Don't Let The Gadgets Replace Good Driving Technique

"Why is it drug addicts and computer aficionados are both called users? ~ Clifford Stoll

It's always good to have back-up systems to keep you safe. Volvo's City Safety system for preventing rear-end collisions and it's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) for helping the driver detect vehicles in his blind spot are outstanding safety innovations. Lane Departure Warning Systems are great too. Technology is a wonderful thing. It helps make life easier.

These systems produce impressive results. Prime, Inc, a North American refrigerated, flatbed and tanker carrier, has achieved an 85 percent decrease rate in run-off-road and rollover accidents since deploying Iteris' Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system.

Technology is a wonderful thing. It makes life safer.

But it is not meant to be used as a crutch. Theses gadgets were never designed to replace safe driving techniques or common sense. They were designed to aid the driver during occasional goofs.

Drivers still have to maintain adequate following distance. The gadget is meant to back you up when you when you're not on the ball. Drivers still need to make head checks to detect objects in their vehicles' blind spots. The BLIS is meant to back you up when you slip up. The LDW saves lives, but that doesn't mean you can sleep behind the wheel and still get home in one piece.

Drivers, if you're going to drive then drive. Even with the gizmos the car can't drive itself.