NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The majority of
Americans consider themselves to be good drivers but a new study
reveals their candor tells a different – and dangerous – story.
American drivers believe their own driving knowledge, ability
and safe driving habits are well above other drivers on the road.
Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of American drivers rate themselves
as "excellent" or "very good" drivers. American drivers' positive
self-rating is more than twice as high as the rating they give to
their own close friends (29 percent "excellent" or "very good") and
also other people their age (22 percent).
Drivers also don't think much of the driving ability of people
from surrounding states. Fifty-three percent rate them as "average"
or "poor," while just 8 percent rate those drivers as "excellent"
or "very good."
Others who American drivers rated lower than themselves
include:
- American drivers give teenage drivers the lowest rating of all
groups. Eighty-one percent rate teenagers as "average" or "poor"
drivers.
- Seven in 10 Americans give senior citizen drivers comparatively
low scores.
- Parents with very young children in the car also get mediocre
scores from the American driving public. Just 26 percent of
American drivers rate this group as "excellent" or "good," while 33
percent rate them as "average" or "poor."
- Even those American drivers who have their own very young
children are critical of their peers and rate themselves more than
twice as high as "excellent" or "good" drivers (64 percent) than
they rate their fellow parents (29 percent).
Among all drivers surveyed, men are more likely to rate
themselves as "excellent" than women (36 percent versus 26
percent), as are college-educated drivers (35 percent) compared to
those with no degree (28 percent). Republicans also rate themselves
higher (70 percent) than Democrats (61 percent) or Independents (61
percent).
"I know it's wrong, but…"
Despite American drivers' confidence in their abilities, many
admit to practicing dangerous behaviors on the road.
- Eighty-nine percent say they've driven faster than the posted
speed limit, and 40 percent say they've driven more than 20 miles
per hour over the limit.
- Men are more likely to speed than women (48 percent versus 30
percent).
Americans' bad driving habits don't stop at speeding.
- Almost half (45 percent) say they have driven while excessively
tired – to the point of almost falling asleep.
- Fifteen percent say they have driven while intoxicated, with
men almost four times more likely than women to have done so (23
percent of men versus six percent of women).
- More than one-third (34 percent) have sent a text-message or
email while driving, but the prevalence of the practice changes by
age group. Those 18-29 years of age are the most likely to text
while driving (63 percent) with drivers ages 30-44 not far behind
(58 percent). Texting while driving decreases with older age
groups; only 25 percent of those 45-54, six percent of those 55-64,
and two percent of those over 65 admit to the practice.
"I'm a great driver, except for my record."
Most American drivers have caused some dangerous situations for
others while driving.
- Seven in 10 American drivers say that as a result of being
distracted while driving, they have slammed their brakes or swerved
to avoid an accident, missed a traffic signal, or actually caused
an accident.
- Fifty-three percent report having received a speeding ticket or
other moving violation. Among these drivers, 44 percent say they
have received three or more. More men say they have received a
ticket than women (61 percent vs. 46 percent), and those who have
received tickets get more of them (an average of 4.3 per man
compared to 2.6 per woman).
- Fifty-six percent of American drivers say they have been
involved in an accident, but only 28 percent of them say the
accident was their own fault.
Mother Nature and rush hour cause storm of nerves
Regardless of confidence or high self-ratings, a significant
number of American drivers experience concern about certain driving
situations.
- Two-thirds (64 percent) of American drivers say that driving in
the snow, heavy rain or other bad weather is stressful and
uncomfortable. Fifty-six percent report the same about driving in
heavy traffic, and 41 percent say that driving behind or near large
trucks is stressful and uncomfortable.
- Driving at night (29 percent stressful and uncomfortable),
driving over a long bridge (17 percent), driving through a tunnel
(13 percent), and driving on the highway (16 percent) rate lower on
the stress scale.
About the Survey
The survey of 1,000 American adults was conducted July 13, 14, 16 and 17 via landline and cell
phone and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. Of the 1,000 adults,
the survey identified 848 drivers who hold a license and drive at
least occasionally. The survey was conducted by Financial Dynamics
(FD) for Allstate.
About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest
publicly held personal lines insurer known for its "You're In Good
Hands With Allstate®" slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary
as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to
help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and
better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance
products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through
Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive
financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and
1-800 Allstate®.
SOURCE Allstate