What Type of Driver are You?
When you’re stuck on I-95 staring down a 4 day weekend, it’s only natural that you’re impatient. You decide to move over to your right-hand lane. You assume the person in that lane isn’t paying attention, what with all that space in between them and the other car. So now you are nose to nose with a red Toyota Corolla, you look away for a second and just like that-CRASH. So goes the story of many car accidents – from stop and go traffic to outpatient care. the way in which navigate traffic tells us a lot about our bad habits as drivers. Although everyone tackles traffic in their own way, by the end of this post you’ll be able to identify what type of driver are you and a few bad traffic habits.
“The Lane Hopper”
Many of us fall victim to weaving in and out lanes during traffic but not only does it do wear and tear on the car, the potential for an accident increase exponentially. Lane changes are actually dangerous maneuvers. Lane change collisions account for 4 to 10 percent of all crashes, according to a study from the Department of transportation.
“The Tailgater”
The car industry has gone to great lengths to make vehicles that are fuel efficient and safe but as drivers, we have to do our part to make good decisions while on the road. According to research done by Allstate, driving bumper to bumper or tailgating, accounts for 8% of all accidents in the last year. Tailgating is maddening for both parties involved. The driver in front is annoyed that the person behind them won’t stay off their bumper, and the driver in back of him is annoyed that he can’t go any faster. Taking the time to go around a slower vehicle or creating some space in between the other car can save you time and money.
“The Merge Monitor “
Chances are you know one or you are one. Merger monitors take it upon themselves to block merging lanes in order to discourage a last-minute merger, or, some might say, a “cutter.” As frustrating as it is, it’s not the right thing to do. Merge monitor or not, everyone is responsible for allowing others to merge safely. Studies show that it’s the actions of the merge monitor that causes traffic to go slower. Traffic would flow 35% faster if drivers allowed merging cars over in a zipper style method of merging.
We all have bad driving habits, but the key is to acknowledge them and make the change. Whether you’re the Merge Monitor or a Lane Hopper, there is always room to be a safer and more conscientious driver.