Insight #122:
Did you know that about 40% of car accidents happen at night? You could have guessed that because fewer people drive at night compared to daytime. But did you know that fatal car accidents are three times more likely to happen at night? (That’s according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)
I will now explain why I think this happens. In one word. Nonsense.
Do you drive at the same speed at night as you do during the day? You do, don’t you? Even though we cannot see clearly at night, we drive as if we are speeding in sunshine.
Now consider this. When you walk outside in the dark, do you walk as fast and as confidently as you do during daylight? I doubt it. To be sure, you walk in a manner much more aware of your surroundings. And where to put your foot.
If that’s the case with walking at night, why don’t you slow down when you drive at night? Here’s why. Because the posted speed signs tell you not to. I know, I know, they don’t really do that. But consider this. Even though the signs post the maximum speed, they hint at the speed you should aim for, day or night.
Now be honest. When you see a speed limit sign, do you slow down to a lower speed? Or do you speed up to match the numerals posted on the sign?
And so it is in many areas of life. Conditioned to obey, we stick to perceived rules even as situations change. Then we wonder why nonsense happens to us.
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“Since yesterday the sign has flashed, ‘Don’t walk.’ So now I’m still standing here.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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