3 ms·

What responsibility do drivers have, in your opinion?

nostromo 5y ago
It depends on the circumstances, no? If a drunk pedestrian stumbled into the street while you were driving at speed, and you struck and killed them -- I would not blame you. If you were driving recklessly and killed someone in a crosswalk -- I would.
- rbanffy 5y ago
  If the drunk person is visible you shouldn’t pass them at speed. It’s always your responsibility to drive safely and that includes driving at speeds that allow you to avoid running over a not overly committed suicidal pedestrian. The speed limit on my steer is 20kph and jaywalking laws don’t seem to exist - if you see a pedestrian about to cross the street, you stop.
  - ultimape 5y ago
    What if you don't see them because its the middle of the night and they're not at a crosswalk, a situation designed to have high visibility?
    - rbanffy 5y ago
      That's what speed limits and pedestrian crash tests are for. The US still doesn't mandate cars to be designed in ways that make hitting a pedestrian less lethal. A lot of American cars are not street-legal here for a good reason. A recent story that made headlines was that one car maker (can't remember which) designed the front of the car to be so tall the car needs FORWARD LOOKING (!!!) cameras so that drivers can see kids (or people in wheelchairs) in front of the car. If you are designing cars and you need to add a forward camera to make it safe, you are most certainly in the wrong profession (and probably also a dangerous sadist who needs therapy or, most likely, mandatory commitment to an institution). And, finally, IF you were driving within the speed limits, the street was inadequately lit and the pedestrian was intoxicated, you should probably get away with it if you manage to prove you are competent to drive a car (mandatory driving tests could be a thing here) and that you took all reasonable precaution not to hit the pedestrian.
olyjohn 5y ago
Same responsibility. Don't drive yourself home drunk!

It depends on the circumstances, no? If a drunk pedestrian stumbled into the street while you were driving at speed, and you struck and killed them -- I would not blame you. If you were driving recklessly and killed someone in a crosswalk -- I would.

rbanffy 5y ago
If the drunk person is visible you shouldn’t pass them at speed. It’s always your responsibility to drive safely and that includes driving at speeds that allow you to avoid running over a not overly committed suicidal pedestrian. The speed limit on my steer is 20kph and jaywalking laws don’t seem to exist - if you see a pedestrian about to cross the street, you stop.
- ultimape 5y ago
  What if you don't see them because its the middle of the night and they're not at a crosswalk, a situation designed to have high visibility?
  - rbanffy 5y ago
    That's what speed limits and pedestrian crash tests are for. The US still doesn't mandate cars to be designed in ways that make hitting a pedestrian less lethal. A lot of American cars are not street-legal here for a good reason. A recent story that made headlines was that one car maker (can't remember which) designed the front of the car to be so tall the car needs FORWARD LOOKING (!!!) cameras so that drivers can see kids (or people in wheelchairs) in front of the car. If you are designing cars and you need to add a forward camera to make it safe, you are most certainly in the wrong profession (and probably also a dangerous sadist who needs therapy or, most likely, mandatory commitment to an institution). And, finally, IF you were driving within the speed limits, the street was inadequately lit and the pedestrian was intoxicated, you should probably get away with it if you manage to prove you are competent to drive a car (mandatory driving tests could be a thing here) and that you took all reasonable precaution not to hit the pedestrian.

olyjohn 5y ago

Same responsibility. Don't drive yourself home drunk!