You see it all the time — “70% of drivers think they’re above average” used as an example at how stupid people are. Often mixed with some confused Dunning-Krueger references.
But the thing is: Most people observe the other drivers around them and come to the conclusion that they drive better than the drivers around them. That they are better drivers. And they’re right.
The apparent contradiction here is that there is no universal norm for what makes a “good driver”.
We all have this one acquaintance who’s really into cars. She parks the car doing a j-turn, and she knows how to do an ollie, a lazy eight and a double choctaw. But the thing is, she’s constantly involved in collisions with other cars, and it’s always the other guy’s fault. She can prove it! She’s been in so many court cases and has never been found guilty!
And we all have that other acquaintance who’s not into cars, and she’s never hurt anybody. She’s not even had a little fender bender. But the thing is, you’ve been a passenger in her car, and it’s harrowing. She always goes 10km/h under the speed limit, and you can tell that all the other drivers are mad at her. She can’t even do parallel parking!
Both of these people think they drive better than the average driver… and they’re right. But they use completely different metrics for “what’s a good driver”.
If you’re now muttering “both of those drivers are insane! they shouldn’t be allowed on the street! now, on the other hand, I drive really well and I never…”
Then stop that train of thought and be enlightened.