I myself am not a fan of driving for all of these reasons and more. Every other traffic light I wait at seems to be run by someone that is just too important to worry about the safety of others. I often get enraged on the road but like to quell my thoughts with thinking of reasons why they may not be doing their best. I'm sure I have been guilty of it a time or two.
I know what you mean.. But you know what? Nobody really cares of being cautious.. Dunno why though :/
The answer is simple: Most people, deep inside where nobody can see what they think, believe that nothing bad will happen to them.
My father used to say that you cannot be considered wealthy unless you have lost all your money twice, because, on the third time, you'll make damn certain you remain cautious.
Maybe it is the same with driving; nobody can be called a good driver unless they have experienced at least two accidents that they feel they were not to blame for. Then they will drive defensively.
You are so right!!! Actually what your father told you is wise.. Thats exactly how it works.. Even two times cannot persuade you that you have to be cautious and you ve done something wrong... People are strange...