by Manuel Nardin
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
A driver must always maintain control of their vehicle and be able to perform all necessary manoeuvres under safe conditions. This is what the Highway Code states. Is it always like this? Try to think. When you get behind the wheel, often your mood changes, making room for a bit of aggression or perhaps the belief that it’s always others who are in the wrong. If we were to rank the most stressful things (caused by others) that happen on the road, they would be in the following order: driving with another vehicle tailgating behind, distracted drivers, aggressive driving behaviour, cyclists not obeying the rules, sudden lane changes or swerves, overtaking trucks on highways, and excessive speeding by other vehicles. Drivers who tailgate without a valid understandable reason do it to save fuel and think that they’re driving on a racetrack. Many of them want to push us to go faster. Fortunately, very few people consciously want to harm others. On the contrary, they often don’t realise how risky their behaviour is. Therefore knowing the most critical behaviours of other drivers can help prevent these before succumbing to anger or equally dangerous behaviour. According to a study by the Department of Psychology at “La Sapienza” University in Rome, drivers can be divided into 6 categories. The first is the cautious driver, positive and non-aggressive towards other users, respectful of the Highway Code. The second is the risky driver, who doesn’t fully respect traffic laws: they are self-centred, they tend to justify their transgressions, and believe accidents are a matter of chance. In third place is the aggressive driver, one who feels constrained by the rules: they are angry towards other drivers and seek intense emotions. They often travel at high speed without caring for others. In fourth place is the overconfident driver, convinced they have everything under control and highly trusting of their abilities. They love high speed because they’re sure they can handle it. In fifth place is the inattentive driver who tries to follow the rules but is distracted while driving and used to doing multiple things simultaneously. Lastly, the rude driver, who only respects themselves. In which category do you fit? Let’s reflect, dear friends, let’s reflect.
Published by: editor on 06/09/2023
