cross-posted from: https://discuss.tchncs.de/post/319198
I got a lot of push-back on a comment I made here about how bigger trucks/suvs are the primary cause the increasing pedestrian death-rate in America so apparently more people need to see this video.
I’m a huge NotJustBikes fan, but I hate how this, of all his videos, is the one that gets the traction in forums.
I mean, sure, big trucks suck – but it’s not as if small ones don’t! The fundamental cause of all these deaths (and a bunch of other big problems, to boot) is cities being designed for automobiles to the exclusion of everything else, and quibbling about the size of them is nothing but a distraction.
Presumably by “small trucks” you mean ones that are restricted by the same regulations as cars are. Even if we had very good infrastructure, large trucks would still be less safe than ones with safe bumpers and clearances and less mass. I don’t think someone can say one way or the other that large trucks would not still be a problem. So it’s perfectly reasonable for people to be concerned about large trucks, both in the fantasy world that you’d like this discussion to be taking place in, and here in the real world.
When’s the last time you saw a “small” truck? Even the “small” ones like Rangers and Mavericks outsize the F150 from a couple decades ago.
I continue to maintain that trucks should be restricted to industrial and agricultural use and/or be prohibitively expensive for noncommercial purposes.
If it is significantly more dangerous to other people, put stricter licensing requirements on it! It is totally logical to require a commercial license for trucks that are disproportionately killing people in the hands of typical drivers.
It’s a good intro into more anti car and urbanism forums. This video is catchy. Why not? If somebody liked it they can watch more of his content.