Drivers definitely bear some responsibility, but “it’s not the drivers” is emphasizing the difference between:
a particular person’s responsibility for a particular instance of doing X
the practical results of depending on (fallible) humans to do X, throughout society
If every driver were perfectly skilled, attentive, and responsible, we wouldn’t need even half of the safety features that come standard in cars today. Obviously that isn’t the case, so we’ve advanced technology and infrastructure to make cars that are safer than ever for drivers and their occupants. Unfortunately, this does little for anybody not in a car.
I think you somewhat agree, since stricter driving rules/training/testing is a systemic-type solution, but we should aim even higher for systems that remain safe and effective even if its participants aren’t skilled/attentive/responsible.
Drivers definitely bear some responsibility, but “it’s not the drivers” is emphasizing the difference between:
If every driver were perfectly skilled, attentive, and responsible, we wouldn’t need even half of the safety features that come standard in cars today. Obviously that isn’t the case, so we’ve advanced technology and infrastructure to make cars that are safer than ever for drivers and their occupants. Unfortunately, this does little for anybody not in a car.
I think you somewhat agree, since stricter driving rules/training/testing is a systemic-type solution, but we should aim even higher for systems that remain safe and effective even if its participants aren’t skilled/attentive/responsible.