NationStates Jolt Archive

So here I am, wanting to write a car-related issue, because...well...isn't it obvious?

Problem is, I'm not sure what exactly to do it on. We already have plenty of good issues related to cars, and I'm concerned that anything I write will just be covering old territory. Any suggestions?

Sentient cars? Like in Knight Rider?

Hmmm... You could do a Car Parking one... I don't think it's been done...

Or 4WD in Surburbs/cities

I did a car parking one a long time ago...
Never became an issue, though

How about mandatory use of seatbelts, that has always been a bone of contention with some.

Another possibility is tough rules for young drivers because of accidents ect. That idea is a bit close to home for me at the moment because we had a young speeding fool crash into the house over the road on sunday night (not role playing here, it really happened).

I like the seatbelt idea.

Sentient cars? Like in Knight Rider?

Actually, HotRodia is very close to developing sentient cars. That's an interesting idea.

And the seatbelt idea is good too.

And the parking issue is certainly do-able.

Thanks all! I'll see what I can rustle up.

Hmm... in Philadelphia, the city is voting on the issue whether or not to boot a vehicle because there are unpaid tickets, concerning the traffic cameras. Not too long ago, cameras were installed on the boulevard and the fine is $100 for running a red light. If they don't pay, the car will get the boot and be towed. Just a suggestion.

We have the same thing in DC. Also, the District has virtually no parking, and its governed by a ridiculous zone system, plus there are all kinds of contingencies regarding rush hour and the enigmatic "snow emergency". Once, a snow emergency was declared at 4 am and everyone parked in a "snow emergency" area had their car towed. Anyway, it'd be interesting to see an issue deal with this sort of thing as well.

What do y'all think of this draft?

Autonomous Automobiles?

The Barry Motor Works corporation has developed a new line of cars that can drive themselves and make independent decisions. Controversy has ignited over whether or not these independent vehicles should be allowed on the streets of @@NAME@@.

The Debate

1. @@RANDOMNAME@@, a representative of Barry Motor Works, assures the public, "All of our vehicles are made to the highest safety standards, including the new Competent Autonomous Drivers (CAD) vehicles. There is nothing to worry about with these machines any more than there would be with more traditional cars."

[effect] thousands of autonomous automobiles are holding "block" parties in @@NAME@@'s parking lots.

2. "These CADs are dangerous! What do you think will happen if we let a mere machine take control of our commute? I say we outlaw the CADs, destroy the research that lead to these horrific things, and make sure the Barry Motor Works pays a stiff fine for this travesty," says pet shop owner @@RANDOMNAME@@, shortly before being run over by a mysterious car.

[effect] all automotive research in @@NAME@@ is curtailed.

3. An oddly familiar elderly gentleman resting on a park bench proposes a compromise. "We don't need to go to either extreme here. Allow the CADs, but have strict government oversight over them. Plant tracking devices in them to make sure they're behaving themselves. That will sort it."

[effect] the vehicular movements of all citizens of @@NAME@@ are carefully monitored as a means of crime-prevention.

Not valid for those nations that have outlawed cars.

It seems a bit too...straightforward in my view.

It seems a bit too...straightforward in my view.

I agree. But all NS issues seem a bit too straightforward for my taste, so I figured I was just sticking to the style of issues past.

Perhaps it could have some middle road option, or some ineffective quasi-socialist option.

Perhaps it could have some middle road option, or some ineffective quasi-socialist option.

I'll try that.

Alright. I added a third option to the draft post. Is it acceptable?

I think it is a lot better.

Its better, but there's already an issue that has tracking devices stored in them. Perhaps the result of the third option would be that autonomous cars are allowed, but the auto-manufacturng industry was nationalized?

Its better, but there's already an issue that has tracking devices stored in them. Perhaps the result of the third option would be that autonomous cars are allowed, but the auto-manufacturng industry was nationalized?

A very interesting idea. I'll consider it.