Originally Posted by
Dave Cutter
I don't recall that notion.
It's right up there with the notion that the memory is the second thing to go.
I'm not saying there has ever been any golden age when cars weren't running into things. However, up until we got all permissive in the '70s and removed criminal sanctions from moving violations, at least there was a generally accepted idea that the person behind the wheel was responsible for where the car went. Now it's more like, "I kept the rubber side down and stayed between the curbs. What more should I be expected to do?"
Also, the lack of air bags, mandatory seat belt laws, crumple zones, collapsible steering columns and such did tend to mete out some punishment to motorists who didn't pay attention. Now they can drive into walls and walk away with only bruises.