We’re not talking about grossly reckless people here.  Nor Freudian ‘death wishes’ or even ‘machoism’.  We’re talking about ordinary people who are generally careful.  However, we sometimes ‘cut corners’ for convenience.  If we understand      why we sometimes choose the more convenient over the ‘safer’ way we may make better choices.  

     Both the safer method and the less-safe method have advantages and disadvantages.  The less-safe method has these features in comparison to the safer method:

The ADVANTAGE is certain and immediate, even though it may be minor.  For example, it’s a lot less hassle if you don’t have to bother finding and wearing the safety goggles for this minor grinding wheel job.

The DISADVANTAGE is uncertain and/or delayed, even though it may be disastrous if it occurs.  “It’s unlikely something is going to fly off the wheel toward my eyes.”  (If you knew a chunk of metal was going to be flying off toward you eyes, you’d probably add a ski mask or something in addition to the goggles.)

     With the safer method:

The ADVANTAGE of the safer method is uncertain and/or delayed, even though it may be huge by comparison to the disadvantage of the less-safe method.  “I’m probably not going to have something fly off the wheel toward my eyes.”  (And you’re right—probably.)

The DISADVANTAGE is certain and/or immediate, even though probably minor compared to the disadvantage of the less-safe method.  You will have to take time to find and wear the safety goggles, which some may consider slightly uncomfortable.

     Other examples: smoking (disadvantage delayed), use of seat belt (disadvantage uncertain), using convenient nearby upholstered (unstable) furniture to gain height for potentially hazardous jobs (disadvantage uncertain), not using some safety devices (disadvantage uncertain), ingesting harmful substances (disadvantage delayed), etc., etc.

     If you simply recall and think about the relative advantages and disadvantages of any situation as presented above, you will make better decisions.  The odds of disaster with any particular less-safe situation may be low, but over a lifetime of many decisions you are unlikely to beat the odds.  How many disasters do you wish to experience?  Think of this when confronting decisions of this nature.

     I wish I could say I came up with this but I didn’t.  Unfortunately, I cannot give proper attribution.  It came from an article by a psychologist printed in a newsmagazine sent to Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. customers many years ago.  It’s a great way to look at many situations.  If you think it has merit, pass it on.

Why do People do Unsafe Things

Dr. Sherwood Kaip

El Paso, TX

<skaip799@gmail.com>;   cell: 1 (915) 309-6340

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