Drivers of BMWs frequently come in for anecdotal criticism for aggressive habits on the road.
Now, a couple of studies, one in the U.S. and another in the UK, appear to provide statistical evidence that BMW drivers are, to be polite about it, complete jerks.
In the older study, by researchers at the University of California, BMW drivers were far less likely to stop for a pedestrian who had just entered a cross walk, the New York Times notes. ”Fancy cars were less likely to stop,” researcher Paul K. Piff told the paper, adding, “BMW drivers were the worst.”
Drivers of BMWs and other high-status cars (including Prius hybrids) were also more likely to cheat at 4-way stop intersections, according to the research.
In the second study, in the UK, motorists were asked to identify the make and color of the car from which they have most frequently suffered road rage incidents, The Daily Mail reported.
The study found men between the ages of 35 and 50 driving a blue BMW were most likely to engage in road-rage behaviors such as aggressive driving and swearing.
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