Better than the average driver?

[oldfatfool]

I am in the top 1% of drivers, by virtue of the fact I admit I am probably average. Though it doesn't happen as often as it used to I admit still on ocaission making a a mental note, that was lucky must remember not to do that again.

 

[asterix]

My technique when driving is to remind myself that really I am a pretty mediocre driver and quite likely to have an accident. I need one of those guys next to me like the Roman emperors to tell me I am not an immortal.

Actually thinking about it, that's more or less what Mrs A does.

 

[lulubel]

I can drive a 12 ton double decker bus round the lanes of West Cornwall and bring it back without any tree branches hanging from the upper deck AND with all the body work still attached. Not many people can do that

 

[CopperCyclist]

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

The only thing on your list that counts in my humble opinion is passing the IAM course with good feedback. Thats a case of someone else, with qualified knowledge judging you. All the rest could be luck (no parking fine), normal (I know where my fog light switch is!) or based only on your own judgement - most boy racers think they are great too!

The IAM course, by it's very nature puts you 'above average'... as long as you still drive the same way!

And for what it's worth, yep I think I'm better than the average too!

 

[tyred]

There are some truely outstanding drivers out there. Not many, but they exist.

There are some truely incompetent drivers who shouldn't be allowed to drive anything more sophisticated than a wheelbarrow. Not many, but they exist.

Most people fall somewhere in between. Many well intentioned drivers may do something bordering on the slightly dangerous from time to time due to a lack of proper driving education or understanding.

The one thing all drivers, from the short sighted 90 year with his nose pressed against the windscreen of his metro trying to see pas the end of the bonnet through to Michael Schumacher and everyone in between have in common is being human, and therefore prone to making errors.

 

[oldfatfool]

The IAM course, by it's very nature puts you 'above average'... as long as you still drive the same way!

You could say that for just having passed the driving test ad having a license these days!

 

[Glow worm]

I absolutely loathe driving and am officially the only bloke in Britain to own up to being pretty crap at it as well!

 

[CopperCyclist]

You could say that for just having passed the driving test ad having a license these days!

Heh - you may well have an excellent point there!

 

[totallyfixed]

I strongly advise watching "How safe are Britain's roads" the second part was shown tonight at 9pm, first part same time last week, a real eye opener. Should be on the iPlayer, lots to talk about.