Ironically, as cars become safer, I think any advantage is negated because people just drive faster and riskier. I have an older pickup I use for general hauling and pickup stuff. The only plastic on the entire truck is in the tail lights, and turn signals, and the knobs on the dash, and drum brakes all around. That's it. Knowing that - it's keep 'er around 50 and between the ditches. Today, we have padded dash, steering wheel, air-bags, power-brakes, power-steering, ABS, anti-lock brakes, sound-deadening materials and virtually silent engines if desired. Coupled with mandatory, full-coverage insurance on a bank-owned vehicle, I'm convinced people just don't care, since they have no concept of ownership, either financial or of their body.
Well said!
I completely agree with the sentiment of your post. Add to it that cars these days are so comfortable and convenience-rich that people are tempted to think they are at home in their living room---not driving a car at 75-80 MPH on the highway. So it's therefore not out of the realm of possiblity that they would think it okay to apply make-up, read a newspaper, book, or magazine, etc., while driving.