Lets see, in this thread so far we've addressed technophobia, social engineering, corporate greed, moral relativity in driving habits, big brother intrusions, traffic in foreign countries, validity of statistics........
What a crowd of deep thinkers!
On the original question on what makes a safer car. I'll have to say that the driver is best safety device (or lack thereof) in any car. Every car has an expert driver in it, just ask them. We're all expert drivers here too aren't we? Truth is, the only "good" drivers out there are on the track. When faced with a split second driving decision, we have a good chance to blow it. But we all do the best we can. If your a safe driver you'll live longer (maybe). All the whiz bang control gadgets, air bags and full body foam restraints (ever see "Demolition Man") can, and do help. But they won't save you from the crack smoking Peterbuilt driver crossing the center lane. They won't help you much either if your reckless and/or stupid enough to drive through a red light or a railroad crossing. I think if your number is up, God doesnt care if if you have dual airbags or not. If stability control makes you a more confident driver then by all means write that next car payment check.
I think there is something to be said about driving a low tech vehicle that doesn't insulate you from the environment in front of the windshield as much as the the late model high dollar techno pods do. I think a lot of people get complacent thinking "I have this or that safety device I don't have to worry. Lets make a phone call!" or "Golly this GPS Nav setup is cool, how do I get to Avondale?" Meanwhile the VSC is desperately trying to keep them off the shoulder while speeding through an outside bank down grade turn. And since when did it become OK to put a TV in the dash?
I prefer an automobile that has a little character, visually and mechanically. My daily driver is 44 years old. It's just as reliable as any new car. Or more so because it's well maintained. Maintenance is another factor on the road. A lot of people drive junk and are oblivious to what a death trap they're riding in. Until that 50 mile donut spare finally gives out. I know my vehicle's limits because it's technology offers immediate feedback when you drive it recklessly. It has simple, functional and reliable systems. When repairs are needed, no computer interface is required. A vehicle should communicate in it's native mechanical tongue. A dialect that is dying with every generation of "advanced engineering" that comes along.
My driver has no crumple zones that I know of yet. No padded dash, no ABS or airbags. It's most high tech feature is the Alpine stereo. Or maybe the HEI ignition. Is it unsafe compared to a new car? Probably. It's quite possible I could die in an accident where another vehicle would have allowed me to walk away. It's also possible that it could drive right through a new beer can car and kill someone else. I might have a stroke 10 minutes from now too. Whaddya gonna do? Well, I'll keep driving as safe as possible and drive a vehicle within my means. That brings up another point. My gas mileage isn't stellar, but fortunately I don't have to pay for the privilege of owning a newer vehicle either. Low insurance and registration fees are nice. Instead of lining the government and insurance company pockets with my hard earned dollars.
I'm also of the opinion that the government should keep it's big fat greedy stinkin' tax wasting nose out of everyone's business. All the losers in Washington need to be forced to memorize the frickin Constitution and be tested yearly on it's content. It's not the Federal governments job to protect me from myself. If I don't want a car that has an air bag I shouldn't be made to pay for one if I want a new car. The free market works if allowed to. If you build it, they will come (if they want what you build).
So, again if an advanced engineered vehicle is your taste and keeps you comfortable and confident behind the wheel, go for it. Please try to watch the road instead of the dashboard data center. Just hang up and drive!
I'll keep my techno dollars on the desktop. Gonna get an MP3 player too. (but still have a turntable and 300+ Lp's)
BTW, Michael wants to officially join. 