Driver Opinion Polls

The results of a poll by the 'Drive for Life' campaign were released in May, 2003, and showed that many people believe that while road conditions and vehicles are now safer than they were in the past, the overall standard of driving is not as good.

       Sadly and paradoxically, however, 91% of the 1100 motorists in the survey admitted to having risky or blatantly dangerous driving habits themselves and even when speeding is not included in this calculation, the figure is still 86%.

71% admitted to speeding
59% admitted to eating while driving
37% admitted to using a cell phone while driving
30% admitted to running red or yellow traffic signals
28% admitted driving without a seatbelt
26% admitted failing to give signals
23% admitted carrying an unbelted passenger
17% admitted driving an improperly maintained vehicle
14% admitted to reading while driving
10% admitted to driving while drowsy, and
7% admitted to making blind lane changes

Even though they admitted to having engaged in dangerous actions themselves, most of the drivers in the poll did not see themselves as being part of the problem. About 70% said they were comfortable with their current level of knowledge about road safety, and 72% believed that if asked to retake their driving test they would 'ace' it with a score of 90% or more. A mere 1% believed they would currently fail.

Read the full survey report.

The 'Drive for Life' campaign is sponsored by Volvo Cars of North America, the AAA, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs' Association, Partners for Highway Safety, and Greg Ray, an Indy Racing League champion.

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