Council Looks to Lower Speed Limit (Boston: fit in, shop, buses)

[bostongymjunkie]

It was 30 on most residential city roads until 2017 when it went to 25 city-wide on city streets. There's also a state law that limits speed to 30 MPH in thickly settled districts, when not otherwise posted.

[GeePee]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

That said, when you're operating an engine powered multi-ton piece of steel, you definitely bear a greater responsibility.

Funny, because we as a society don't seem to treat it that way. Drivers of said multi ton vehicles have always been given the most lenient pardons when they crash said pieces of steel into buildings, humans, etc. It's almost as if people think it's their god given right to fling around a multi ton piece of steel.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by GeePee

Funny, because we as a society don't seem to treat it that way. Drivers of said multi ton vehicles have always been given the most lenient pardons when they crash said pieces of steel into buildings, humans, etc. It's almost as if people think it's their god given right to fling around a multi ton piece of steel.

Yup, and I think there's an element of that in all of us sometimes. Those that stand out are the entitled people who take zero ownership for their actions.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by GeePee

Funny, because we as a society don't seem to treat it that way. Drivers of said multi ton vehicles have always been given the most lenient pardons when they crash said pieces of steel into buildings, humans, etc. It's almost as if people think it's their god given right to fling around a multi ton piece of steel.

There's definitely some interesting psychology to it. I always think of the "guns don't kill people, people kill people" bumper sticker quote from the gun debate. The language doesn't work the same way with vehicles. We always hear about how someone was "struck by a car," or "run over by a truck." It's usually not until some other factor (age, intoxication, etc.) is involved that the language starts shifting toward human liability "hit by a drunk driver," "elderly driver crashes into store." Obviously none of this means all that much, but I've always found it interesting.

The comments about needing shifts in driver, cyclist, and pedestrian behaviors are the truth. Nothing's going to change otherwise. It seems that even with an uptick in pedestrian fatalities, pedestrians will still opt to play ******* and jaywalk or cross on "don't walk" sings. Drivers will continue to drive aggressively. And cyclists will continue to take unnecessary risks and ignore traffic rules. Infrastructure improvements on all fronts could help too. But even with combined better infrastructure and better enforcement, the number on the sign won't eliminate bad behavior.

[msRB311]

But in many times a car accident is just...an accident. It seems quite different to me than taking a gun and shooting someone.

Sure there are situations where someone might hit someone on purpose...but cars are very much legal and an important part of the world.

How would people feel if laws started allowing when people could and couldnt drive? That could be mandated but people would be outraged and feel like their freedom was taken away.

I've said before there are too many cars on the road...with lots of idiots driving. This isn't going to change.

[htfdcolt]

Another factor that's changed--the near ubiquity of noise cancelling Airpods. Just walk around Cambridge, or heck any T station...and you'll see pedestrians totally absorbed in their music / podcast whatever, and ignore hazards around them. I've even seen drivers with these in their ears, which scares the crap out of me.

[msRB311]

I'm sure technology (phones, airpods, etc) play a huge role in additional accidents. there are so many distractions people get while driving from phones while on busy crowded roads.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by BOORGONG

Your sobriety is a valuable asset, Junkie. Nobody can dedramatize the way you do. Lol

Lol, the former Jerry Springer audience are still searching for their reason d'etre.

[GeePee]

The majority of people i see in cars have a phone in their hand.

[redplum33]

The bike people are a real problem.