Drivers tend to follow different driving styles that can have a significant impact on their potential for accidents and injuries while on the road. Although driving styles vary between motorists, most drivers fall into a distinct characteristic type.
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Different Driving Styles Impact Safety
By familiarizing themselves with the various driver types, motorists can help reduce their risk of becoming involved in a car accident.
Slow Drivers
Slow drivers come in all forms, but many tend to be senior drivers who don’t handle a car as well as they did at a younger age. Driving slowly and carefully is a good idea, but slow drivers can frustrate other drivers and tie up traffic. Slow drivers often drive 10 to 15 mph under the posted speed limit and force drivers behind them to travel at the same slow speed when passing isn’t possible.
Fast Drivers
Many fast drivers are safe drivers, but driving with a sense of urgency can increase the risk of accidents. Fast drivers frequently change lanes to get around slower drivers and exceed speed limits when they have the chance. When fast drivers become agitated, they tend to exhibit more aggressive driving tendencies.
Nervous Drivers
Drivers who lack confidence in their driving skills often get nervous when they’re in heavy traffic or traffic moving at high speeds. Nervous drivers typically drive at the speed limit or lower. They are indecisive when making turns, passing other cars, and merging into traffic, so they don’t accelerate enough. This hesitation and indecision make nervous drivers very dangerous on the road.
Tailgaters
Tailgaters endanger themselves and drivers traveling in front of them. When a driver is traveling too closely behind another car, there’s a 95 percent chance of an accident if the car in front stops suddenly. Tailgating is extremely dangerous, especially when drivers are traveling at high speeds on interstates and freeways at 65 mph or higher.
Distracted Drivers
Drivers who are not paying attention to the road cause thousands of auto accidents and injuries each year. Talking or texting on a cell phone, sending emails, taking dashboard selfies, playing with the radio, and watching interactive maps puts drivers at significant risk for serious accidents with other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and stationary objects.
