Unsafe driving practices on the rise
According to CBC News Canada, unsafe driving practices are on the rise and show little to no signs of stopping.
A recent poll conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association found that 75 percent of Canadians surveyed felt drivers have more annoying habits than five years ago. Only 2 percent said drivers have become less irritating.
Some of the top bad habits drivers indicated include:
- Being cut off in traffic
- Failing to use signals
- Road rage
- Tailgating
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Tossing trash out the window.
These unsafe driving practices cause car accidents, which in turn cost the Canadian economy billions of dollars every year.
“People generally feel there’s a lack of courtesy, there’s a lot of anger out there and people are concerned about running into aggressive drivers,” said ICBC psychologist John Vavrik.
Many experts believe the real issue is that drivers cannot see their own personal flaws but are quick to point out the flaws of others. If drivers rated their own skills and courtesy more truthfully, and tried to be kind when behind the wheel, traffic would improve.
One initiative aimed at better driving practices began in Calgary at the end of April. Chris Savard, a Calgary resident is attempting to bring back “the wave.” The wave is a small, seemingly forgotten gesture that can be used on the road as a sign of thanks for switching lanes, pulling out of a parking lot or letting someone ahead of you.
The “Merge & Wave” campaign could be exactly what Canada needs to get back to safer, happier driving.
Road and travel safety doesn’t end with courtesy. Invest in a car insurance plan for unforeseeable accidents. Learn more about our auto insurance offerings here, or contact an experienced broker at 1-888-259-2747 today!