Posted on 03/12/2007 11:54:51 AM PDT by Smogger
Are an "Auto-Bahner" or an "Auto-Matic"? Allstate Insurance Co. sponsored a study of 2,500 automobile owners and came up with five distinct driving personalities.
If driving itself does not really excite you, but the car that you drive does, you are probably like 23 percent of those surveyed who were dubbed "Auto-Matics." Auto-Matics, while generally safe and confident drivers, also have been guilty of speeding on occasion. Auto-Matics are likely to feel that the car that they drive is "distinctly styled," "attention-getting," "trendy" and "extravagant."
The next most common driving personality, representing 21 percent of the drivers surveyed, were the "Auto-Nomous" drivers.
These drivers enjoy looking at the scenery when driving and consider themselves "rugged" and "powerful."
Auto-Nomous drivers think of themselves as "good drivers" and their car represents a place of comfort to them. Auto-Nomous personalities are also the least likely to own an economical vehicle and are the most likely to drive a pickup or sport utility vehicle.
Not surprisingly, they are also the group that is most likely to complain about fuel prices. Of these drivers, 63 percent are male. Those who drive "fast" and "aggressively" and have little patience when other drivers make mistakes fall into the category of the "Auto-Bahner" personality.
Eighty percent of the drivers who identified with this group admitted to having driven 20 miles or more over the speed limit.
Understandably, Auto-Bahners were also the most likely to have been pulled over by law enforcement officials within the past five years, with more than half of those surveyed having received moving violations.
One-third of Auto-Bahners also admitted to driving after having three or more drinks. Of all drivers surveyed, 17 percent were determined to be Auto-Bahners. Of this group, 63 percent were male.
If the word "practical" describes both the way you drive and what you drive, you are likely an "Auto-Pragmatic." Fifteen percent of those surveyed fell into this group, with a driving style they considered "safe" and "cautious."
Auto-Pragmatics prefer cars that are safe, convenient, economical, environmentally friendly and practical. Most Auto-Pragmatics took particularly good care of their vehicles - inside and out. A good percentage of this group were unemployed or retired. Women made up 69 percent of Auto-Pragmatics.
The final 15 percent of drivers surveyed were determined to have the driving personality dubbed "Auto-Pilot."
"Reliable" and "family oriented," most in this group would prefer to occupy the passenger's seat than the driver's seat. This was the least confident group behind the wheel.
Auto-Pilots rely on their cars for doing everyday chores, but do not feel that their vehicles represent who they really are. Women made up 71 percent of the Auto-Pilots.
Todd DeYoung, vice president of marketing at Allstate, explained his company is always trying to "gain a deeper understanding of the driving habits of Americans."
"The survey not only revealed the depth of Americans' opinions about driving-related issues, but it also produced unique personalities, or `Car-ma' based on actual driving actions."
Michelle Groh-Gordy is a longtime traffic school instructor and the owner of InterActive! Traffic School Online (www.trafficinteractive.com). Send questions to drivetime@dailybulletin.com or write to DriveTime c/o The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, PO Box 4000, Ontario, CA 91761. Some reader questions will be answered every other week.
Guess I'm an auto-pragmatic. I like the independence of driving, but for me the car is just a way to get somewhere. I used to speed, but got tired of getting tickets.
"Those who drive "fast" and "aggressively" and have little patience when other drivers make mistakes fall into the category of the "Auto-Bahner" personality.
Eighty percent of the drivers who identified with this group admitted to having driven 20 miles or more over the speed limit.
Understandably, Auto-Bahners were also the most likely to have been pulled over by law enforcement officials within the past five years"
You're bragging?!
Used to be an auto-bahner but have calmed down a bit after a couple of accidents. I'm more auto-pragmatic with some leftover auto-bahner attributes.
ah...so you admit you drink and drive....
O.K. that rules me out, what's the classification for folks who admit driving over 50 miles over the speed limit?
Other major drivers groups are "paranoiacs", "maniacs" and "idiots" [the largest]. It perplexes me why these were omitted.
I see they left out the all important Auto-Moron category. These people are generally everyone but me on the road.
Anybody that drives slower that me is an idiot, anybody that drives faster than me is a maniac. Simple!
"Auto-pilots" are really "sidewalk Commandos" with wheels. most of them should be on the bus. Camry and mini van drivers are the worst offenders..
Nope. I admit nothing, except having had a speeding ticket in the last five years. I have never had an accident, but I have been hit by a few Auto-Pragmatics. People that are not confident about their abilities behind the wheel tend to feel that way for good reason in my experience.
Got you by a couple of seconds.
Does 120 in a 55 barefoot without my license in the car count as a ultr-auto-bahner?
Sadly, I'm a auto-drive what I'm stuck with due to the responsibilities of life.
4 kids = full size and minivan. I hate it with a passion, but the Mustang will have to wait a few years.
When teaching my daughter to drive the full size van, I cautioned her to not exceed 80mph on the freeway until she gets more wheel time.
And I rarely, if ever, suffer from Road Rage, although I always tend to end up riding shotgun with people who do. I suffer from Parking Lot rage ... living in a tourist trap as I do.
Speaking of parking, be sure you never end up here.
They say that like it's a bad thing.
LOL! As a fellow Auto-Banner, I relate all too well. Most likely the Auto-Pilots drive mini-vans. Typically, when in front of you in the lane, will sit for 5-10 seconds before moving out on the green light. Always wonder if there is some sort of built-in delay hardwired in their brains.
And the other 9%? 9% seems a bit much to be explained by rounding.
Especially when you tailgate them...
I would say illegals (no drivers license or insurance, can't read road signs quickly, too short, and started driving too late), and non native born Asians (too short, can't read road signs quickly, started driving too late) are the worst offenders.
In general if you come from a country that relies heavily on public transportation, and didn't even spend you childhood in a passengers seat, you will never be anything but an indecisive, awkward, dangerous driver.
But I am just a bigot.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.