Why do drivers ignore red crosses?

Why does this happen? 
Paul van de Coevering, professor of Mobility at BUas, explains the behaviour through several causes. Drivers often underestimate the seriousness of red crosses and think they can “just drive on a little further”. This is antisocial and dangerous for emergency workers and those involved in the accident.

Under stress, drivers must make quick decisions and often choose illogical options. Afterwards they are frequently unable to explain their behaviour. Some miss the red crosses because they are distracted by their car or phone screens, but failing to notice several crosses points to a lack of attention.

Navigation as an excuse
Several motorists claimed their satnav instructed them to continue. Van de Coevering stresses that traffic rules always take precedence over navigation instructions. This excuse arises either because people want to justify their poor decision, or because they have become so dependent on navigation that they focus more on the screen than on the actual road situation.

Group behaviour
Drivers reinforce each other’s actions. When people are uncertain and see others driving on, a dangerous new social norm emerges.

Solutions
Van de Coevering suggests two approaches: stricter enforcement (higher fines, license revocation) and awareness campaigns. He compares this to the successful “Designated Driver” campaign, which made drink-driving socially unacceptable.

Source: Omroep Brabant. Read the full article here.