Driving Experience Undermined by Car Design and Hazardous Road Conditions

Modern vehicles are increasingly silent and electronically assisted, reducing the tactile feedback that drivers traditionally rely on. Heavier electric cars, such as BYD’s flagship model with a 100 kWh battery weighing over 700 kg, and the prevalence of electric power steering, artificial engine sounds, comfort‑oriented suspensions, and automated braking systems, turn drivers into passive observers rather than active participants.

In Saltillo, Mexico, steep urban slopes combined with inadequate drainage exacerbate braking challenges. Rain creates water streams that hide potholes and flood low‑lying streets, extending stopping distances and raising accident risk. The city’s wide, straight thoroughfares encourage speeding, and despite the introduction of speed‑camera enforcement, uncontrolled speeds persist, leading to congestion and safety concerns.