Pilot=Better Driver

[PhatAJ2008]

Does anyone think that pilots are better drivers than others? Since I've begun my training I have noticed while I drive it is easier for me to multi-task (ie mess with the radio) while staying very focused on the road. Just a thought I had while driving today...

 

[aucfi]

I became a better driver once I decided to pursue aviation as a career. I was lucky enough to straighten up before I got any tickets on my record.

One of my college professors preached about how our driving record was a reflection of our flying ability whether it was true or not. Every interview I have been on I was asked about my driving record and it felt good to say "its clean".

 

[xdrvr]

I don't know I heard good pilots are bad drivers... of course that was a mechanic that told me that... who knows?!

 

[Flying Illini]

I have often thought this but I have no proof to substantiate it other than what I observe. I'm able to multi-task easier when needed and I am more aware of what is going on around me as well. Is it b/c I'm a pilot? I don't know.

 

[Pantherjon]

Could be some validity in it..As a pilot you develope the skill to be more situationally aware of your surroundings.who and whats around you..Makes sense..Ya know, the see and avoid? Had an uncle who flew for United, when I would ride with him in the car he would scare the bejeezus outta me by going so fast, but upon looking back on it he was probably THE safest driver I have ever ridden with..

I feel I am pretty good in situational awareness of whats going on around me in my car from my years as a truck(18 wheeler) driver..But then I dont have to worry about a vehicle being above me or below me..lol

 

[xcr600]

but, can you eat your big-mac, talk on the phone, and pass in the right lane?

 

[EatSleepFly]

I soloed before I got my drivers license, so I'm not too sure.

I have ridden in the car with some pilots who were pretty scary drivers, though. I would have to say no, being a pilot doesn't necessarily mean you're a better driver. Being a cop, maybe...

 

[MFRskyknight]

I left my headlights on this morning (another pea-soup morning here) and drained the battery. Idiot move.

On the other hand, I did manage to get the truck safely to and (after a push start) from work today, so chalk it up to time in the cockpit if that floats your boat. I tend to think safe people = safe drivers = safe pilots to begin with though.

That's Allstate's stand, anyhow.

MFR

 

[Ralgha]

I've got a clean record, and I don't even speed much anymore. Quite literally, if the speed limit is 40, I'm going 40, not 41, or 45. Partially because I'm a pilot and I don't want to have to explain even a speeding ticket to anyone, but mostly because I'm a cheapskate and I'd rather spend an extra minute getting to my destination than spend hundreds on a ticket.

I'm also a very careful driver, but mostly because I'm a cheapskate and don't want to spend more money on my car than I have to. The few pilots that I've ridden in a car have been pretty good drivers. I don't know that I'd go so far as to say that being a pilot makes one a better driver though.

 

[neil armstrong]

Been flying for years ,have been collecting speeding tickets too , 5 last year in 4 country's.
I have never had an accident and overal dont see myself as a bad driver.
But i know some pilots who shouldnt be allowed on the road.
I've had atleast 4 colluagues with DWI convictions (one was the chief pilot)
Here in Europe company's dont look at your driving record as long as you hold a drivers license your ok.

Neil

 

[pilotyip]

Another reason pilots are better drivers is probably the low probability of drunk driving which is the primary cause of highway deaths. Pilots usually are smarter than that, plus pilots know a DUI is really tuff on their careers.

 

[DrProc]

I've got a clean record, and I don't even speed much anymore. Quite literally, if the speed limit is 40, I'm going 40, not 41, or 45.

And I bet you do it in the left lane, just to make sure others aren't speeding too.

 

[Dufus1]

"A pilot's driving skills are inversely proportional to his/her flying skills."
A quote from my wife. As I started flying my driving got worse and worse. I think it is all the daydreaming and looking up at airplanes.

 

[wmuflyguy]

My driving skills prety much suck. I was used to driving a couple thousand miles a month, now I drive maybe 500-600 a month, since I'm away from base on trips more often.

But it runs in the family, my borther is a crappy driver and so is my mom, at least we all admit it.

 

[Groundpounder]

The guy I fly with is a great pilot, but a bad driver.

Going the speed limit does not make someone a good driver. There are so many other factors that determine a 'good' driver.