A motorist is a person who drives a motor vehicle, especially a car. When traffic reports mention “motorists on Highway 101,” they're talking about all the people driving cars on that road. A careful motorist checks their mirrors before changing lanes, while a reckless motorist might speed or ignore traffic signals.

Before highways existed, motorists had to navigate bumpy dirt roads designed for horses and wagons. Early motorists often wore goggles and dusters (long coats) to protect themselves from dust and wind in their open-air vehicles.

Today we often just say “driver,” but motorist appears frequently in news reports, traffic laws, and official signs. You might see a sign warning “Motorist services: next exit” or hear about a police officer helping a stranded motorist whose car has broken down.

The word emphasizes the person's role as someone operating a motor vehicle, which is why you rarely hear it used for someone riding a bicycle or walking. When traffic laws talk about the responsibilities of motorists, they mean the specific duties that come with controlling something as powerful and potentially dangerous as a car.