Wednesday, October 19, 2011

What Your Car Says About YOU!



Those who see their cars as extensions of themselves tend to be more aggressive drivers, a new study finds. Ayalla Ruvio of Temple University Fox School of Business in Philadelphia said the study examined how personality, attitude and values contribute to aggressive driving behaviors. Ruvio found:

  • People who perceive their car as a reflection of themselves are more likely to behave aggressively on the road and break the law.
  • People with compulsive tendencies are more likely to drive aggressively with disregard for potential consequences.
  • Increased materialism, or the importance of one’s possessions is linked to increased aggressive driving.
  • Young people who are in the early stages of forming their self-identity might feel the need to show off their car and driving skills more than others. They may also be overconfident and underestimate the risks involved when being a hotshot behind the wheel.
  • Those who admit to aggressive driving also admit to engaging in more incidents of breaking the law.
  • A sense of being under time and pressure leads to more aggressive driving.