What Your Driving Really Says About You
Everyone likes to think they're a good driver, but unfortunately, that means even bad drivers think they're great behind the wheel. In truth, there are usually telltale habits that good and bad drivers both exhibit, and if any of the negative ones on this list resonate with you, you might want to brush up on your skills. Here are 10 signs you're a horrible driver—and 10 signs you're a fantastic one.
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1. You Ignore the Rules of the Road
A bad driver ignores or is clueless about road signs and the rules of the road. Instead of respecting the right of way and following the laws and regulations set in place, you drive based on your own set of rules without caring if it's dangerous or illegal.
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2. You Always Go Over the Speed Limit
You don't just exceed the speed limit a little—you go over it by a lot. So much so that your passengers often have to hold on for dear life and have even commented that your driving scares them. If people go out of their way to point that out, that's a pretty clear sign you're not a good driver.
3. You Don't Wear a Seatbelt
If you often forgo wearing a seatbelt and don't remind passengers in your car to put on theirs, you're a bad driver. This not only shows you don't care about your own safety, but that you couldn't care about whether others are safe.
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4. You Speed Up at Yellow Lights
If your instinct at yellow (and maybe even red) lights is to speed up, that's pretty indicative that you're not a good driver. Even though a yellow light doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop, especially when you can't safely brake in time, it is a signal to slow down—not step on the gas.
5. You've Been Pulled Over More Than Once
Have you gotten in trouble with law enforcement more than once? Or received a speeding ticket or two? These are telltale signs that you're not a very good driver. Even worse it if you've had your license suspended or revoked before.
6. You Engage in Road Rage
It's not that good drivers never get emotional or agitated behind the wheel, but bad drivers will let their anger take over and control them. This means they'll deliberately engage in road rage by cutting other road users off, honking excessively, or shouting at others.
7. You Don't Signal
Another clear sign that you're a bad driver is if you don't signal. This can cause road rage, unnecessary traffic, and even accidents. Think about it: how would you feel if the car in front of you suddenly stopped without signalling, but their intention is to turn left?
8. You Tailgate
You might not think tailgating is that bad, but it shows your lack of patience and inability to create safe distances between you and other road users. It also means you'll need to brake frequently, and those jerky starts and stops won't make it a fun ride for anyone.
9. You Drive Distracted
You're a bad driver if your attention isn't 100% on the road at all times. If you're distracted by conversation, music, your phone, or anything else, that means you're not fully focused on your main task, which is being behind the wheel and getting you and your passengers safely to the destination.
10. You've Driven Under the Influence
The statistics don't lie: impaired driving is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents on the road. So, if you've driven under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, it goes without saying that you're a horrible driver.
How do you know if you're a great driver, then? Here are 10 main signs:
1. You Drive Defensively
You know you're not the only person on the road, so when you're behind the wheel, you make sure to drive defensively. This means keeping safe distances, constantly scanning for obstacles, and making sure your actions are predictable.
2. You Make Sure Everyone's Strapped In Before Moving
The first thing you do when you get into the car is to strap yourself in, and then you make sure everyone else has their seatbelt on before you even put the car into drive. You're a driver who ensures all your passengers stay safe and protected, because you understand they're your responsibility.
3. You Respect the Right of Way
A good driver doesn't barge their way into traffic and expect others to let them do what they want, regardless of the consequences. What a good driver does is respect the right of way, understand the rules of the road, and how best to ensure a safe, efficient flow of traffic.
4. You Know All the Rules & Signs
Speaking of the rules of the road, as a good driver, you're well-acquainted with all the regulations and signs. You have them memorized; you know them by heart. You'll never be caught holding up traffic because you're confused about signage or limits.
5. You Never Drive Distracted
Sure, you might engage in light conversation and have music playing in the background, but your attention is and will always be on the road first and foremost, and not on your phone, food, or anything else. You don't drive distracted—you're vigilant, and extremely so.
6. You Always Signal Your Intentions
Remember what we said about good drivers being predictable? One way to make sure other road users know what you're doing is to always signal your intentions. This means if you're going to make a turn or change lanes, you're putting on your blinker well before you do it.
7. You Let Other Drivers Through
While this doesn't necessarily mean people who don't do this aren't good drivers, letting other road users through, even when it's your right of way, shows courtesy. This means you don't intentionally block off traffic just because you want to be "first" or "faster"—you allow others through because it's safer and because it's polite.
8. You're Observant
A good driver is always scanning the road and intersection for potential obstacles and danger. Being observant and staying vigilant not only allows them time to react, but also ensures they know how to handle sudden, unpredictable situations before they happen.
9. You're Calm
No one wants to get into the car with an antsy driver. A good driver, in contrast, might be cautious—they're constantly observing the road to ensure it's safe to go—but they're also cool, calm, and collected behind the wheel. They're experienced and confident in their driving ability.
10. You Ensure Your Passengers a Smooth, Safe Ride
Another major sign that you're a good driver? You promise your passengers a smooth, safe ride, meaning they can always count on you to get them to the destination without experiencing any mishaps along the way. And if they compliment your driving skills? That's just a bonus.
