That Direct Line link is interesting. And scary because so few drivers are aware of the findings…
I think cars have had so many safety features (for the occupants at least) built in now, that drivers are losing the feeling of vulnerability and their ability to judge the risk they are putting themselves and others under. I think very few of the drivers who cut me up on my 30mile ride this morning had any real intention or understanding they were putting me at risk…
I can’t remember the source but someone worked out we have a level of risk we’re comfortable with, and if we feel safe, we change our behaviour to take ourselves back to that level of risk. Hence people driving like idiots now cars are so much safer e.g. traction control and ABS…
We largely eradicated drink driving, which was widespread when I was a kid, partly through properly enforcing the law, sustained government communications, and making it socially unacceptable. Time to do this again, but with mobile phone use and general inconsiderate/dangerous driving