There’s clearly an issue with how well people believe they can drive. When asked to rate their driving ability, the majority of people—up to 80% in some studies—claim that they are above-average drivers. They think they are skilled and proficient in a way that the drivers around them simply lack.
This is certainly true for some drivers, as not everyone has the same level of skill or ability. But, logically, the majority of drivers can’t be above average. What this means is that many drivers tend to overrate their own skills and believe they are far better at driving than they actually are.
Could this lead to car accidents?
Yes, this misconception could lead to serious auto accidents. For instance, a driver who encounters snow, rain or fog may be less likely to slow down if they believe they are a good enough driver to continue operating at (or above) the speed limit. Ironically, someone who has less faith in their driving abilities may be more likely to slow their vehicle down, thereby reducing the odds of an accident and proving to be the truly better driver.
In some cases, people’s beliefs about their driving abilities will also lead to reckless actions. They may be more likely to break the speed limit, pass other vehicles aggressively and engage in other risky behaviors. They simply believe that they are so good at driving that they’re unlikely to crash, so they take chances and risks that other drivers wouldn’t take.
Have you been injured in an accident caused by another driver? If so, take the time to carefully look into all the legal options at your disposal so that you can seek proper compensation.