Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Mike Waters' blog: 13 May 2011 - It's not me, it's everyone else!
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Mike Waters' blog: 13 May 2011 - It's not me, it's everyone else!

Date: 13 May 2011

Mike Waters is head of market analysis at Arval

While road traffic accidents are relatively common, and near misses even more so, most drivers believe that their driving is safe. That's the view that came out of some recent research from road safety charity Brake.

However, while drivers seem to trust themselves, they don't necessarily hold the same faith in others. The research said that most drivers fear for their safety while behind the wheel; yet believe it is other drivers who pose the danger.

Despite nearly 70% of drivers consciously worrying about being killed when driving, only 1% believe they perform worse than average when it comes to driving safely and 98% think they are safer than, or as safe as the average driver.

To be fair, many of these drivers will be right, they will be safer than most. The problem is, no matter how good a driver you are, this attitude can lead to complacency which in turn increases the risk of accidents. Let's face it, while we may feel more skilled than others behind the wheel, when there's an accident, normally someone is to blame!

What's more, the reality is that when an accident does occur, it is often caused by driver error that could easily have been avoided. Further research from the Institute of Advanced Motorists shows that simple misdemeanours like a loss of concentration or something distracting the driver are the major causes of accidents.

The report in question took five years' worth of accident data, recorded by the police between 2005 and 2009. It shows that driver errors or delayed reactions are behind the three most likely causes of fatal and serious crashes.

Factors including "failed to look properly", "loss of control" and "poor manoeuvre" accounted for 65% of fatal, 62% of serious and 69% of minor accidents. Misjudgements like exceeding the speed limit, following too close, or making an illegal turn, was the second biggest factor, accounting for another 31% of accidents.

So all of this research points to the fact that whether you are an experienced driver or a novice, or you do high mileage or occasional journeys, the majority of accidents are avoidable. By giving driving the attention that it deserves and concentrating throughout the journey, our road risk can be significantly reduced.

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