Re: Tougher licensing = Safety Fast?

[WARATAP@aol.com]

Avi writes:

<<  I have driven in 4 different countries, 5 if you include Canada and
 don't think that European drivers are any better than Americans, European
 are far more aggressive drivers (in general) and I didn't feel that they
 were any better than us (I do admit that they follow the no pass on the
 right, on the left for Phil, better than we do).>>

I disagree. Better in what way??  When you write of Europeans and their
driving, they have very good training.  From my experiences driving in
Germany --and no, I didn't live there (for more than a summer or two), I have
made the following observations:

-Driving, while treated as a RIGHT, is still respected as a priveledge.  

-German drivers stay focused on the road at all times (Why German cars have
no cup holders and you don't see the dashboard littered with maps, sandwich
wrappers, etc).

 <<We also have (in general ) much better, larger, and wider roads. I think
most of our listers could be classified as AGGRESSIVE drivers which leads to
this self (US driver) bashing. Make no mistake WE are the most motorized
country in the world and our drivers are the best (and with the most
experience), we have the best cars
 (domestics included) the best roads and the strongest automotive culture in
the world, nobody can even come close. >>

Yes.  Our roads in general, are better on West coast and Southern U.S..  But
NOT in the Midwest or Eastern U.S., believe me (I cite Michigan in
particular).  While our fellow listers might be termed aggressive, I also
think we would be considered more accurately as defensive drivers, judging by
the responses to this thread.  I just drove my '90 V8Q to South Carolina and
back (with blizzaks, no less), and the majority of American drivers are
indeed polite, but this left-hand hogging attitude is still pretty prevalent
(athough less so than in previous years).

Our strong automotive culture still has its shortcomings.  Their isn't a day
that goes by that I don't see an unsafe vehicle being driven wrecklessly
(sp?- pun intended) by an even more unsafe driver.  Avi, just because we have
more cars per capita than anyone else doesn't make us better drivers.
 Driving twisties in traffic is alot different than driving on the
interstate.

<<Should your above "open class drivers" be also: blue eyed, blond hair,
tall,  Germanic? god forbid Slavic, Jews, Gypsies or any other inferior
people........>>

The list is all about us helping each other, and sharing our insights
gathered through experience.  It is NOT meant as a repository to incite
(flame) others.  If you have a bone to pick with someone, do it via private
E-mail and take it of the list please.