Stacy94PGT

Reading, eating among bad habits, survey finds

May 28, 2003
BY DEE-ANN DURBIN
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- A majority of drivers admit they routinely speed, eat or even read while driving, according to 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 seat belt 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 are 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.

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 an error margin of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.

My next Ford.....

 

Paul Vincent

As speed limits nationwide were significantly reduced in Feb. '74 (to conserve fuel), I think it is only realistic that people are going to speed. The limits a so low that it is difficult to travel any distance at posted speeds and not need to take excessive time for travel. I see no connection between higher speeds and risky driving. I do see a connection between poor drivers (at any speed) and dangerous driving. I do see a problem when semis can travel at speeds similar to cars. I do see a problem when highway/fuel tax dollars are used for a variety of expenditures other than road construction and repair. I do see a problem when drivers of vehicles in disrepair are allowed to travel the roads and highways of America.