In the post-apocalyptic movie "I Am Legend", starring Will Smith, the main character Robert Neville drives around a deserted New York in a bunch of great-looking cars (especially the Ford Shelby GT500). Like all good post-apocalyptic movies (including "Mad Max: The Road Warrior", "The Book of Eli", AMC TV show "The Walking Dead", and others), the main character tries to eke out a living in a world turned upside down.
As viewers, we recognize remnants of our world but realize that it is no longer the world we know. And all of these movies can actually teach us an important lesson about safe driving.
In these movies, the main characters try to make the most of what is left... even though there isn't much left at all. And what makes each of these movies an interesting glimpse into a fictional future is the fact that technology has failed humanity.
In today's world, we rely heavily on technology. Work happens on computers. Billions of dollars are spent on web-based purchased. Our mobile phones never leave our sides and they connect us to family and friends. And, our vehicles are technological marvels of safety and control: Every day, science advances the safety and control of our vehicles just a little more. Cars are no longer "horseless buggies" that travel about as fast as a horse-drawn buggy. Rather, they speed along quickly and very quietly; they are designed with crumple zones and protective glass; they come equipped with front airbags, side airbags, and seat belts; they are controlled easily with power steering and power brakes; new technology includes steering wheel controls and even voice commands.
All of these things are wonderful advancements in technology. Unfortunately, if we're not careful, they can trick us into thinking that we are in control at higher speeds, and they trick us into assuming that we are safer than ever. (We are in control and we are safe… but we can become over-confident). That over-confidence can lead to carelessness or aggressive driving. And, as you know, over-confidence and aggressive driving can lead to collisions.
So, how can "I Am Legend" (and other post-apocalyptic movies) make you a better driver? They can remind you that technology is nice but we can't rely on it to save us. In those movies, technology failed and the world faced dire consequences. As drivers, technology can fail us, too: Our cars are safer and we have more control but we can still get seriously hurt (and we can seriously hurt others) in a collision.
The improved technology in our vehicles does give us more safety and better control but it is not a replacement for our own safe driving. As drivers, we need to focus on improving our safe driving skills and reducing our stress on the road and bring our over-confidence in check.
If you get into a collision, bring your car in to Boyd Autobody & Glass for a collision repair. We'll get you back out onto the road so you can face the world again!
