Two common myths about fleet driver safety

Dr Lisa Dorn from Driver Metrics highlights that traffic psychologists have spent decades investigating common sense assumptions about driver behaviour, and the research findings are sometimes surprising and often challenge the prevailing wisdom about what constitutes a safe driver.

She highlights two fairly persistent myths:

• Myth #1: That passing a knowledge-based test means you are a safer driver. While a basic knowledge of road signs and traffic rules is of course, necessary for elementary driving competence, a driver’s level of knowledge is no guarantee that they will be safe behind the wheel. 

• Myth #2: That being a skilled driver means you are a safer driver.  There is a common sense assumption that focusing on skills-based driver training will lead to improved driver safety. However, there is substantial evidence to suggest that more skillful drivers do not necessarily crash less