The safe road home

Put in the best technologies. In some cases, these technologies have existed for decades.

The Volvo VESC unveiled in 1972, had cushioned seats to protect backseat passengers. Reinforced side doors to better protect against side collisions. They even had rear cameras and remembering this was 1972. And this was not the first-time cameras were used. There was the Buick's 1956 concept car which had a camera.

The problem with experimental safety vehicle car features like those in the VESC? They were not always put into production cars. The cars that you and your family drive around in that is.

In fact, there are still safety features that have not become standard in cars. When they do become standard, it is often a long time after the technology is created.

So, why is not more being done to keep people safe.

Can the normal reasons that stop action apply?

Is it not a vote winner to ensure that people on the roads are safe?

Some of the issues certainly are not campaign issues, like Australian design rules. Many of us may not even know what they are, let alone campaign to strengthen them.

Is there a powerful lobby wanting to stop safety improvements? Car companies especially traditionally have resisted.

Motorists we know have issues with speed cameras, and speed limit reductions. Is it their resistance that is killing people?

Is it a matter of funding; the government simply does not want to spend the money?

Surely it cannot be funding issues why people die.