A Small Car Such As This Should Have Advanced Active Safety Systems

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

Apropos to this, the National Motorists had an article on this just today:
https://www.motorists.org/alerts/on-auto-pilot-nma-e-newsletter-386/

The NMA is the organization fighting red-light cameras, speed traps, 4th-Amendment-free zones, and other infringements. I've been a member since about 1985. I encourage you to join if you consider yourself a responsible driver.
https://www.motorists.org/join/

 

[Rickb]

The Elio is never going to be a "safe" vehicle. At least in comparison to the majority of vehicles on the road. While it will be safer than a motorcycle, I don't see active safety features as being any more beneficial than putting them on a motorcycle.

Active safety features would keep an Elio owner safer if they were installed in the other vehicles that it shares the road with.

With that said, EM's marketing strategy initially and always included 5 star safety rating which sold many early reservations to buyers that may not have otherwise considered a narrow 2 seat commuter. Safety was always a concern and on the mind of most if not all future owners.

Active safety features certainly may brake any vehicle to help prevent collisions that otherwise may be caused by either driver. It's that split second scenario regardless if you are the most defensive driver on the road or texting while driving. Perhaps active safety features or airbags should be an option for motorcycles to help prevent that head on collision.

 

[Grumpy Cat]

I've driven in states with dual speed limits.
It is a massive cluster f---!
Causes too much lane changing.
And then when you get an 18 wheeler stuck in the left lane on an uphill grade you have a real mess.
And consider some of the larger trucks. Some up to 46 wheels that are used to transport wind turbine bases.

Clearly the fault of the truck driver and not the dual speed limits.

It isn't always the fault of the truck driver. There are a number of companies who limit their trucks at 72, or 67, or 65, or 63, or 62.5, or 62...I've heard from a number of truckers who love those trucks traveling at 62 and the 62.5 is trying to pass the other guy...

 

[Grumpy Cat]

Going back to the original post, how much do these ACC systems cost?

http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/157172-what-is-adaptive-cruise-control-and-how-does-it-work

 

[Jeff Miller]

And here is yet another example of stupid people relying on technology. Driver sleeps while his tesla drives down the road.

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/24/video-tesla-driver-apparently-sleeping-autopilot/

 

[Rickb]

Stupid, yes, but what is really stupid are the drivers doing that WITHOUT autopilot. This is an example of technology working while testing. Perhaps an argument for autopilot technology.

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

Bad Drivers -> "We must have More Automation! Think of the Children!" -> Worse drivers -> "OMG how could that happen! More Automation Now!" -> Even worse drivers. Repeat until most people don't know how to drive at all. Declare victory?

I predict within 20 years there will be roads/highways in the USA where it will be illegal to drive your own car. Automated cars only. Likely they will convert the HOV lanes first. Traffic deaths will decline, but the total reliance on technology may bite us in the ass.

For those who've never read it, The Machine Stops was written in 1909 by E. M. Forster. He predicted the Internet, Fraudbook, Youtube, and the possible perils of total technological reliance and loss of skills. Amazing, considering flushing toilets were still a novelty in 1909 America.

 

[Elio Amazed]

...trucks traveling at 62 and the 62.5 is trying to pass the other guy...

And just how is this NOT the 62.5mph trucker's fault?
Is this really a job for common sense man?

 

[Grumpy Cat]

And this is NOT the 62.5mph trucker's fault... How?
Is this really a job for common sense man?

I'm pretty sure I said it isn't always the truck driver's fault...

 

[Jeff Miller]

Stupid, yes, but what is really stupid are the drivers doing that WITHOUT autopilot. This is an example of technology working while testing. Perhaps an argument for autopilot technology.

Are you honestly advocating that people should rely on technology so that they can sleep in their car instead of driving it???

I'd suggest that these people should wise up and drive their car. If they are too tired or lazy then take a bus, taxi, train, anything other than getting behind the wheel and sleeping.