The phenomenon you described, where people speed past slower drivers only to arrive at the red light at the same time, can be attributed to several factors:
Perception of progress: When people are stuck behind a slower driver, they may feel frustrated and have a desire to make progress on their journey. Overtaking slower vehicles gives them a temporary sense of accomplishment and the illusion of making faster progress.
Misjudgment of traffic conditions: The decision to overtake is often based on the assumption that there will be an open road ahead, allowing the driver to maintain or increase their speed. However, due to various factors like traffic congestion, traffic signals, or other vehicles ahead, the opportunity to maintain the gained speed may be limited.
Traffic light synchronization: Traffic lights are often designed to regulate the flow of vehicles and ensure safety at intersections. Depending on the timing and coordination of the lights, it is possible that both the faster driver and the slower driver end up stopping at the same red light. Traffic light cycles are not always synchronized with the speed at which drivers are traveling, leading to situations where aggressive driving maneuvers do not yield significant time savings.
Risky driving behavior: Some drivers engage in aggressive or risky behaviors on the road, such as speeding, to gain a perceived advantage. However, these actions can increase the likelihood of accidents or violations, compromising safety for themselves and other road users.
It's important to note that while overtaking slower drivers may not always result in significant time savings, there are legitimate reasons for passing slower vehicles, such as when it is necessary for safety, when the slower driver is impeding the flow of traffic, or when overtaking is permitted and done responsibly.