The Psychology of Car Crashes: Understanding Risky Thinking

Operating a car is complex. Many of us spend time behind the wheel daily, which can make us mistakenly believe the task is simple. Cognitively, driving requires a lot of attention, focus, and concentration.

The psychology involved in driving includes mental and emotional mechanisms that impact how we behave on the road. Are we frustrated? Distracted? In a rush? Angry at a partner or colleague? Any of these can impact how we behave as drivers. And often, not for the better.

Examining the ways human psychology impacts drivers can be useful for keeping our roads safe. Here are some of the ways that psychology influences motorists and how it can increase the risk of a car accident.

Cognitive processes when operating a vehicle

Complex cognitive processes allow motorists to operate motor vehicles. Some cognitive processes involved in decision-making on the road include:

• Attention: Paying attention is critical. A distracted driver may not notice stop signs, traffic changes, or risks like wild animals that may run into their path. Today, distracted driving behaviors range from daydreaming to watching videos behind the wheel. The truth is anything that takes your mind, let alone your eyes, off the road, creates risks.
• Perception: Driver perception allows motorists to notice possible hazards, make quick decisions, and assess their environment. If a car nearby is speeding or a driver runs a stop sign, you’ll likely only have an instant to react.
• Memory: Your memory helps you recall various traffic laws, how to behave in different configurations (like roundabouts), and make use of your past driving experiences. Having more experience is useful when you come up against similar traffic and road situations.
• Decision-making: Decision-making is non-stop when driving. Changing lanes, giving space to cyclists or pedestrians, avoiding an erratic driver, or slowing down in bad weather are all critical decisions that drivers make every minute they’re on the road.

A better understanding of these cognitive processes and their impact on drivers can improve road safety and influence the innovation of new safety technology that can fill in gaps where drivers tend to fall short.

The unfortunate and dangerous reality of road rage in Illinois

As we learn more about the cognitive processes associated with driving, the more we understand some of the mental and emotional difficulties that may arise when someone is operating a vehicle. For example, Illinois (like many other states) has endured its share of preventable accidents caused by a motorist suffering from road rage. Road rage often comes from something called an “illusion of superiority.” Many drivers suffer from a mistaken belief that their driving abilities are superior to others. Drivers under this illusion may exhibit aggressive behaviors, especially if they feel other drivers are challenging or threatening to them.

Over the last ten years, there has been a 500% increase in reported cases of road rage in the US. The frequency of this dangerous behavior makes it important to study the psychological elements behind road rage. The goal is to create a more empathetic and cautious driving culture that improves safety for Illinois motorists.

The illusion of superiority explained

A study published in the Journal of Traffic Psychology and Behaviour highlighted that many motorists believe they are less prone to errors and biases than other motorists on the road. This “illusion of superiority” can lead to aggressive driving behaviors when challenged by actions like getting cut off, speeding, or tailgating. According to the research, misplaced confidence often plays a role in significant collisions, as motorists may overestimate their abilities and react aggressively when they feel another driver is threatening their dominance.

Types of motorists

In addition to aggressive drivers suffering from road rage, other drivers fit into categories that create more risks for everyone on the road. Some of those driver types include:

• Inexperienced or new motorists: New or inexperienced motorists often lack confidence. While this might make some of them more cautious, it also creates the risk of indecisive drivers causing confusion. Their hesitancy when making a left turn, merging, or in other situations might lead to accidents. On the other hand, young motorists can also be excited to be able to finally drive, which means they may choose to show off. For example, they might drive at a high rate of speed in an attempt to impress friends.
• Fatigued motorists: Drivers who travel for long distances (e.g., those operating commercial trucks or big rigs) may experience serious fatigue behind the wheel. Fatigue impacts decision-making and response times. For tired motorists, stopping for a break can be life-saving for themselves and others.
• Rushed motorists: These types of motorists routinely change lanes and travel at a high rate of speed, sometimes to avoid being late. Rushed motorists are also more inclined to display aggressive behavior, like cutting other drivers off. Such behaviors can result in serious collisions.
• Emotional motorists: Some motorists are heavily influenced by their emotions. For example, an angry motorist can develop road rage, while a nervous motorist may overuse the brakes because of

Tips to help manage driving habits

Here are some tips you can use to help manage your driving habits while traversing the roads and highways in and around Alton, Illinois:

• Know your vehicle: Does your car have great pickup, or does it take a while to get up to speed? Variances in vehicle performance should influence your driving. For instance, you might need to be more cautious with the gas in a car with a powerful engine.
• Pay attention to road conditions and weather: If there is heavy traffic, you need to drive differently than you would on clear roads. In a snowstorm, you’ll need to travel more slowly than on a warm, sunny day. Know your surroundings and look for potential changes.
• Adhere to the rules of the road: Traffic rules and laws are there for a reason. For example, respect speed limits, stop at red lights, use turn signals so drivers know your intentions, and be ready to yield when necessary. Following traffic laws makes you more predictable for other drivers and helps minimize the danger of serious accidents.

Seriously injured in a car accident? Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney in Alton, Illinois

If you or a family member were injured because of a motorist acting erratically, angrily or recklessly, then now is the time to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys with Glisson Law. Our team of skilled auto accident lawyers stands ready to help walk you through the complex legal process and work toward securing financial restitution for your harms and losses.

Glisson Law has been helping the people of Alton and the surrounding area for over 25 years – let us help you, too. Call our offices or fill out our contact form today to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve Belleville, Edwardsville, St. Clair Madison County, and all of Southwestern Illinois.