Better than the average driver?

[middleagecyclist]

I think most drivers feel their driving skills are better than average. This is an obvious nonsense as most will of course be of 'average' standard and ability. I'm not going to differentiate on whether the 'average' is mean, mode, median. Simple enough to say most think they are a cut above others on the roads.

Some drivers are going to be better than average though. I think I'm one of them

Why? Well, in no particular order:

• I can parallel park with consumate ease
• My car is well maintained and serviced. Parts wearing out are replaced quickly
• I don't use handheld devices while driving
• 28 yrs driving 10-15,000 miles pa. Clean license for 20 yrs
• NEVER had a parking fine
• I don't exceed speed limits in urban areas
• I often anticipate poor driver behaviour before it happens
• I have undertaken IAM advanced driver training and passed the course with great feedback
• I have a full car and motorbike licence
• I can tow trailers without difficulty including reversing
• I'm a cyclist

None of this means i'm perfect or don't make mistakes. I can always learn something more and plan to take an advanced driving test again in 2013.

If you are a driver then do you think you are better than average and why?

No sexist claptrap please

[EDIT] Thought of some more.

• Know where the fog light switch is and when to use it
• Know what RainX is and where to put it
• Know the recommended tyre pressure for my front and rear tyres
• Know not to block a turn into a side road when in stationary traffic

 

[Archie_tect]

There has to be a 'but'... and a 'why'...

 

[ianrauk]

• I don't exceed speed limits in urban areas

And in non urban areas?
Just asking like.

 

[Rob3rt]

Of course not, he races over the Cat and Fiddle or Snake Pass pretending to be a F1/Touring Car/Rally driver of course, who wouldn't!

 

[middleagecyclist]

And in non urban areas?
Just asking like.

. If motorway or dual carriageway conditions are good I have been known to cruise at 80mph. I did say I wasn't perfect

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I've had 2 drivers hit me when my car was stopped at red lights. Another driver managed to hit my car when it was parked off road on a straight street. I've never hit anyone. So I'm a better driver than at least 3 drivers I have come into contact with.

 

[ianrauk]

. If motorway or dual carriageway conditions are good I have been known to cruise at 80mph. I did say I wasn't perfect

Then you are willingly breaking the law so I would say your driving is below average.
My opinion of course.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Then you are willingly breaking the law so I would say your driving is below average.
My opinion of course.

You are entitled to it of course.

 

[Lee_M]

Then you are willingly breaking the law so I would say your driving is below average.
My opinion of course.

actually I reckon you'll find that is the norm,

 

[ianrauk]

actually I reckon you'll find that is the norm,

I didn't say it wasn't did I?
The OP says he's an above average driver.
Breaking the law IMO means he (and others who do so) isn't.

 

[Lee_M]

Depends what you mean by average

My point was that people that go over the limit on dc's and motorways was probably the average driver behaviour

 

[mark st1]

I think the main plus is being able to concentrate on others aswell as what your doing thats how i avoid most accidents from happening. Im nowhere near perfect maybe just lucky still have a clean licence though after 15 years of driving/motorbiking 14 of them for a living. I can deffinatly say that either im becomming less tolerante or the standard of driving in this country gets worse year by year.

 

[Night Train]

The thing is, it is very easy to be 'above average'.
Just don't make some of the mistakes that you see most drivers making on a day to day basis.
Or just drive the way you were properly taught.

What is much harder, and a more useful indicator, is to try and be in the top 5% of drivers.

 

[jonny jeez]

Depends how you quantify "better".

I see plenty of cyclist breaking laws and riding like arses but cant deny a certain skill in the way they handle their bikes, see those NY couriers for example.

So, compliant as you are, are you "Better"?

You could argue that driving at speed, handling skids, avoiding near misses and all the crap that comes with acting like a boy racer actually is a skill that you have yet had.

I think you are certainly a safer, more aware, more considerate driver but you must admit (like it or not) there are skills that you are not yet exposed to.

I am playing devils advocate here as I checked of nearly all of your skills myself (except the handheld thing for which I landed myself "red handed" on these very pages a year or so ago...but never since!) and felt that, like you it made me a better driver.

But I cant do donughts, cant drift, cant drive on two wheels cant Ken Block it round the car park. So am I better than a 17 year old who can?

 

[mickle]

What is much harder, and a more useful indicator, is to try and be in the top 5% of drivers.

I strive to be in the top 4.25% of drivers.