For a few years, risky driving behaviors were becoming less common. Unfortunately, that trend recently reversed, according to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Now, dangerous driving behaviors are on the rise. Traffic fatalities are at their highest level in nearly 20 years.
The study looked at eight unsafe behaviors. All of them have increased: speeding, driving while talking on a phone, driving while texting or reading email, running a red light, aggressively switching lanes or tailgating, driver fatigue, drinking alcohol, and consuming cannabis.
Drivers Know What’s Unsafe, But Do It Anyway
Most people recognize what kinds of things are not okay to do while they're driving. But knowing is not always enough. For example, the AAA study found that 92% of drivers said that texting or emailing on a phone while driving is “very dangerous” or “extremely dangerous.” That’s a very large majority — almost everybody. Yet, the study found that 26% of drivers sent a text or email while driving in the 30 days before the survey.
With such a big disconnect between what people believe is unsafe and what they actually do, many drivers need to establish driving habits that are better aligned with their beliefs. A course in defensive driving can provide the practice needed to help cement new, safer habits in place. Drivers of all ages can benefit. Adults can break bad habits. Teens get the opportunity to learn and practice good habits from the outset.
Which Unsafe Driving Behaviors Are the Most Common?
The AAA study found that 51% of the drivers surveyed admitted they drove at least 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway in the past 30 days. That was an increase of more than 12% from the year before. Other common behaviors include:
5% of respondents drove within an hour of consuming cannabis within the prior 30 days
37% said they drove while holding and talking on a cell phone within the prior 30 days
36% admitted to reading a text or email while driving in the past 30 days
The risky driving behavior that showed the biggest difference from the prior was driving under the influence of alcohol. The survey asked drivers if they believed the amount of alcohol they drank was over the legal limit. The number of drivers saying “yes” to this question increased by nearly 24% from the year before.
What Should Drivers Do About Unsafe Driving Behaviors?
With so many drivers putting themselves and others in danger with risky behaviors, we all need to be mindful about protecting ourselves on the road. Protecting yourself includes:
Being prepared with an emergency kit, visibility items, and your insurance information, in case you're in an accident.
Knowing in advance what steps to take if you're in a crash.
Having adequate insurance.
Improving your driving habits to become a safer driver.
When Driving, Be a Good Role Model for Your Kids
The study shows that many people engage in unsafe behaviors even when they know they shouldn’t. But there's another aspect that people may not be quite as aware of. If you have a son or daughter who is a teenager or a young adult, they're like sponges observing what you do when you're behind the wheel. Your habits can become their habits. Don’t underestimate your influence. Become conscious of being a good role model for your young driver.
Everyone Can Improve Their Driving
Whether you’re a seasoned driver wanting to change existing habits, a parent wanting to set a good example for your new driver, or a young adult who wants to be a safe driver from the outset, I Drive Safely can help with defensive driving courses, driver's ed, and driving lessons. Check out our website to see what we have available in your state. Join the more than 9 million people who have taken our courses to become safer drivers.
Updated 2/1/23
