According to a recent study, the category of Aussie drivers comprises of a range of stereotypes. A team of experienced psychologists examined the driving psychology of road safety. In this direction, they have undergone in-depth interviews with Australian drivers and have pinpointed seven primary personality patterns people adopt when they’re behind the wheel.
From a psychological mindset, these seven types of personalities stand for distinct mechanisms drivers embrace in order to cope with frustration and annoyance in traffic.
Which category do you belong to? Read on to find out.
1. The Know-It-All
We’ve all met the know-it-all type of driver, haven’t we? This individual assumes that everyone surrounding him/her is an incompetent, and he/she will shout at other drivers without having second thoughts. Certainly, this kind of driver is brave as he/she is protected, being in the vehicle while approaching others with a know-it-all kind of behaviour.
2. The Teacher
Statistics oriented to the psychology of the driving habits in Australia further show us that the teacher is the second most popular pattern among Aussies. He/she knows all the laws by heart, and will want to make others know that he/she is acquainted with them. Plus, he/she will want to teach others how to follow them strictly.
3. The Punisher
Next on our list is the punisher stereotype. He/she adores disciplining others in the case of (God forbid) perceived misbehaviour. The punisher won’t have second thoughts to get out of his/her vehicle to start an argument with another driver. So, be aware of this kind of driver; you don’t want to get into conflict with such an individual – just saying.
4. The Competitor
The surveys outline that the competitor is also commonly met on the Australian streets. He/she wants to be the very first in line, and he/she takes pleasure in getting ahead other drivers. Plus, he/she is irritated whenever another person gets his/her place on their way.
This type of driver is easily identifiable – he/she feels the urge to accelerate when someone wants to overtake them. Alternatively, he/she will prevent someone who wants to be in front of them.
5. The Avoider
The avoider doesn’t want to have anything to do with other drivers, and just ignores or avoids conflicts and other situations, dismissing them as hazards.
6. The Escapee
Get acquainted with the escapee – the Aussie driver who is distracted while driving. Researchers outline that this approach is often embraced as a means to avoid getting frustrated in traffic by directing the focus elsewhere. However, a survey underwent by the Community Attitudes of Road Safety, 32 percent of the drivers say that they read texts while driving, and 18 percent recognise that they sent messages even when they’re behind the wheel. In this direction, lack of attention and concentration was highlighted as one of the top reasons for accidents.
7. The Philosopher
The philosopher is identified as the Aussie driver who doesn’t have trouble accepting misbehaviour while on the road and aims at managing his/her emotions rationally.