Would mandatory manual transmissions on all cars help reduce accident rates due to drowsiness?

Question

I think it would be a good idea. Plus, everyone would know how to drive stick.

Answer 1

Being a truck driver, I can say that I'm glad every once in a while I do have to shift gears, because yes, it does help keep me awake.  The only problem is if I'm driving a long distance on the turnpike or a highway which will require a consistent speed, then I obviously wouldn't shift gears, and it would be the same as driving an automatic transmission in that sense.

Look at the numbers of big truck accidents on the roads today caused by the driver falling asleep.  The majority of those trucks are manual transmissions.

I do agree with the idea that everyone should learn how to drive a manual tranmission as well.

Answer 2

i dont think it would.  people tend to have accidents while tired on long stretches of roads.  these are the same stretches that people in a manual would not have to shift.  I wouldn't have an affect.

however, it could cause more accidents because some people do not know how to drive stick.  this could cause them to become distracted trying to figure out how to shift the stupid thing.  also, they could drift backwards into someone else.

Answer 3

some people are just so unco, i dont think all cars should be manuals. i know so many people that wouldnt get their licences because they suck at driving manuals.

dunno about the drowsiness thing, i can see how it would, but when i drive my manual its like im not even thinking about changing gears etc so i dont think it stops me from being drowsy

Answer 4

it dosent matter if cars or 18 wheelers are auto or manual or even Flintstone style people will still drive to fast, still get drowsey and still crash

Answer 5

How would having a manual transmission keep people awake. You would fall asleep at the wheel just like you do with an automatic. Best thing to do is not drive when tired. As far as teaching everyone to drive a stick...not everyone needs to know.

Answer 6

Im a Driving Instructor, and I bought both my kids manual shift vehicles.

Driving a manual shift car makes you, the driver, pay attention to what's happening "next". You have to pay attention because you need to know which gear to be in and also prevents you from becoming "bored" and "distracted" while you drive.

It also develops better hand/eye/foot co-ordination AND

it's harder to talk on your cell phone [big GRIN]

As for preventing drowsiness...........maybe somewhat, but tired is still tired, and  driving should never be done when fatigued, ill, or impaired in any other way.

Answer 7

No not at all manual transmission would contribute nothing to accident prevention you can drive 200 miles on any motorway and never change gear how would a manual gearbox help?

Answer 8

I may sound like a good idea, but what are the consequences it will make? To my opinion, it will create more problems on the road, as manual transmission is the source of the rising amount of road-racers! Take a look at Kuala Lumpur, for example. You can find speed freaks everywhere, showing of their skills with manual transmission and looking down at people driving auto-transmission (with the reason - auto trans drivers are slower).

Back to the topic of DUI - I find it making no difference at all. The only way to resolve it is to have technologies (like the one I saw, made in Iran - a pulse monitor that beeps if it detects abnormal rate, and tested on a Ferrari) that can help curb these kind of issues.

Answer 9

No, I have a manual transmission and I am no more awake than I would be driving an automatic. Plus, most falling asleep behind the wheel accidents occur on the highway where you're going a constant speed (no traffic lights, turns, etc) and in that case a manual transmission is no better, b/c usually at high speed, you're in 5th gear for a long period of time, no shifting required. And not all people can learn to drive stick. Some people can barely drive an automatic, but that's a whole other question!

Answer 10

I really dont think so.............

Answer 11

no manual drivers get drowsy just like automatic drivers.