leungwingkei

I just read an article on MSN describing cars being more powerful by the day to cope with the excess of SUVs that seem to intimidate economy car drivers. It then goes on to say about this mother of two, and her saying that "I can take 'em now" and "You should see me driving now, you think I'm in the Indy 500". This coming from a mother of two.....

It makes me think, is all that power really necessary? Sure, people will argue that it's a free country and consumers can demand what they want and suppliers will cater to them. So there's really no arguing on that point.

Alright, so there's more power in cars now, that's good, and there's increasing technological measures to make the driver more competent such as the myriad of computer systems to control wheelspin, braking etc on cars today. Everything has improved so we should accept it.

No. One thing remains the same or even degenerated. That is, driver skill. All this additional power and the technological aids that control it make the driver feel like he/she is a pro, it make them feel able and even sometimes invincible. In reality, they're not, far from it. Technogical devices can help them in adverse situations but rarely does it help them if theyre too..how should I say ...incompetent, boastful or frankly, stupid.

Anyone can drive, but only a few can drive well.

Only a few can control a skid, brake in a small space and even park within the lines.

A soccer mom can't drive like a race car driver, she'll never will without the right traning and years of practice, but her car makes her feel she can. It makes her along with other people with her mentality endanger the lives of fellow motorists.

And before people say that there is a licensing system, let me remind you that almost every licensing system in North America can be passed by a monkey who follows simples rules. A license means nothing, it's too easy, and that's why there are so many bad drivers out there.

Let's be honest, does the government really think we drive like the way we did when we did our examination?

And what did we drive during our license test? A Corolla or a Civic or some other econo box, not a 240HP Honda family car.

What I recommend is that there should be driving examinations devised according to classes of HP levels. That is, you have to pass an examination, that is of some difficulty to deem yourself capable of handling a machine of a specific caliber, say the 400-500hp class. And before you pass, you cannot drive such a car.

Yes, it's going to cost alot and going to take alot of time, and people may call be stupid. But lets think for a minute.

Does being able to fly a single propeller aircraft make you capable of piloting a Concorde?
Does a single propeller aircraft license permit you to fly a Concorde?

Does passing elementary school exams allow you to become a biochemist?

And does looking at this forum automatically make you a expert on cars?

They have so many tests and examinations for other fields out there to grant those who pass the right to use such machinery or give them such qualifications. Why not driving? Why can't there be more examinations to keep the imcompetent from driving cars they can't handle, and perhaps through misuse or imcomptence hurt people with them?

Yes, as I said it will be time consuming and expensive. But is the assurance that you and your family and friends will be safe worth the sacrifices?

I think so. What about you?

nightowl

i think its great that we now can get same amount of HP out of 2 litter engine (like the new EVO) as some V8's and more gas effisiant(sp), but ya there should be different licencing for SUV's, sports cars and regular cars aswell as standard and automatic transmissions

KpaBap

I couldn't agree more. Many people seem to think that just because they've been driving to and from work for the last 15 years that they're very experienced professional drivers that are better than everybody else. I seem to think otherwise. Sure, they have more experience than somebody that just got their license, but to me an experienced driver is one that can handle his car in all situations. An experienced driver will be able to handle a skid, will know just how to press the brakes so as to stop quickly, but not lock up the wheels. An experienced driver is able to avoid most accidents.

I am kinda glad that my Protege doesn't have any driver aids (other than power steering and brakes). Sure, I might not have lost control twice, but now that I have, I know what to do if I ever get in the same situation.

P.S. Going fast in a 400+ hp car is fun for a while. Going fast in a 100 hp car, now thats always a blast