That may be why a familiar road or responsive car can still feel fun without driving aggressively.
For U.S. drivers, that doesn’t mean seeking out faster roads or pushing a vehicle harder. Public roads introduce traffic, pedestrians, intersections, weather, and other factors that drivers can’t control. The NHTSA says speeding increases stopping distance and makes drivers more likely to lose control of the vehicle.
“Speeding endangers not only the life of the speeder, but all of the people on the road around them, including law enforcement officers,” NHTSA says. “It is a problem we all need to help solve.”
Comfort levels vary from driver to driver, and Castrol notes that the testing took place on closed courses with professional supervision. The study suggests that what makes driving thrilling has more to do with feeling focused and in control than simply going fast.
Sources
Castrol EDGE, “The Science Behind the ‘Thrill of Driving’”
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Speeding and Aggressive Driving Prevention”
