>> This just seems nutty to me unless you are going
>> to argue that people are being killed on the highways intentionally.

I'm not.
But I think it is widely if not totally agreed that a significant proportion 
of "accidents" are caused by people doing stupid or excessively or selfishly 
dangerous things.  Any number of accidents result because "social contract" 
is violated. Poor maintenance, excessive speed for conditions (whether above 
or below posted limits), drugs of all types, carelessness (cellphone, 
car-radio, ....), poor driver condition (sleepy, angry, ...) all contribute 
to deaths that are a statistically certain outcome of that sort of 
behaviour. Any one instance may not result in death, but 
behaviour/circumstance of  that sort id certain to increase death rate 
overall. A good test is to ask "If someone else killed my family because 
they did xxx would I consider that they were acting in an acceptable manner 
and that it was 'just an accident'?".

James is hot on this. Maybe he can give us a list of the things he does to 
minimise his contribution to the unnecessary death of others on the road 
(seriously). (Note: remember I've seen you drive :-) )(I don't recall you 
doing anything stupid).

My partial list would be an unexceptional one.
Don't think that I actually always DO all this :-)

NO influencing drugs
Be prepared to NOT drive if known disqualifying conditions exceed 
pre-determined limits.
Have pre-determined limits.
Drive at a speed that will be demonstrably safe retrospectively.
Think of the other drivers.
Do unto others ...
Decide how much you care about how your family & friends will feel.
Decide how much you would care about how the other driver's family and 
friends would feel.

Be proactively aware of effect of distractions (car radio tuning, cell 
phones, conversation, views (of all types).
Note tiredness, anger, ... .
Drive within road conditions.
Observe or exceed recommended following distances. (Why wouldn't you?)
Turn on your headlights on non-divided roads (even the cops flash me!)
When the guy (almost always a guy) behind doesn't observe safe following 
distance on a freeway etc leave more room in front to compensate.
Don't be fussed by people who pull into the large space in front - just drop 
back again.
Be aware by actually comparing results of how little difference it makes to 
drive aggressively and stupidly rather than more carefully.
(Look for the hoon/boy racer in the next town and smile at how far he isn't 
ahead.)
Know your stopping distances and reaction times.
Do the occasional utter panic stop on an *empty* road to see how it REALLY 
feels and how well your car & you really handle it (and it's fun).
Never die or kill while overtaking.
Note that a high percentage of accidents involve "drift off". Work out why 
this isn't going to happen to you.
Plan in advance what you hope to do in selected emergencies. (Head on car, 
leave road at speed, road blocked ahead, ...)
Ensure available safety systems used (seat belts, ...).
Tyres, brake fluid, clutch fluid, ....
Check your light bulbs regularly.
Understand how to skid.
Understand how not to skid.
Understand hydroplaning.
Have antilock brakes.
Know that a greater percentage of solo males driving cars with antilock 
brakes die than percentage of those who die driving cars without.
In the absence of antilock brakes know how to pulse brake.
Know how to steer under HEAVY braking.
Don't drive like me.




                RM


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