Can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to slam the brakes for a deer or even a stray dog out here—no app’s gonna understand that. I’ve noticed those “safe driving” gadgets seem more interested in tracking every move than actually helping. Makes you wonder if being cautious even matters anymore, or if it’s all just numbers on a screen.
I hear you—those apps and gadgets are more about data than real-world driving. I’ve had my fair share of close calls with wildlife, and no sensor or algorithm can predict a deer darting out at dusk. I drive a car loaded with safety features, but even then, it’s my own caution that keeps me out of trouble, not some score on an app. It’s frustrating when insurance companies seem to care more about tracking than actual safe habits. Sometimes I wonder if they even factor in the realities of rural roads or just want to lump us all into the same risk pool.
You nailed it about those apps. I tried one of those “safe driver” trackers for a discount, and all it did was ding me for braking too hard when a raccoon ran out in front of me. Like, what was I supposed to do—just keep going? Out here in Kansas, you can’t drive a mile at dusk without something jumping out of the ditch. I get that insurance companies want data, but it feels like they’re missing the point. My neighbor’s got a fancy new SUV with every bell and whistle, but he still hit a deer last fall. Sometimes I think they just want to lump us all together and call it a day, no matter how careful we actually are. I’m all for new tech if it actually helps, but I haven’t seen much that beats just paying attention and knowing the roads.
all it did was ding me for braking too hard when a raccoon ran out in front of me. Like, what was I supposed to do—just keep going?
Had the same thing happen with a possum last winter. The app flagged it as “aggressive driving” and my rate barely budged. Honestly, these trackers don’t seem to get how unpredictable Kansas roads are. I’d rather trust my own judgment than some algorithm that’s never dodged a deer at 60 mph. Tech’s fine, but it’s not the whole answer.
I’d rather trust my own judgment than some algorithm that’s never dodged a deer at 60 mph.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’m not sure our “judgment” is always as perfect as we think. I’ve seen people swerve for a squirrel and nearly cause a pileup. The trackers aren’t perfect (and yeah, Kansas wildlife is wild), but at least they’re trying to reward good habits overall. Maybe the tech just needs to get better at telling the difference between reckless and reactive driving?
