I've been hit by cars twice while bicycling. The first time was my own fault, and resulted in a broken leg. The second time was of indeterminate fault, there being a question due to sun glare on a traffic light.

Why is it that when it comes to driving safety, the first and paramount factor that people jump to is speed? To be sure, speed can make some accidents more likely, and probably worsen the results of many accidents. But I don't see that it's a more important factor than inattention, failure to respect traffic signs or lane discipline, failure to signal properly, poor training, poor automobile maintenance. Of these, inattention (viz cell phone usage, but not other contributors such as interacting with passengers) is the only other one I ever see addressed.

Why doesn't society tell people "keep to the right lane" or "signal your turns"? I'm willing to bet that your neighbor never yells at motorists "stop arguing with the kids in the backseat".

> Why doesn't society tell people "keep to the right lane" or "signal your turns"?

It's funny, because I live in California, and I find myself wanting to yell these things a people all the time.

"Keep Right Except to Pass" is a pretty common sign.

And in at least some states you can be ticketed for improper lane use and failure to signal.

It is, in fact, the law through most of the USA. But have you ever heard of anyone getting a ticket for it?

Indeed. I hail from Oregon, where it is the law. Freeway driving, even when busy, is much more pleasant there.

There are a surprising number of blind corners and vision blocking hills in the world (especially around here). Further, increased speed results in increased distance to stop and increased energy in any interaction. There are very few accidents that cannot be avoided or mitigated by reducing the initial velocities.