Myths and facts of road safety

Myth 1:  The car is insured; I don’t need to worry so much about my driving.
Fact:    Insurance does not mean playing with yours’ and someone else’s life.  Insurance pays off if you are not at fault but if you are ……..oops!

Myth 2:   Crashes happen to people who speed and seniors.
Fact:    The most common reason of crash is due to bad judgment and is often fatal.  Driving under influence is one such example. Bad drivers simply get noticed more, because they stand out by their behavior.

Myth 3:  Every new driver learns after he or she has been in a crash.
Fact:   Many responsible people have driven accident-free for 20, 30 or more years by adopting healthy attitudes about life, which is reflected in their driving record.

Myth 4:  Nothing much can be done about accidents they will happen anyhow.
Fact:   Part of this statement is sadly true.  However, this kind of attitude can have fatal consequences and shows lack of responsibility. A lifestyle comprising of a balanced diet, exercise, not smoking and drinking responsibility is a recipe for healthy life. Learning safe driving techniques and practicing them, and using them in everyday driving is a recipe for crash-free driving.

Myth 5:  After my probationary period is over, I will have nothing to worry about.
Fact:   Statistically, the first major crash happens just after coming of the probationary license, at age 18 or so. A healthy attitude and realistic approach towards your driving can help you be accident free for the rest of your life.

Myth 6:  Driving is nothing but common sense.
Fact:   There is nothing wrong with applying common sense in every area of life. But when you are in an emergency there is not much time to choose the right course of action after considering all options. Certain road safety principles must be studied, stored in the brain waiting to be applied when called for. A good example is “pumping your brakes on a icy roadway to come to a stop rather than to brake as you would usually do”.

Myth 7:  More severe the consequences the better, roads will be safer. 
*Fact:  Part of this is true and that is the reason we have more responsible drivers on the road.  There will always be lawbreakers amongst us, no matter how harsh the punishment.  Often bad drivers are caught and are found guilty but with heavier fines repeat offenders should be given psychological help and be taken off the roads if there is no improvement.  The penalty should be decided according to how severe the crime is.

Myth 8: Getting bicycles and big trucks will make our roads safer and put drivers at ease.
Fact:   We already have certain roads where no trucks are allowed and marked pavements where bicyclists can ride. Tolerance towards other (slower) road users and allowing them space is the hallmark of a low-risk driver.

Myth 9:  The better roads will mean lower crash rate.
Fact:   The main cause of road crashes is human error, over 90 % to be more exact.  It is a good idea to keep your eyes wide open while driving.

Myth 10: every driver should practice Skid control.
Fact:   Apart from the danger to instructors, practicing skidding would achieve little. Studies in Sweden have shown that new drivers who did get skid training had more crashes afterwards than a non-trained group. Over confidence took its toll.