Study: Making Roads Safer Has Led To Bored, Risk-Taking Drivers

[Pericles]

Interesting study here :

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/05/study-making-roads-safer-has-led-to-bored-risk-taking-drivers/

A new study from researchers in Australia may have dug up one of the reasons why drivers exceed the speed limit on their way to work. According to the Toronto Sun, a new study has found that drivers who are bored behind the wheel are more likely to put the right pedal to the floor. Researchers at Newcastle University asked drivers to answer a few questions about their driving habits and found that 31 percent of those behind the wheel are inattentive and dangerous. More surprisingly, 35 percent of those polled were classified as enthusiastic and attentive. These are the motorists that enjoy driving, but go faster when their stimulus levels decrease. The study also found that 21 percent of those polled dislike driving and move slower, while members of the smallest group, just 13 percent of the total respondents, were branded slow and safe.

Interestingly, researchers concluded that the influx of devices designed to make driving easier has led to the impression that operating a vehicle is akin to a chore. Rather than making drivers safer, the gadgets have actually led to increased inattentiveness. Basically, the perception of safety has increased the likelihood of risk taking.

Sounds like it's high time that vehicles made drivers fear for their lives once again. In all seriousness, the researchers have apparently recommended adding more turns to roads and incorporating shared space to force drivers to pay attention, among other actions.

What do you guys think?

[scds]

Thankfully, we don't have the luxury of getting bored here in sri lanka

the second you may think you are bored and you WILL have some dumass three-wheeler bugger trying to overtake you with his freakin riced bathtub, that too from the left mind you!

Edited January 6, 2011 by scds

[DevakaC]

Thankfully, we don't have the luxury of getting bored here in sri lanka

the second you may think you are bored and you WILL have some dumass three-wheeler bugger trying to overtake you with his freakin riced bathtub, that too from the left mind you!

HAHA riced bathtubs! Just throw a one finger salute when they pass you by just as a sign of appreciation.

Seriously I haven't been bored driving in SL either. Ok may be Parliament road after 5 pm.

[heavyD]

Wonder how that poll would work in SL...

"...and found that 90 percent of those behind the wheel are inattentive and dangerous."

[The Stig]

Its true, knowing that you are gonna be safe even after most crashes does give you confidence to go fast.But i dont think anyone who thought it through would give it as a reason, Its purely the adrenalin rush

Lol on roads that have 4WD, BMW three wheels that have shovels for when you get stuck on ice there's always something to keep you entertained

[nexus]

Thankfully, we don't have the luxury of getting bored here in sri lanka

the second you may think you are bored and you WILL have some dumass three-wheeler bugger trying to overtake you with his freakin riced bathtub, that too from the left mind you!

+1 three wheeler and motorbikes they keep us entertained

and the moment you think your bored some eye candy driving car or walking in the street

[hyacc]

[Pericles]

and the moment you think your bored some eye candy driving car or walking in the street

Thats a distraction from driving. That causes accidents! As some people know

Ouch. Terrible. And some of these chaps are insane. I mean, what the heck are they thinking?

Edited January 6, 2011 by Pericles

[Bugatti]

This shows the effects of Three wheeler's on the road...

Good job..!