A new piece of global research undertaken by Auto Trader has crowned the United Kingdom as home to the world’s friendliest drivers.

Its study measures and compares drivers’ levels of politeness, cooperation and kindness on the road.

Australia, New Zealand, and the US are close behind.

How are you?

This new study asked participants from different countries worldwide to rate their behaviours in common driving scenarios, using questions around ‘Agreeableness’ from the Big 5 Personality Test.

These answers were scored to calculate a collective overall ‘Friendly Driving Score’ per country.

At the pinnacle, the highest possible score to achieve in the study was ‘51’, and subsequently, the highest-scoring countries were crowned as having the most considerate drivers.

Drivers from the United Kingdom achieved a top score of 35.40, Australian drivers scored the next highest (35.02), and New Zealand motorists took third place with a score of 33.59.

The World’s Friendliest Drivers

Rank Country Friendly Driving Score
1 United Kingdom 35.40
2 Australia 35.02
3 New Zealand 33.59
4 USA 33.37
5 Portugal 33.11
6 Canada 33.03
7 France 32.98
8 Netherlands 32.88
9 Spain 32.50
10 Ireland 32.35

 

Good ole Blighty

Auto Trader’s research shows that the UK’s stereotypical love of decorum and correct manners rings true, even on the road.

Despite some of our personal experiences, British drivers have a renowned adherence to road etiquette (which could be in part due to the country’s comprehensive driving tests).

The UK’s general appreciation of politeness also helps the nation secure the World’s Friendliest Drivers title.

Australians are well-known for manifesting a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle, which seems to translate to more tolerance and patience on the roads.

Low congestion outside of major cities and expansive road networks could also contribute to lower stress levels when driving, helping Australians earn second place in the World’s Friendliest Drivers rankings.

New Zealand drivers take third place.

With a general reputation for being very welcoming and showing hospitality to strangers, Kiwi drivers embrace a kind and collaborative driving culture. The country’s emphasis on community values translates nicely into how motorists treat one another.

Across the pond

While driving attitudes and cultures differ from state to state in the USA, there is a prevailing nationwide sense of safety and politeness among American drivers.

Motorists in the USA are often praised for their willingness to help others, stopping to assist stranded vehicles or drivers in distress.

Despite TV shows showing high-pressure urban areas like New York City, or busy Los Angeles freeways being filled with frustrated drivers, the study shows that there are still plenty of moments of cooperation and courtesy among American drivers.

It all makes the USA one of the friendliest nations when it comes to roads.

Another North American country that made the top ten list of the world’s friendliest drivers is Canada.

With a score of 33.03, Canadian drivers are living up to the expectation that the country is filled with courteous individuals.

On the road, Canadians are often noted for their patience, especially in snowy or icy driving conditions that require plenty of caution.

Sitting comfortably

European countries round out the top ten list of the World’s Friendliest Drivers.

The Netherlands’ strong cycling culture means its drivers may be more accustomed to respecting other road users, while Ireland’s reputation for friendliness to strangers and building social communities is also reflected in its very friendly driving habits.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, says: “With the rise of advanced safety technology in new cars – from collision avoidance systems to lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring – drivers are potentially having the safest and least stressful drives ever. With new technology safety features helping create a happier road driving experience for many motorists, we wanted to find out where in the world has the friendliest and most cooperative drivers to celebrate good road behaviour, and encourage motorists to think about how polite and courteous they are behind the wheel – helping make the roads a happier and safer place for everyone.”

The full results and methodology can be found here.