3 ms·
By the sources I posted, about 1/3 of accident fatalities per year involved excessive speed. Let's say slowing down saved a conservative 1/4 of those lives, th
by dangus 2y ago
By the sources I posted, about 1/3 of accident fatalities per year involved excessive speed.
Let's say slowing down saved a conservative 1/4 of those lives, that still beats the 1,000 lifetimes of sitting in traffic.
There are now around 40,000 fatal car crash deaths per year. Multiply 1/3 * 1/4 * 40,000 = 3,333 lives.
Plus, when you're sitting in traffic, you're not dead. If you have other people in the car it can be socializing time. If you're not the driver you could be working or playing video games, reading, or working. Or you can listen to podcasts/lectures/etc (I know how much HN loves their productive time).
- hollerith 2y agoBut a road filled with idling cars has high pollution levels, so you have to factor in the reduction in life expectancy and increase in disability from exposure to that.
- dangus 2y agoLet's move the goalposts again I guess. https://www.wired.com/story/is-there-an-optimal-driving-speed-that-saves-gas-and-money/ https://www.wired.com/story/is-there-an-optimal-driving-spee... Even if your car is getting 45 mpg you shouldn't drive over 70mph if they want to conserve fuel/emissions, and if your car is getting a lower mpg rating than that you should be driving slower.