When driving, it's so easy to forget about the other drivers out there and just to focus on what our car is doing and where we need to go. But we share the road with many other people who are all hurtling down the asphalt in glass-and-steel contraptions at dangerously high speeds.
If you want to be a safer driver, be aware of the 4 kinds of personalities on the road. Chances are, you'll recognize yourself as one of these personalities and – more importantly – you'll spot these personalities among other drivers. Knowing how you and everyone else reacts can help you predict and avoid collisions.
The timid driver: The timid driver is the one who drives slower than the speed limit and sometimes brakes without warning on what appears to be a clear road. They can slow sooner than most on an approach to intersections and they are likely very slow to start off again when the light turns green. They appear to be easily startled by driving conditions.
How to drive around these drivers: Give them lots of space if you're driving behind them because they might brake suddenly. Don't get aggressive. Their style might annoy you but it will make them more timid and unpredictable. Just pass them and keep driving.
The aggressor: The aggressor pushes the speed limit, edges into traffic with very little space, and shouts at other drivers even if no one can hear them. The aggressor drives their car pretty hard and they don't have a lot of patience for slow drivers or unpredictable ones.
How to drive around these drivers: Be predictable. Give them plenty of space. Don't be intimidated if they drive by you while shaking their fist.
The distracted driver: The distracted driver might be the parent with 3 kids in their minivan or they might be the business person with a cell phone. Regardless of the distraction, the result is the same – an activity that requires 100% focus (driving) only gets about 50% focus (or less) because there is something else that is pulling their focus away. These drivers can be unintentionally unpredictable and, as a result, might not speed but might brake or turn suddenly.
How to drive around these drivers: Steer clear of them. Their unpredictability is very dangerous. Don't bother trying to alert them to their lack of focus; they won't notice you anyway.
The show-off: This driver might seem like an aggressor but they have a louder car and something to prove. Therefore, they are easy to provoke and don't want to be shown up on the road. Passing seems to them to be an invitation to race. Stop lights are just a countdown to a fast take-off.
How to drive around these drivers: You're probably better off behind them (and you won't be close behind them for long because they're sure to speed off). Don't get drawn into foolish driving with them and don't provoke them to show off.
Being aware of these personalities and driving carefully around them won't solve every collision but it will help to reduce the likelihood of collisions that are caused by "personality conflict" on the road.
If you do get into a collision, bring your car to Boyd Autobody & Glass. We'll work quickly to get your car safely restored and back out on the road.
