Tuesday, March 19, 2013

What someone's car driving style tells us

Like all men, I'm interested in cars. Not just on the surface, but deep down as well. I was a regular listener to the popular PBS radio program 'Car Talk', so I know the basics about most cars. I also happen to have come across different types of drivers, from the maniacal to the smoothest drivers (you can't even make out when the gear fell into 3rd). We were just having a conversation the other day about hiring people and someone brought up the topic of driving, and how you can assess someone's general qualities by observing their driving style. So I thought of putting some of the correlations here. Again, these are not scientifically proven facts - just my observations.

The obvious:

  • Constant honking - The driver lacks patience and doesn't give a shit about others on the road. 
  • Keeps hitting the brake at the nth moment - This driver lacks control and can't judge distances. Also thinks that disc brakes are some god given power, so I might as well abuse them to the fullest.
  • Can't change gears smoothly - This driver is bad at multitasking. 


The not so obvious:

  • Grips the steering wheel like their life depends on it - This show absolute lack of confidence. 
  • Doesn't look back completely while reversing - I dont know how to describe this - overconfidence ? Arrogance ?
  • Sudden swivels during lane changes - Last minute decision making.
  • Right foot constantly moves between Throttle and brake - Can't judge distances and can't maintain uniformity.
  • Constantly brakes on winding roads at the curves especially - Too ambitious but doesn't believe in learning and also doesn't believe in keeping the car healthy.
For me, some personalities who possess a majority of these characteristics, are very hard to get along with and it's really really difficult to sit in a car with such personalities behind the wheel. I can't help but think about the Bangalore airport cabbies at this juncture. If there exists an award for the driver with most of the above mentioned qualities they will win it hands down :).

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