And obviously we all drive much much faster on average than people did in the 1930s, yet we are much much safer.

Which are enacted largely through legislation.

Crumple zones, seat belts, and air bags are a far cry from setting hard limits on performance characteristics of the vehicle, even if those same requirements may have had a negligible impact on vehicle performance.

I guess the question is where the line is drawn between sensible and "nanny-state" regulation.

to me, the rule of thumb is: does this regulation encourage innovation, or curtail it? it isn't black or white, but i think it brings it into focus a bit more.