Drivers of BMWs are being perceived as aggressive drivers, and there’s statistical reports to back it up.
A couple of studies, one in the U.S. and another from the U.K., appear to provide statistical evidence that BMW drivers are total jerks!
“In our crosswalk study, none of the cars in the beater-car category drove through the crosswalk. They always stopped for pedestrians,” researcher Paul K. Piff told the paper. He added that not only were “fancy cars were less likely to stop,” but also that “BMW drivers were the worst.”
In an 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 crosswalk. This was done among 152 drivers. Drivers of BMWs and other high-status cars (including Toyota Prius hybrids) were also more likely to cheat at four-way-stop intersections. Plus, in their observation of 274 cars, the researchers found that the more expensive ones were more likely to jump their turns in the four-way rotation according to the research. (Source)
In the second study in the U.K., motorists were asked to identify the design and color of the car from which they have most frequently suffered road-rage incidents. Men who drive blue BMWs are more likely to be aggressive than motorists, and the peak time for drivers to get angry is 5.45pm on a Friday as they fight the rush-hour – followed by the dismal Monday morning commute. (Source)
The study of 2,837 motorists found men between the ages of 35 and 50 driving blue BMWs were most likely to be reported as having engaged in road-rage behaviors such as aggressive driving and swearing. (Source)
If you drive a BMW, some anger management tapes for the car, maybe?