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We tend to take more risks, when we feel protected and safe
This is called the peltzman effect
A thread
This is called the peltzman effect
A thread
The peltzman effect is a tendency to adjust our behaviour based on our perceived level of risk
The peltzman effect was named after Sam Peltzman's 1975 study which reported that people believe they can afford to be reckless when they are following automobile safety laws
This risk compensation bias can also be observed in contact sports like rugby and ice hockey.
New rules had to be implemented when it was observed that players acted more violently when they had their protective gear on
New rules had to be implemented when it was observed that players acted more violently when they had their protective gear on
Psychologists have explained this behaviour through a theory known as 'risk homeostasis'.
This theory explains that risk is an inherent part of our nature
And we all have a target level of risk which determines our behaviour
This theory explains that risk is an inherent part of our nature
And we all have a target level of risk which determines our behaviour
If the perceived risk in any given situation gets above this level, we act to reduce it
And if it gets lower, we engage in riskier situations in an attempt to get back to our target level
And if it gets lower, we engage in riskier situations in an attempt to get back to our target level
A way to avoid falling prey to this bias is to check your behavior in risky situations.
If you realize you are taking more risks because you feel safe you need to modify your behavior because there is a chance your perceived sense of safety is way more than the actual safety.
If you realize you are taking more risks because you feel safe you need to modify your behavior because there is a chance your perceived sense of safety is way more than the actual safety.
The world is an unpredictable place and even complete safety does not guarantee
a predictable outcome.
As wise people say: ‘Better safe than sorry’.
a predictable outcome.
As wise people say: ‘Better safe than sorry’.
