Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> Pop quiz: You’re going to get hit by something coming at you at 50 miles per hour; given equal mass, would you rather that be a small object, or a large object?

> Whap! Time’s up. What did you get hit by? If you picked small, you might be dead. If you said “large,” your odds are lower. Why? Two reasons. First, F=ma and second, P = F/A. OK, I suppose that’s really just one reason, and it’s called “physics.”

I drive a big SUV because I have a better chance of surviving if something hits me. That has to be a significant statistic somewhere too, right? How many lives were saved because of big cars?



Are you joking? Your huge SUV class kills more people than saves by easily 10x. What happens when you hit a car?

Selfish behavior is ruining our streets.


You decrease the risk to you but you dramatically increase the risk to other people, especially pedestrians. The total deaths go up.


> You decrease the risk to you

Yes, that's the point. No offense to other people, but I'm trying to not die when I drive to the store. Driving a tank with a sun roof is a good way to do that.


It's an antisocial, even solipsistic way to do that. Offense evidently intended, even if you convince yourself it's not.


No offense to other people, but I couldn't give two shits about whether they're safely walking to the store or not. I only care about myself and my family.


Being proud of selfish behavior is something that is embarrassing to see. What a great role model you are.


he’s not wrong, why should i choose a less safe vehicle for my family to ride in? large heavy vehicles are safer for the occupants in a multi vehicle collision, and in order to protect yourself from large vehicles(including bigger trucks/semis) you should be in a large vehicle too. it’s suicidal to choose a smaller car because trucks make you mad


Road safety is a social good -- it depends on the cooperation of everyone on the road. Choosing to put down your phone or slowing down make everyone safer, including you. Choosing a bigger car makes everyone less safe except you, who get marginally more safe. It's obviously antisocial and the kind of choice that makes the world worse for everyone.


Do you also run around firing bullets at random people just in case they might decide to attack you at some undetermined point in the future?


No I just safely drive my SUV to the store and then back home.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2027 batch! Applications are open till November 2.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: