at the police cars, wondering what is going on, and very naturally steering right into them.

This is one of the reasons I do not believe pulling over to the side of the road is a safer option. This is far more common than most people would like to believe.

Technique

I guarantee the drivers in those vans are idiots who should not have been behind the wheel of any motor vehicle!

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

This was a joke.

Magellan

Through these many threads I think we’ve exhausted the subject and are just repeating ourselves. Let’s leave it with a consensus that everyone behind the wheel should do what they believe is appropriate to be a safe driver.

Technique

I know... I lol'ed at your original post... Especially since the van's looked like they were from the 70s or something... Funny to think about a 70's van with nav

Technique

I found a few other annoying things I can't stand:

1) Even with the car in park, and the seatbelt buzzer disabled, if you don't have your seatbelt on the light continuously flashes on the dashboard... When the car is in PARK!!! Sheesh...

2) When you put the car in gear, with the door open, the car makes this LOUD non-stop been and says "Place shift level into Park position"... This is really annoying since I routinely move my car about 10 feet to wash it and leave the door open so I can see the curb placement right next to me...

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

Please seek counselling...