The Macho-Rebellious Car Guy and His Tool Chest
Based on personal experience: The most hardcore car guys often shy away from therapy and/or meditation, because they might feel it strays from their macho-rebellious personality. These are men who never use instruction manuals and have a tool chest in their garage. They often use 4-in-1 body wash to clean their hair, face, feet, and everything in between. These people also tend to have very strong views when it comes to cars and might judge you if your school of thought is different from theirs. In simpler words, you’d be considered less of a man if you drive a Prius with a lame bumper sticker.
But here’s the thing: if you find yourself drawn to German cars, particularly the high-performance models like BMW’s M division, Mercedes-AMG, or Volkswagen’s GTI, you might want to take a closer look at your inner psyche. Research suggests that there might be a correlation between your taste in cars and a propensity for road rage, violence, and mental instability. Now, before you start burning rubber in protest, hear me out.
Several studies have shown that drivers of high-status cars, particularly BMWs, tend to exhibit more aggressive driving behaviors. This includes everything from frequent lane changes and tailgating to speeding and aggressive gestures towards other drivers. One study even found that BMW drivers have higher levels of neuroticism compared to drivers of other German car brands, a trait associated with a more aggressive driving style.
But it’s not just BMW drivers. Owners of other German luxury brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have also been found to be more prone to aggressive behavior behind the wheel. These drivers are often motivated by a desire for prestige and high performance, which can translate into a need to dominate the road.
So, what does this all mean? Does it mean that if you own a BMW, you’re automatically a ticking time bomb of road rage? Instagram reels might want you to believe that but it’s not a blanket statement that fits all. However, it does suggest that there might be something about the personality of people who are drawn to these types of cars that makes them more susceptible to aggressive behavior.
The Psychology Behind the Wheel
Now, let’s not get carried away and stereotype all German car owners. There are plenty of perfectly calm and collected individuals who happen to prefer BMWs, Mercedes, or Audis for their luxury, finesse, and quality. But the research does raise some interesting questions about the psychology behind our car choices.
Could it be that the aggressive styling of these cars attracts people who are already prone to aggression? Or could it be that driving a powerful, high-status car somehow amplifies those tendencies? It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation, but the correlation is undeniable.
Interestingly, studies have also shown that drivers of such cars are more likely to break traffic laws, such as running red lights, speeding, and not yielding to pedestrians. This could be due to a sense of entitlement or a belief that the rules don’t apply to them. It could also be a result of the thrill-seeking nature often associated with high-performance cars.
So, if you’re a proud owner of a German sports sedan and you’ve ever found yourself yelling at other drivers, honking your horn excessively, or fantasizing about running that Prius off the road, you might want to take a deep breath and consider whether your car is influencing your behavior.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for German car enthusiasts. There’s a silver lining to this research. By being aware of the potential link between our car choices and our behavior, we can take steps to mitigate any negative effects. For example, if you know you’re prone to road rage, you might want to avoid driving during rush hour or take a different route to work. You could also try listening to calming music, a soothing podcast, or even practicing mindfulness techniques while driving (the last one could be a stretch for most, but still worth a shot).
Embrace Your Inner Zen, Even in a German Sports Sedan
So, what’s the takeaway for all you BMW, Mercedes, and Audi aficionados? Should you trade in your beloved German machine for a more docile Toyota Camry? Not. There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the finer things in life, and German engineering is undeniably impressive.
But it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides. If you find yourself getting a little too hot under the collar behind the wheel, it might be time to take a step back and reassess your relationship with your car. Remember, it’s just a machine, not an extension of your ego.
In all seriousness, there are things you can do to mitigate the negative effects of driving a high-status car. For starters, be mindful of your driving habits and try to avoid aggressive behaviors like tailgating and excessive speeding. Take a deep breath and count to ten before reacting to other drivers. And if you’re feeling particularly stressed, consider taking public transportation or carpooling for a change.
As a tongue-in-cheek suggestion, maybe all-new BMW M, Mercedes AMG, and VW GTI models should come with a free subscription to a meditation app like Calm or therapy sessions through BetterHelp. Hey, it couldn’t hurt, right?
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be a responsible and courteous driver, regardless of what car you drive. So, go ahead and enjoy your German engineering masterpiece, but remember to keep your cool behind the wheel. Your fellow drivers (and your blood pressure) will thank you.