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Full moons and particularly "supermoons" have been linked to increased deaths of motorcyclists:
Distracted drivers, like those who text behind the wheel, are a danger to themselves and to others. Even a brief, momentary glance away from the road can result in life-threatening consequences.
Research published Dec. 11 in The BMJ [open, DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j5367] [DX] points toward another potential distraction for motorists: the full moon, gracing the sky with its brightness around 12 times a year, and the dazzling supermoon, which comes into focus around once a year.
The researchers found that on nights illuminated by a full moon, fatal motorcycle accidents increased by 5 percent compared to nights without a full moon. On evenings when the supermoon decorated the sky, this increased to 32 percent. The study included data from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
While this observational data cannot prove any firm conclusions, the researchers warn drivers of the risks of seemingly minor distractions, urging constant attention while driving at all times.
(Score: 2) by Virindi on Wednesday December 13 2017, @10:15PM (1 child)
When arguing against the idea that everyone will be safer in a padded cell, the strongest argument is not that padded cells are not as safe as you think. One can always work on making a safer padded cell.
Making that argument allows the discussion to be shifted to something which, in my opinion, is not the most important factor.
(Score: 2) by legont on Thursday December 14 2017, @01:56AM
Say we have really smart AI driving and it behaves like I do. If I see a dog in a difficult turn, I run the dog over so not to increase risk of a crash. However, if I see a child, I do whatever it takes to save her and would crash my car, if necessary, let alone take additional risk.
The question is, if people would buy cars that value car owner life less than others in certain situations; even if people themselves do the same. I will definitely not. I can and do risk my life for others, but only on my own choice - not some bloody corporate engineer.
I think autonomous cars will be legislated down our throats.
"Wealth is the relentless enemy of understanding" - John Kenneth Galbraith.