9 Types of Drivers You’ll Meet on Virginia’s I-95 (And How to Handle Them)
I-95 in Virginia serves as many as 300,000 vehicles every day, leading drivers through major cities and small towns. So, naturally, you’re bound to meet all kinds of drivers—some good, some not so great, and some who are just plain confusing.
You might see speed demons flying by, or you might roll up behind someone who’s hardly moving at all. You’ll also meet drivers who change lanes without warning and those who stick to you like glue. Being prepared for these different drivers can help you stay calm and in control. Here are a few of the most common types of drivers you’ll run into on Virginia’s I-95 and some tips for how to deal with them.
The Speed Demon
I-95’s speed demons fly down the highway as if no one else exists. You’ll usually see them weaving in and out of traffic, rushing to get to their fancy job in D.C. in record time—when traffic isn’t totally standstill, of course. Sometimes, these drivers are genuinely in a hurry. Other times, they just like the thrill of going fast and passing everyone else.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that over one-third of all car accidents and injuries in the United States is the result of speeding. So, if you spot a speed demon near you, don’t try to race them or block them. It’s safer to keep a steady pace and let them go around.
Be aware of your mirrors and blind spots, so you can move over if you need to. It’s tempting to get annoyed, but staying calm is best. If they pass you, keep your focus ahead and keep your distance to avoid sudden surprises.
The Slow Roller
On the flip side, we have the slow rollers who creep along I-95 far below the speed limit, preventing others from getting to where they need to go on time. They might be nervous drivers, out-of-towners unsure of where they’re going, or people who just enjoy a slower ride.
When you find yourself behind a slow roller on I-95, give them space. If you can, safely change lanes to go around them. Check for open spots and always use your turn signal. If traffic is too heavy, take a deep breath and wait for a clear path.
Cutting them off or tailgating will only make things more dangerous. Remember, patience is key when it comes to slower traffic—something that locals from Northern Virginia know all too well.
The Lane Changer
Lane changers are everywhere on I-95. They zip from lane to lane, looking for the fastest route. Some do it smoothly, while others forget to signal or check blind spots. Each quick swerve can surprise the drivers around them and cause sudden braking or swerving. In crowded traffic, this can lead to fender-benders or bigger wrecks if people don’t stay alert.
To handle a lane changer, stay aware of what’s happening around you. If you see someone switching lanes a lot, give them extra room. Try not to ride in their blind spots, and keep an eye on your mirrors.
If you see a car drifting or half-moving into your lane, tap your horn to let them know you’re there. Defensive driving is about expecting the unexpected, so keep a lookout for the lane changer’s moves before they make them.
The Tailgater
Tailgaters stick to your bumper as if your vehicle literally had a tail they could touch. On I-95, tailgating is especially unsafe since traffic can go suddenly from fast to slow, causing a chain reaction of brake lights.
According to the same Virginia Crash Facts report, tailgating is a factor in many rear-end collisions. The best way to handle a tailgater is to stay cool. Resist the urge to slam your brakes or speed up. Maintain a steady pace and, when it’s safe, switch lanes to let them pass.
If you can’t switch lanes, keep your focus ahead to avoid sudden stops. Letting an impatient driver go ahead of you is often better than risking a crash.
The Lost Tourist
With so many towns, exits, and attractions in Virginia, you’ll often see out-of-staters who don’t seem quite sure where they’re going.
They might slow down suddenly to read exit signs or swerve at the last minute to catch the right exit ramp. Sometimes they drive in the left lane with no idea they’re holding up traffic behind them. They may also brake unexpectedly when they’re confused about directions.
When dealing with a lost tourist, stay alert and don’t make any rash moves. Give them the room they need to figure things out. If they’re in front of you, be patient and wait for a safe chance to pass. If they’re alongside you, be mindful that they might drift or attempt to turn suddenly.
The Multi-Tasker
It doesn’t take driving on Virginia’s portion of I-95 to have seen the multi-tasker: the person juggling a phone call, a fast-food meal, and maybe even applying makeup while behind the wheel.
These drivers are distracted and can pose a serious risk. They might drift between lanes or fail to notice brake lights ahead. Distracted driving was a factor in thousands of crashes across Virginia, based on 2020 data from Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you notice someone texting or doing any other activity but driving when behind the wheel, give them extra space. Watch for signs that they might drift out of their lane, like slow weaving or inconsistent speed. Don’t try to get their attention or punish them by brake-checking; that only puts you both in danger. Instead, let them go on ahead or move away from them by switching lanes when it’s safe.
The Weekend Warrior
Some people only drive on weekends, heading out for a family trip or a short vacation. You’ll often see them on I-95 from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
Weekend warriors might not be used to heavy traffic, making them either overly cautious or too daring. They may not be familiar with local exits or toll plazas. This lack of practice on I-95 can lead to sudden stops or poor merges.
Stay patient if you spot a weekend warrior. They’re likely trying their best but might be a bit nervous or uncertain. Give them room to merge and be ready for them to slow down at exits. If you see them struggling, don’t tailgate or honk impatiently. Use your turn signals early and keep a safe following distance. Offering a bit of grace goes a long way toward avoiding frustration and collisions.
The Truck Convoy
Large trucks are a common sight on Virginia’s I-95. You might see several of them traveling together, creating a long line of big rigs. These trucks have large blind spots and need more distance to stop.
They’re also restricted in some areas to certain lanes, but sometimes they still need to change lanes for passing or preparing for an exit. It can be intimidating to drive among them, especially if traffic is heavy.
When you find yourself next to or behind a truck convoy, stay alert and don’t linger in their blind spots. Pass them quickly but safely, and don’t cut in front of them too soon. Give them plenty of room because they need more time to react. Also, be mindful if you see brake lights at the front of the line—one truck slowing down can affect all the others, and you don’t want to get caught off-guard.
The Commuter Pro
Commuter pros are on I-95 almost every day to get to work or drop their kids off at school. They know the usual slowdowns, the exit ramps, and the best times to merge. They might zip through traffic like a fish in water, never missing a beat.
The downside? While they seem to know the ropes, they can sometimes take risks or overlook newcomers who aren’t as experienced.
If you notice a commuter pro, pay attention to how they move with the flow. They might show you good ways to merge or when to switch lanes. However, don’t feel pressured to match their speed or style if it feels unsafe. Stick to your comfort level and abide by traffic laws.
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