- Perception Analysis on Road Accidental Phenomena: Implications for Preventive Policy Development -

Abstract

Road accidents are often perceived as events which are unexpected and undesirable. Drivers inevitably link accidents with fate and karma.  This article argues against such perceptions which not only do not contribute to problem-solving but can even obstruct it.  Accidents are events where crashes occur among vehicles, between vehicles and people, and between people and roads and its associated objects.  They generate casualties, conflicts, stress and chaos.  Road accidents are commonly agreed as undesirable and problematic and need serious prevention and proper solutions. From the behavioral aspect, people tend to be overconfident drivers; they often overestimate their driving skill and believe that they are never careless.  When accidents occur, drivers think it is because of the carelessness of others or because of bad luck/karma.  They tend to overlook that accidents can suddenly happen at any time from the moment they step their foot in their cars or drive on the road.  In specific, experienced drivers believe that they have full capability to control their driving and can come up with a temporary solution for an unexpected event on the road.  Given such mindset, prevention has become neglected.  This implies that drivers passively accept the risks of the accident.  This article suggests that the drivers should not underestimate the accidents per se.  There are many potential risks of accidents while driving such as using an electric device like phone or GPS, picking up things in the car, wiping their children’s mouth and not wearing safety helmets in a short drive.  Drivers are inclined to perceive these risks as inconsequential.  Yet, these perceived risks are indeed consequential and do affect actual risks.