In the event of an accident: why it is always “not my fault”

The research was carried out by German car insurers, but since it concerns the psychology of all motorists, it is also quite relevant for us.

According to a report by a spokesman for a German insurance company, one in four motorists in that country has been involved in an accident or hazardous situation on the road in the past three years. Drivers cited bad weather, speeding and distraction as the most common causes.

At the same time, none of the interviewed car owners is ready to admit that the cause of the accident could be (including) their own behavior. It even seems that the drivers are convincing themselves that this is not the case.

Meanwhile, it’s hard to imagine what people sometimes do while driving: 10% of those surveyed admitted to putting on makeup or shaving while driving. But online meetings, podcasts and car stereos can also be dangerous.

Many don’t realize this, but in fact there is a thin line between information/entertainment on the one hand and dangerous distractions on the other, say experts. A smartphone is almost always dangerous, even if it is in a prescribed holder or used hands-free. It distracts attention and is therefore unsafe, according to insurers.

According to statistics (and this is law-abiding Germany!): 17% use a mobile phone on almost every trip, and among young people aged 18 to 29, this figure is even higher – 25%.

However, the majority of those questioned see the greatest risk of crashes among other road users. First of all with cyclists, other motorists, pedestrians and local public transport.

Opinion of insurers

It is better to be self-critical about your driving and never lose sight of one important point: while driving, even the smallest distraction can become dangerous. If you feel that you cannot concentrate properly while driving, take regular breaks, stop, get out, stretch your joints and take a deep breath before continuing to drive.

Source: da-direct.de

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