A study by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has recently been making the rounds. It concludes drivers of certain vehicles are more dangerous because their vehicles are involved in accidents more often. The top three vehicles found to be involved in the most crashes include VW Polo, Toyota Hilux and Toyota Quantum.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, cautions drivers to be selective in what one takes from the study. “Polo drivers are considered the most dangerous on the road because they are involved in more accidents than other vehicles. What this study does not note and which can affect findings is that Polos are one of the most common cars on our roads. Additionally, many of the vehicles in the top ten of the study fall into the most commonly driven vehicles in South Africa.
“The study doesn’t state whether this contingency was considered in the results. If it was not accounted for, it can only be expected that more of these vehicles will be involved in crashes compared to other vehicles. The higher the presence of these vehicles on the road means a higher number of these vehicles will be involved in crashes. It is possible that the results of the study are less of an indication of the quality of these drivers than what it is a reflection of the vehicles commonly seen on our roads.”
Analysing such data in isolation is unlikely to accurately depict the quality of the driver. “Many variables can affect why certain cars are in more crashes. The condition of the roads is a variable that cannot be ruled out as having an effect on the results. Additionally, certain types of vehicles may attract certain types of drivers, that do not necessarily reflect their driving ability. An example is the tendency to modify a Polo or the younger drivers that these vehicles appeal to.
“Without more clarity on how the study was conducted, be cautious of assuming more crashes equals worse drivers. There are many variables that could be at play and ultimately, you can’t measure what you can’t manage. Before drawing conclusions, it is important to first understand what the purpose of the study was.”
More importantly, be cautious of developing perceptions that certain drivers are more dangerous and therefore potentially deserve less consideration than other drivers. “Unfortunately, South Africans already have the tendency to base the degree of respect that they give to drivers based on the vehicle they drive. Most drivers can think of the adage that ‘BMW drivers think they own roads.’
“While the study was undoubtedly an interesting one, be sure it does not affect your level of courtesy or responsible driving. Avoid the notion that one should tackle the road with the perception that only certain drivers deserve courtesy. Let us not fall victim to stereotypes about the quality of a driver based on the vehicle they drive.”
Be cautious of how the study may affect your driving. “Do not play a role in creating a society of drivers that are selectively courteous. Rather be part of a society that is courteous to every single driver, even if that driver may not deserve it. As MasterDrive says ‘Drive nice, it’s contagious,’” concludes Herbert.