We all think we are good drivers. Ask anyone to rate their driving and most people will think they’re above average.
On a scale of between one and 10 (10 being excellent), most people will say 8 or 9. But hang on, we can’t all be above average – that’s mathematically impossible.
The truth is that very few people recognise themselves as bad drivers. As human beings, we are programmed to look out for bad drivers – in other words, people who are worse than ourselves.
We all notice the person who brakes late, follows others far too closely and cuts others up when changing lanes.
We grunt disapprovingly and we self-righteously watch their behaviour. ‘Look at that idiot!’ It’s for that reason that very few of us ever wish to admit to causing vehicle damage. ‘It wasn’t my fault!’
But how often do we notice examples of good driving? When was the last time you were in your car and said to yourself, ‘She’s driving well’ or ‘He’s well positioned’?
I would hazard a guess that the answer is never!
The harsh reality is that very few people are able to see themselves for who they are, but most of us are very good at judging others. For this reason, a number of scenarios exist.
Most drivers believe that accidents are caused by other drivers. Most drivers believe they are good at driving and have very little to learn. Good driving is not something that most people really understand or could identify – because they base their views on “good” being how they drive.
It’s the equivalent of someone that’s never seen Lionel Messi or Ronaldo play football, and therefore believes they are really good at football themselves – because they have never witnessed what good looks like.
So, if you want to see what good driving really looks like, book a driver training session with an Approved Driving Instructor that specialises in advanced driving tuition. Or if you need an objective way of finding out who is below average, use an online driver assessment system.
It may be the case that your company does have a number of above average drivers.
The problem is that no-one is prepared to admit they’re below average. Drivers therefore need your help to recognise where and how to improve, otherwise your accident levels will never come down.
