When the journalists put the Smart and A class on their sides, the vehicles had been certified for use on the roads and subject to extensive testing by Mercedes, yet there was a inherent design issue with vehicles that are tall with narrow wheelbase and a higher centre of gravity.
Whilst its great to have a car out of control travelling backwards on a race track where most likely the only person at risk is the driver and where fire and ambulance services are in attendance. May I suggest, it is not acceptable in any civilised society to place a potential lethal weapon in some-one hands on the main roads without relative safety blanket being put around its use, to protect not the driver but also the innocent parties could get caught up in any accident. That's why for example we all drive on the same side of the road, we stop at red traffic lights, we give way at junctions, we have speed limits, we undertake annual minimum vehicle safety checks called MOTs etc, we are all tested and licenced to drive certain vehicles types after meeting minimum standards. We punish infringements of the rules eg under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding and so on because it proven to increase the likelihood of accidents. Otherwise, it would be a free for all, but of course all of those rules eg Highway Code represents a restriction (nanny state) on the one's freedoms when driving a vehicle.
I smile when I see reference to the nanny state with regard to cars etc. Interestingly its the same nanny state that most people rely upon for example for their health and education needs, to mention just a few.
BTW I love that Reliant 3 wheeler racing picture, Has it been photoshopped
Last edited by JohnHarris; 16/10/23 02:20 PM.
