Optimist Or Pessimist?

Optimist Or Pessimist?

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Do you say a glass is half full or half empty?

Most people would agree that in general it is better and healthier to have a positive, optimistic outlook on life. However, when it comes to driving, it is better and safer to have a more pessimistic approach.

What this means is that you should constantly be reading the road, assessing the situation and asking yourself the question “what if……?”. For example:

What if that car that is signalling to turn left, doesn`t actually turn left? Can I still safely pull out into his path?

What if the pedestrian crossing the road in front of me trips and falls over; can I still stop in time?

In this way you are ensuring that you are better prepared to deal with the unexpected.

Most drivers in Cyprus are unfortunately eternal optimists!

How else to explain how fast some drivers approach T-Junctions. They are obviously optimistic that there won`t be any cars to give way to on the main road!

How about overtaking on blind bends? Would you rely on being optimistic that there isn`t an oncoming car?

The other day I passed by the scene of an accident involving 6 cars, which had all run into the back of each other, concertina style. Whatever the reason for the first car stopping, the other five drivers must have been too close to the car infront, optimistically thinking that it wouldn`t stop suddenly.

Thinking like a pessimist when you are driving doesn`t mean being over cautious to the extent that you drive extremely slowly and frustrate other drivers. That would be wrong and possibly dangerous. It just means thinking through every situation and being able to adjust to any sudden changes that may occur. In other words to drive defensively.