No one could possibly argue against TXDOT improving Hwy 46 but I fear wrecks will continue to occur regardless. In short, inappropriate emotional responses and illogical behavior are beyond correction by road engineers. About 15 years ago while helping direct traffic around a one vehicle crash on a PR37 curve, I commented to a DPS trooper that it appeared the incident was a result of reckless speed. The trooper responded that during his 27 years of service he had never seen an accident; that they were all wrecks and somebody was always screwing up. It got me to thinking in a more scientific way, both regarding hard physics and the behavioral sciences.
First, a vehicle in motion is no less of a projectile than a bullet, yet much more powerful. (Mass X Velocity = Energy) Imagine a rifle shot into a stone wall and then imagine a vehicle impacting the same wall at 40 mph. While the bullet’s velocity is significantly greater, its force is a piker compared with a vehicle’s energy. Things really get messy at 75 or 80 mph. Additionally, a collision may generate other risks such as the fire and toxic smoke threat to passengers, first responders or good Samaritans.
I believe we become complacent with the inherent danger of a heavy projectile moving at high speed because we are distracted by the many amenities and gadgets in today’s vehicles such as computer screens and smart phones. Our vehicles deserve the same respect we give our firearms and we bear the same responsibility for the welfare of others when we employ them. Doctors prescribe medicine to cure our ills. If we take a week’s worth of pills at one go, we may die of poisoning. Anything is dangerous if used improperly. A vehicle’s great advantage, unlike a bullet, is that once set in motion, it can be directed and controlled. Always driving attentively and defensively demonstrates the same judgment and prudence as keeping our muzzles pointed in a safe direction.
A vehicle can mean many things to different people but driving requires a serious commitment to act responsibly regardless of road conditions.
Donald Stader Lakehills
