Re: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise Re: Kids and PFDs

On Wednesday 18 October 2006 05:12, Craig wrote:
> Study:  Airbags, antilock brakes not likely to reduce accidents,
> injuries

(snip)

I can attest to that, and many others, too, that believing
too much in technology is not good either.

I was driving a modern bus, with the best anti-lock system
there is, on a day with slippery roads. Beside me sat a
submarine captain, and we were talking about inertia, and
how hard it can be to stopa heavy vehicle, or vessel.

'But this bus got anti-lock, so no worry'. 

Well, we slowly approached the bus stop and started to
glide and didn't stop till we bumped into the bus in front ...

So one shouldn't trust in technology, but the margin of
error increases a lot. 

Had I had a normal bus I would have braked earlier,
of course, but it isn't sure I would have avoided the 
accident. The anti-lock gave me a measure of safety,
but not enough in this case, and that's what one 
always should remember with any kind of
safety equipment: It makes your odds better, but
definitely not a guaranteed winner!

Take care,

Tord
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************