Meaning of the word "better go about than fall into the ditch" in English

What does "better go about than fall into the ditch" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

better go about than fall into the ditch

US /ˈbetər ɡoʊ əˈbaʊt ðæn fɔːl ˈɪntuː ðə dɪtʃ/
UK /ˈbetə ɡəʊ əˈbaʊt ðæn fɔːl ˈɪntuː ðə dɪtʃ/
"better go about than fall into the ditch" picture

Idiom

it is better to take a longer, safer route or method than to take a shortcut that leads to disaster

Example:
The mountain path is steep, so let's take the road; better go about than fall into the ditch.
I know the shortcut is tempting, but better go about than fall into the ditch.