Y'know how I like nuance and am skeptical of simple narratives?
Well, I have a bugbear regarding the discussion on pedestrian fatalities in the US.
To start this thread, I'd like to think I have an unbiased perspective here. I don't drive a very large vehicle, I loathe the arms race in vehicle size, and I welcome all efforts to reduce car-dependence and make our streets safer for all.
But... every discussion I listen to on this topic is real handwavey on the impacts of distracted driving.
@TechConnectify IMO the main problem with driving in the US is that there's barely any training requirements in most places.
When I did my DL in Europe, there's required classes and required hours with a certified driving instructor in a specially modified car, and then it's like a 2-year "probationary" license with special restrictions and mandatory extra training & probationary period extension if they catch you doing something bad like using a phone while driving.
The other major problems in the USA are that they don't use roundabouts, preferring infinitely more dangerous four way intersections and the fact that overtaking/undertaking is permitted anywhere you like on the freeway. The road accident rate in the US is pretty appalling for a 'civilized' country!
