If you spend a lot of time on the road, you’ll recognise them: drivers who persist in certain, often irritating, driving behaviours. Who are these stereotypical drivers? We've listed the most common stereotypes on the Dutch roads for you. Do you know a friend who fits the profile? Or do you recognise yourself in the driving behaviour? Then perhaps you are a stereotype yourself!
Tooting Tess
Tess is always in a hurry, but she never actually needs to be anywhere on time. If you don't pull away quickly enough at a traffic light that turns green, she won't hesitate to use her horn. If you then try to let her past, she'll end up driving behind you.
The best way to deal with this type of driver is to accelerate firmly at the next traffic light, so that her Renault Twingo is soon a speck in your rear-view mirror.
Remmende Rob
Rob wears out his brake pads faster than his disposable razor. When he's going downhill and goes even one kilometre over the speed limit, he touches the brake. He does this so often in succession that you'd think he's got his hazard lights on. You even wonder if he's doing it to irritate you.
Rob is nervous, and that makes you uneasy too. You'd best keep your distance, otherwise your brakes will wear out just as quickly as those on Rob's Volvo 340.
Crooked Saar
Saar can't park straight, even if she tried. She's given up on it now and resolutely parks diagonally in a parking bay – *if* she's even within the lines. As she gets out and walks away, she glances back with satisfaction. She's not *that* crooked this time.
There's no hope for Saar. It's best not to park near her. Don't even think about teaching her a lesson by parking right next to her, as you'll likely end up with a dent or scratch.
Winking Karel
Your indicators are the only means you have to communicate with other road users. However, Karel is unfamiliar with this means of communication. He changes lanes and turns without indicating once. Just when you've given up hope, he uses his indicator… At the traffic light for going straight on.
Because you never know what Karel is going to do, you'd best keep your distance. Perhaps you can deduce what he's going to do from his head movements.
Theo's uniform
When Theo retired in 1997, he treated himself to a Mercedes A-Class, which is still in showroom condition. On the motorway, he doesn't drive faster than 100 km/h, ‘because that's the most economical way to drive’. Everywhere else, Theo consistently drives 5 km/h below the speed limit. His wife Thea still asks if that car on the right had priority, but Theo didn't see it at all.
You’d best treat Theo with respect. Not because he’s reached a respectable age, but for your own safety and that of others.
Derivative Anne
Anne is a real multitasker. Her gaze is usually fixed on her phone screen or the rear-view mirror. Not to see what's happening behind her, but to touch up her makeup. She also always has the biggest laugh with her passenger. Anne clearly enjoys life. A near-miss is therefore, after a brief moment of shock, laughed off heartily by the two best friends.
Do you see a type like Anne in your rear-view mirror? Then put your foot down to create a safe distance.
Do you recognise a friend in these stereotypes? Tag them and let them guess which stereotypical driver they are! Rent a van in the Echt regionThis is possible at Adrem Car Rental!
