If you speed up when seeing a yellow light, check your phone at stop signs, and tailgate slower road users, you might be what one calls a bad driver.
Studies show that 80% of drivers think they’re above average at the practice, however, most licence holders vastly overestimate their abilities.
“This is called the Dunning-Kruger Effect, where people overestimate their abilities, like thinking they can drive perfectly while texting,” said the insurer.
“Neuroscientists have proven that your brain can’t focus on 2 complex tasks at once. Driving while texting is like juggling knives while blindfolded… Sooner or later, something’s going to go wrong.”
The insurer said that one should earnestly ask yourself the following three questions:
- Do I speed up when I see a yellow light?
- Do I check my phone at stop signs?
- Do I tailgate slow drivers?
“If the answer is yes, congrats. You might be overconfident and a tiny bit reckless,” said King Price.
Corresponding to the number of drivers who believe they are above average, reckless and negligent driving have been identified as major drivers of vehicle accidents in South Africa.
The country has among the most dangerous thoroughfares in the world owing to the frequency of speeding and alcohol consumption on the roads.
Research by driver education platform Zutobi found that approximately 57.5% of road traffic deaths can be linked to alcohol.
General lawlessness, such as not wearing a seatbelt, is another major contributor.
Zutobi noted that South Africa has among the worst compliance rates of any country in the world, with only 31% of front-seat passengers generally wearing their seatbelts.
We can be better
Fortunately, one can improve their driving behaviour by consistently practicing positive habits.
Many accidents happen because drivers fail to notice other cars, pedestrians, or even buildings.
“This happens because of something called ‘in-attentional blindness’, where your brain filters out what it doesn’t expect to be there,” said King Price.
To overcome this challenge, you can train yourself to scan intersections properly and check blind spots twice before making any moves.
Studies further show that bad drivers have slower reaction times because they don’t anticipate problems.
This causes them to only act moments before disaster when they have zero room for error.
To unlearn this habit, always watch what the vehicle two cars ahead is doing instead of only the one in front of you.
King Price also urges motorists to put their phones down when behind the wheel, as nothing is so important that it’s worth rear-ending a taxi.
“By being aware of your habits, you can actually become a safer, smarter driver,” said the insurer.
“Not only could you save your own life, but it could even lower your insurance premiums while you’re at it.”
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