It’s clear that teen drivers cause a disproportionate number of car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that their crash rates are so high mostly due to “immaturity, lack of skills, and lack of experience.”
In other words, it’s clear to most of the experts that teens crash far too often and that many of these accidents are fatal. But what do teens think? Do they believe that they are dangerous drivers?
Everyone thinks they’re a good driver
The short answer here is that no, teens tend not to think that they’re unsafe drivers. They believe they are good drivers, no matter what the statistics tell us.
However, it’s not just teens who have this view. Most people believe that they are better than average when asked to rate their own driving skills. This is, of course, a statistical impossibility. If most drivers were better than average, that would just move the average.
But it does help to show how people approach the road. They generally believe that others are going to make mistakes but that they will be fine. This type of overconfidence can be dangerous. They may not realize all of the errors they’re making until they cause an accident. Even then, they may adamantly insist that someone else was to blame for the crash, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
Have you been hit by an overconfident driver?
No matter their age, overconfident drivers may be negligent and reckless without realizing it. If one of them hits your car and causes injuries, be sure you know what legal steps to take to protect your interests.
