Why is it that Canadians are so confident in their driving abilities?

Studies regularly reveal that the vast majority of Canadians describe themselves as excellent drivers.

Looking at the figures you’d imagine that the people on our roads have the reactions of an Indy 500 driver and the eyesight an eagle.

But here’s the problem.

It’s not true.

You want proof? Take to the streets of the Lower Mainland.

There’s a great article in today’s Courier on this very subject.

The writer asks why drivers aren’t more honest about their abilities.

It’s a good question.

See, if you can’t accept the fact that you’re not the world’s best driver, then you’re not going to drive within your limits.

That makes you a danger to both yourself and to everyone else on the road.

“It was the other guy’s fault.”

You hear it all the time after an accident.

It’s always the other guy’s fault.

But given the number of accidents that take place on our roads each year – about 44,000 a year – chances are that the other guy isn’t always to blame.

Maybe it’s time that motorists started taking responsibility for their actions.That they start to realize the extent of their own abilities.  And stop driving around with an overinflated sense of their skills behind the wheel.

It’s like those Lotto 649 ads – “know your limit… play within it”.

Perhaps we could run the same campaign for motorists; “know your limit… drive within it!”

Because here’s the thing. Drivers who aren't honest with themselves cause accidents. They hurt people. And they destroy lives.

Jeff Witten - McComb Witten Personal Injury Lawyers