87% of Drivers Admit Engaging in Unsafe Driving Behaviors

According to an AAA Foundation Research report published on AAA.com, around 87% of drivers admit engaging in risky driving behavior within the past month. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found that these unsafe driving behaviors included driving while impaired, driving while distracted, speeding, driving drowsy, running red lights, or not wearing their seat belt.

President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Peter Kissinger, stated that when it comes to road safety, were are living in a culture of indifference. Mr. Kissinger also stated that a majority of drivers think they are more careful than others motorists, even though most drivers admit to not making safe decisions while driving.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report found that one in three drivers has had a relative or friend seriously injured or killed in an accident. Common unsafe behaviors include:

Speeding

• 48% of drivers admit to driving 15 MPH over the speed limit in the past month.
• 45% of drivers admit driving 10 MPH over the speed limit on residential streets in the past month.
• NHTSA estimates that speeding causes 10,000 deaths annually.

Distracted Driving

• 70% of drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving within the past month.
• 42% admit to reading a text message while driving in the past month.
• The NHTSA estimates that distracted driving causes at least 3,000 deaths per year.

Drowsy Driving

• 32% of drivers admit that they have driven when sleepy in the past 30 days
• AAA Foundation research estimates that drowsy driving causes 328,000 crashes each year.

Seatbelt Use

• 18% of drivers admit that they have not used a seatbelt in the past 30 days.
• NHTSA estimates that about 50% of all vehicle occupants who are involved in crashes are unrestrained.

Red-light Running

• 39% of drivers admit to running a red light in the past 30 days.
• The NHTSA estimates that about 700 lose their lives annually in red-light running accidents.

Impaired Driving

• About 13% of drivers admit to driving with alcohol levels near or over the legal limit within the past year.
• The NHTSA estimates that 10,000 people a year die in accidents caused by drunk drivers.

The new AAA Foundation’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index results are designed to identify dangerous driving attitudes and behaviors. The survey sampled 2,442 licensed drivers who reported driving a vehicle in the past 30 days. The AAA Foundation’s first Traffic Safety Culture Index and the latest reports can be found online at www.AAAFoundation.org.

There are several steps you can take to avoid dangerous drivers:

1. Stay Alert: Stay focused on the road and your surroundings. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and avoid distractions like texting or talking on the phone while driving.
2. Maintain a safe following distance: Keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you can help you avoid accidents caused by sudden braking or other unpredictable maneuvers.
3. Be aware of your blind spots: Check your blind spots regularly and be aware of vehicles that may be lurking there. Make sure to use your mirrors and turn signals when changing lanes.
4. Watch for signs of erratic driving: Look for signs of erratic driving such as swerving, sudden lane changes, and tailgating. If you notice a driver displaying such behaviors, keep your distance and avoid engaging with them.
5. Avoid driving during rush hour: During peak traffic hours, the chances of encountering dangerous drivers increase. If possible, try to schedule your driving during off-peak hours.
6. Report dangerous drivers: If you encounter a dangerous driver, try to note the license plate number, make and model of the vehicle, and any other relevant details, and report them to the local authorities.

By following these steps, you can help minimize your risk of being involved in an accident caused by a dangerous driver.

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