Why You Drive Like a Maniac

Cars should be safer than ever—we’ve got airbags, seatbelts, antilock brakes, and more—yet traffic deaths have remained steady. Why? Because most drivers are assholes, that’s why. Cracked decided there must be a scientific explanation for that, and found several:

• Racing Video Games: A recent study shows that men who play video games—and yes, only men—tend to forget there’s no finish line in real life.

• Dunning-Kruger Effect: A specific brain glitch causes some people to think they’re awesome at things they actually suck at. If you think everyone else on the road is the problem, this could be you.
• Feeling Too Safe: We all have acceptable levels of risk in our mind, and when we feel safe, scientists say we actually engage in riskier behavior to compensate.
• Your Car Smells: Scientists have found that unpleasant odors can spark feelings of hostility—which can translate into aggressive driving.

See the full list here.
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