A driver's license is almost a freedom license, especially if you ask anyone who has just received one for the first time. It gives the holder access to the open road and all the benefits that personal transportation can afford. Once you've passed the exact same test everyone else did, you enter the exclusive club of 'drivers'. And while every driver's test is the same, every driver is not.
Driving is more than a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle. Driving brings with it a whole spectrum of emotions and reactions, all of which can influence a person's ability. Each driver has their own personality and will react to situations differently. When irritated, angry or distracted even the most experienced and capable driver can be prone to mistakes. It's somehow easy to forget that any mistake made while driving a 1,500kg chariot of glass and steel can be your last.
The Link Between Personality and Driving
Multiple studies from around the world have shown that personality has a definite impact on drivers, especially when it pertains to risky driving behavior and accidents. Drivers who are prone to anger, thrill-seeking and altruism are more likely to accrue driving violations while the traits of anger and normlessness have been shown to have a direct correlation to more aggressive driving infractions.
According to the Abbotsford Police, men make up the majority of drivers ticketed for both speed and distracted driving. While we'll leave the argument of Male versus Female drivers up to you, men are more likely to display the traits of normlessness, anger and thrill-seeking and these personality traits are directly related to speeding and distracted driving.
Understanding your personality is the first step in understanding what types of driving situations might leave you more prone to accidents. It doesn't always have to be "negative" personality traits that can trigger poor driving decisions either. For example, someone who takes punctuality seriously might begin to drive faster than normal when running late. And someone who has driven hundreds of thousands of miles might begin to find driving routine, dulling his or her senses to the potential dangers that are inherent every time they operate a vehicle.
What personality traits trigger your bad driving habits?
It's an important question to ask yourself. If you are having trouble being self-reflective, ask someone who you drive with often. They'll be able to tell some things that alter your mood while driving. If you know that you hate being cut off and that it can trigger an angry response, the next time you get cut off is a perfect time to try and limit your anger. Because as the studies have shown, an angry reaction to another driver can put you in a state of mind that could have serious implications.
Driving is one of the most dangerous things people do on a daily basis and should never be taken for granted. Your personality has a significant impact on your driving and the important correlation can impact your job and your life. When it comes to driving, you don't always get a second chance to correct a mistake.
