Most Drivers Admit They're Road Risks

ap ^ | 5-27-04 | Dee-Ann Durbin

[Dan from Michigan]

Most Drivers Admit They're Road Risks

By DEE-ANN DURBIN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - A majority of drivers admit they routinely speed, eat or even read while driving in a new poll designed to measure drivers' attitudes about safety.

Ninety-one percent of drivers of all ages acknowledged at least one risky activity in the previous six months, including 71 percent who said they sped; 59 percent who ate while driving; 37 percent who used a cell phone; 28 percent who wore no seatbelt and 26 percent who used no signal when turning. Fourteen percent admitted to reading while driving.

At the same time, drivers were likely to say that someone else on the road is more dangerous than they are. Drivers ages 26-44 were most likely to engage in risky driving, but when that age group was asked which drivers should be retested to make sure they're driving safely, 83 percent said seniors and 69 percent said teens. Only 56 percent said everyone should be retested.

"We worry about the car, the weather, the driver in front or behind us. But we don't spend nearly enough time worrying about our own driving habits," said Bill Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations.

Of those 65 and older, 68 percent said teens should be retested and 59 percent said seniors should be retested. Of those under 26, 83 percent said seniors should be retested and 47 percent said teens should be retested.

The survey, released Tuesday, was conducted for Volvo Cars of North America, AAA and Partners for Highway Safety as part of a new safety campaign.

The groups plan a Web site that invites drivers to test their knowledge of safe driving habits and learn about safe driving techniques. The group also plans to air a half-hour television special this summer on safe driving.

"So far, the focus has been on making cars and roads safer," AAA Vice President Susan Pikrallidas said. "But driving is a complex task and many of us have poor driving habits."

The drivers polled also said drivers have gotten more dangerous. Of those polled, 81 percent said cars are safer than in the past and 57 percent said roads are safer, but only 27 percent said drivers are safer.

The poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. from May 13 to 16. It questioned 1,100 drivers ages 16 or older and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

[Dan from Michigan]

71% speeds? In Michigan, that number is 95%...and the 5% go 20 below the speed limit.

[Eala]

Can you say "bias"? This article, not to mention the headline, reeks of it. But what can one expect of the AP?

[laker_dad]

I-96 between Grand Rapids & Lansing is becoming the next Autobahn!

[GnuHere]

What? No mention of those applying mascara while behind the wheel? And I don't mean only when at a stop light, either.

(Yeah, we all have our pet peeves.)

[AdamSelene235]

Most Drivers Admit They're Road Risks

Most Pollsters are Control Freaks.

[error99]

As I always suspected, it ain't me;
it's all them other sumbeeches out there.

[DManA]

How much you wanna bet AAA has a "soulution" that includes the use of Federal force.

"So far, the focus has been on making cars and roads safer," AAA Vice President Susan Pikrallidas said. "But driving is a complex task and many of us have poor driving habits."

[Darheel]

"We worry about the car, the weather, the driver in front or behind us. But we don't spend nearly enough time worrying about our own driving habits," said Bill Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations."

What a rotten 'leader' Mr. Johnson is, encouraging people to worry, of all things. Hey Bill, pipe down will ya?

[pepsi_junkie]

Ninety-one percent of drivers of all ages acknowledged at least one risky activity in the previous six months, including 71 percent who said they sped; 59 percent who ate while driving; 37 percent who used a cell phone; 28 percent who wore no seatbelt and 26 percent who used no signal when turning. Fourteen percent admitted to reading while driving.

When the concept of compulsory speed limits was invented, the intent was to determine the speed that about 80% of the drivers actually drove on a given road, and set that as the limit. As the nanny state took over, now the limit appears to be set at what 20% actually drive at.

And by the way, if I dont wear a seat belt I am not a danger to anyone else on the read at all, so how is not wearing a seat belt a "road risk"?

[laker_dad]

Last time I was eating my Big Mac & fries on the freeway, I peeled off the game tab on the container & won a free drink! I just had to call my wife on the cell phone to tell her, but it was OK, cause I had the cruise on and steered with my knee...

[lizma]

I-96 between Grand Rapids & Lansing is becoming the next Autobahn!

I thought that stretch was officially disignated Autobahn 20 years ago. That is a wild ride.

[GnuHere]

Yeah, I hear ya. So long as you had your makeup on before leaving the house, it's cool.

[eccentric]

Ninety-one percent of drivers of all ages acknowledged at least one risky activity in the previous six months,

Who drives perfect for six months?

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

And they lived to tell the tale! Incredible.

[laker_dad]

My three teen-AGERS are doing a good job, but I REFUSE to give up that "natural" look!!!

[Dan from Michigan]

Between Lansing and Brighton as well.

[RikaStrom]

Read? People read while driving??!

Good grief!

Hiya Dan, long time no type.

[Dan from Michigan]

Read? People read while driving??!

Only the sports section and letters to the editor....:)

[At a Later Date]

I drive about 80 miles per day round trip on my commute. Every day I see drivers do the most dangerous, stupid things. It's amazing to me that there aren't more accidents.

Anyway, how about requiring people to take a refresher driving class every 10 years or so? Or how about having to pass a basic road rules test every 5 years or when you renew your license? (I've noticed that there are people that STILL don't know you can make a right on a red in NY State, even though it's been legal for, what, 20 years?) A little refresher course wouldn't hurt any of us.

[eddie willers]

As I always suspected, it ain't me; it's all them other sumbeeches out there.

As George Carlin said:

"Everyone slower than you is an IDIOT!" ...and
"Everyone faster than you is a MANIAC!"