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This is Intentionally Vicarious… I’m Todd Youngblood… And I was just sitting here at my desk pondering aimlessly… Yet again, I found myself trying to figure out how there can possibly be so many dumb drivers out on the road.
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Going 10 miles per hour under the speed limit when in the passing lane. Double parking without a thought on the busiest street in the city at rush hour. Talking on your cell phone as the light turns from red to green and red again. Signalling a left turn, then making a right turn. I could go on and on and on…
Then I thought of Friedrich Schiller, the 18th century German poet, philosopher, physician, historian, and playwright who once said:
“Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain.”
I guess I should just stop worrying…
Think about it…
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It is not a lack of intellect. I remind you of my conclusion. Modern society allows people with no common sense or situational awareness to thrive. 100 years ago they would have starved or been eaten by a bear. This is combined with a sense of entitlement that causes them to ignore the existence or the rights of other drivers.
I’m considering selling t shirts. Unfortunately my major message won’t fit.
On any given variable, half of humanity is below average. About 15% need all the help they can get. A varying percent of that group won’t accept help for various reasons.
Seems like “behavior behind the wheel” is another example.
I’m looking for feasible interventions.
It is not a matter of stupidity. Some of the worst drivers I know are very intelligent (when it comes to classroom intelligence). Safe driving requires situational awareness and common sense. As I have mentioned before, modern society allows people with no situational awareness or common sense to thrive (and drive). 100 years ago, they would not have survived if they lacked these skills.
Point taken, but….. could I not include “lack of situational awareness and common sense” as part of the definition of “stupid?”