The psychology of driving

Why most drivers overestimate their skills, underestimate risks, and drive faster than they need to. 

In this article we take a closer look at the psychology behind driving behavior by bringing together insights from three conversations with Professor Ola Svenson — one of the world's leading experts in the psychology of decision-making.

Why do drivers consistently misjudge their abilities?
How does optimism bias distort our perception of risk?
How can small changes in the driver interface lead to better driving habits?  

Why most drivers think they’re better than the rest 

In our conversations with Professor Ola Svensson, we explored a universal self-enhancement bias related to driving skills, where most drivers rate themselves as more skilled than their peers. This phenomenon — closely related to the Dunning-Kruger effect — shows that those with the least competence often overestimate their abilities, while more skilled individuals may underrate themselves.  

In driving, the problem is compounded by infrequent feedback. Minor mistakes rarely result in immediate consequences, which allows poor habits to persist. Without timely and objective feedback, drivers rely on self-serving interpretations of their performance, which makes habit change difficult and safety improvements elusive.  

Optimism bias and risk perception   

We also dug deeper into optimism bias — our tendency to believe that negative events are more likely to happen to others than to ourselves. In traffic scenarios, this bias suppresses awareness of real-world dangers and can lead to risky behaviors like speeding or ignoring driver assistance systems. Ironically, the more “in control” a person feels, the more they may underestimate external risks.  

Can driver aid design influence driving behavior? 

The short answer to the question above, is yes. This was illustrated in a study by Professor Ola Svenson on speed perception, where he found that drivers consistently overestimate the time saved by speeding at high speeds and underestimate time saved at lower speeds. This misjudgment can lead to risky behavior and poor decision-making on the road. When speedometers display kilometers per hour, people vastly overestimate how much time they save by speeding. But when the same display is redesigned to show minutes per kilometer, drivers gain a clearer understanding of the real cost of speed — and adjust accordingly.  

How can we improve road safety with these insights? 

What can we learn from Professor Ola Svensson’s studies? Ultimately, understanding the psychological mechanisms behind driving decisions is essential to develop and design solutions with the potential to help improve road safety. The goal isn't just to “save lives” — it's to help people become better, more self-aware drivers. With better design and awareness, we can align technology with human behavior and help drivers become better drivers, making the roads safer for everyone.  

Watch all three episodes below and explore how psychology, design, and humility can transform how we drive.