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warrrreagl · 05-27-2003, 08:29 AM

I found it through Fark.

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http://www.newsday.com/news/nationwo...tion-headlines

Most Drivers Admit They're Road Risks

By DEE-ANN DURBIN
Associated Press Writer

May 27, 2003, 6:59 AM EDT

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.
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What things do you see other drivers do that should be hanging offenses?

I have a long commute everyday, and it is often through construction areas. There are several wrecks each week caused by goofbags in a hurry, and as soon as the traffic clears a wreck site, the goofbags behind me nearly kill me and each other trying to jockey for position as soon as we pass by. It's like they don't even see the carnage or wonder how it got there.

Anything that makes another driver have to slam on the brakes should be a hanging offense.

05-27-2003, 08:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
warrrreagl pinche vato Location: backwater, Third World, land of cotton	What chaps your ass while driving? I found it through Fark. -------------------------------------------------------- http://www.newsday.com/news/nationwo...tion-headlines Most Drivers Admit They're Road Risks By DEE-ANN DURBIN Associated Press Writer May 27, 2003, 6:59 AM EDT 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. --------------------------------------------------------------- What things do you see other drivers do that should be hanging offenses? I have a long commute everyday, and it is often through construction areas. There are several wrecks each week caused by goofbags in a hurry, and as soon as the traffic clears a wreck site, the goofbags behind me nearly kill me and each other trying to jockey for position as soon as we pass by. It's like they don't even see the carnage or wonder how it got there. Anything that makes another driver have to slam on the brakes should be a hanging offense. __________________ Living is easy with eyes closed.