Attitudes Changes Accident's Rates!!!


The attitude of drivers ranks as a significant factoar considering its influence on adding to the accidents on the roads. Attitudes vary from driver to driver and they could be both positive and negative. We are now confronted with the negative attitudes, which can be grouped under some categories. Many of the drivers just have an inexplicable attitude that results in killing thousands of people worldwide each year.

•    A callous attitude bordering on insensitivity is noticed when it comes to handling the vehicle or its speed.

•    The reckless attitude of the big truck and bus drivers is life threatening. These drivers simply tend to throw their might around unmindful of the safety and limitations of the smaller vehicle users on road. They have brute power, which makes them get away with an accident. The trucks and buses are bigger, stronger and heavier. Therefore, they only inflict more damages than they receive. This explains their inclination for reckless driving. In addition, the lesser probability of these drivers being killed in an accident with smaller vehicles probably explains their audacity. In addition, many of these drivers have the support of big organizations and trade unions; which perhaps makes them that much bolder.

•    The go-to-hell attitude of the drivers of speedy cars and motorcycles, who simply believe in speeding on roads come what may. They have neither the time nor the intention to rationalize. They just seem to get influenced by the adrenalin rush, totally disregarding the potential threat they pose to other road users. Then when caught in a mishap they often perish not even, knowing what hit them.

•    Speeding, not giving way for other vehicles which need to pass, tailgating, cutting suddenly and sharply in front of a moving vehicle, pulling on to the side of the road abruptly, breaking suddenly, horning unnecessarily, are all indicative of arrogant attitude.

•    Jumping signals, setting off on high speeds from signal points, not following lane discipline are all defying attitudes that reflect scant respect for rules and regulations and the law in general. These attitudes of defiance manifest into drinking while driving, over speeding, disorderly parking and intimidating driving.

•    The irresponsible attitude of hired drivers who do not have a sense of ownership and pride of possessing a good vehicle. As compared to drivers who own the cars and hence are more concerned about safety and the need to avoid damages to their vehicles, the hired drivers really have nothing to lose and do not care a damn in many instances. They can simply walk away from an accident spot leaving it to the police and insurance guys to sort out the case and claims. Perhaps only his job may be at stake; especially in the developing countries. This is especially true of drivers who are part of a fleet.

•    An insensitive attitude of disregard for pedestrians and failure to value human lives is another major reason for several deaths on the roads. This attitude reflects the utter disregard and disrespect the motorists have for pedestrians. This is a major cause for pedestrian deaths in under developed and developing countries.

•    The provocative attitude of sheer bravado and one up man ship by drivers of two wheelers and their sheer disregard for safety. They just tend to drive giving the impression that other drivers on road dare not collide with their vehicle. Else they have to face the music.

•    Most drivers have an intolerant and impatient attitude. And when they get involved in accidents strongly accuse the other driver as responsible for the mishap. An attitude that is often repulsive and despicable.

•    There is yet another attitude that is most destructive of all attitudes. This is the attitude of taking things for granted. This attitude of taking vehicles for granted, roads for granted, other drivers for granted, weather for granted and above all monitoring systems for granted is extremely dangerous. There is always a possibility that things can go wrong and judgments may fail anytime. And drivers need to be prepared for a sudden failure or eventuality.

•    And finally, but not the least the self defeating attitude of overconfidence about one’s ability to drive better than most others, being fit, to manage an emergency, of focus, of concentration, of alertness, of vision, of physical endurance and so on.