Accident prone
Discussion
We have all known people who have plenty of own fault accidents, and other who never seem to have accidents at all.
But I've known a few lately who have more than their share of collisions, but these accidents turn out to be the other guys fault, not just in their opinion but that of police and insurance companies.
Has anyone else noticed this? It's as if there is a kind of behaviour that exposes you to risk but isn't actually officially wrong.
The first example I came across was an IAM member very very keen on 'progress', and I wondered then whether he would meet fewer idiots if he left himself a bit more time.
But I've known a few lately who have more than their share of collisions, but these accidents turn out to be the other guys fault, not just in their opinion but that of police and insurance companies.
Has anyone else noticed this? It's as if there is a kind of behaviour that exposes you to risk but isn't actually officially wrong.
The first example I came across was an IAM member very very keen on 'progress', and I wondered then whether he would meet fewer idiots if he left himself a bit more time.
Just because the accidents weren't decided to be his fault, it doesn't mean he didn't contribute a fair amount to the outcome.
I personally expect it is down to his driving rather than bad luck. ie poor observation/anticipation, not driving defensively etc.
I personally expect it is down to his driving rather than bad luck. ie poor observation/anticipation, not driving defensively etc.
Edited by reggie82 on Tuesday 12th October 13:57
'Good' drivers have an almost sixth sense about what others are doing. Now this sounds really arrogant but often when I'm driving with a passenger they seem amazed by the fact I can read what someones about to do next or the mistake they're about to make.
I have lost count of how many 'not at fault' accidents I've avoided!
I have lost count of how many 'not at fault' accidents I've avoided!
compocon said:
'Good' drivers have an almost sixth sense about what others are doing. Now this sounds really arrogant but often when I'm driving with a passenger they seem amazed by the fact I can read what someones about to do next or the mistake they're about to make.
I have lost count of how many 'not at fault' accidents I've avoided!
This.I have lost count of how many 'not at fault' accidents I've avoided!
I'm by no means perfect, but it's very satisfying to say "He's about to pull into this lane so I'm holding back" seconds before it happens.
Dr Jekyll said:
It's as if there is a kind of behaviour that exposes you to risk but isn't actually officially wrong.
That sounds like the way the vast majority of people drive - largely law-abiding, but with no concept of what other road users are thinking or doing. Add a lack of thought about how their actions will affect others, then you've got a recipe for collisions.
But I don't say it aloud in case I'm wrong 
As above, I've been in countless situations where I've avoided a "non fault" accident.
For example, think of each time you come across a runner or cyclist on the other side of the road on a blind bend - you're well within your rights just to continue on, but it's quite likely that someone will overtake the cyclist on the bend and take to your side of the road in doing so. I always hang back, and have probably avoided several "non fault" head on collisions because of it! There are loads more situations too which are more subtle, for example don't just see, but be seen, that can help.
For example, think of each time you come across a runner or cyclist on the other side of the road on a blind bend - you're well within your rights just to continue on, but it's quite likely that someone will overtake the cyclist on the bend and take to your side of the road in doing so. I always hang back, and have probably avoided several "non fault" head on collisions because of it! There are loads more situations too which are more subtle, for example don't just see, but be seen, that can help.
Dr Jekyll said:
But I've known a few lately who have more than their share of collisions, but these accidents turn out to be the other guys fault, not just in their opinion but that of police and insurance companies.
Has anyone else noticed this? It's as if there is a kind of behaviour that exposes you to risk but isn't actually officially wrong.
I suspect the "where there's a blame, there's a claim" culture we now seem to be immersed in is contributing to this and the culture extends far beyond just driving. It's far easier to blame someone else than question our own abilities or actions.Has anyone else noticed this? It's as if there is a kind of behaviour that exposes you to risk but isn't actually officially wrong.
Chris
I see it a lot. Drivers who aggressively try to enforce their right of way. Accelerating at people who pull in front of them then making a show of simultaneously slamming on the brakes, flashing headlights and hooting to make their point.
It's inevitable they will come a cropper sooner or later.
It's inevitable they will come a cropper sooner or later.
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