Most drivers recognize the dangers of risky behaviors like texting, speeding, and aggressive driving, yet many admit to engaging in these habits regularly.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) paints a sobering picture of U.S. road safety. Despite 93% of drivers acknowledging the dangers of distracted driving, 27% admitted to sending a text or email while driving in the last 30 days, and 36% reported holding and talking on a phone.
“Behind every deadly statistic is a real person,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “This work helps us uncover the public’s perspective on traffic safety, enabling the creation of targeted solutions that make a real difference in reducing traffic crashes and fatalities.”
The findings, based on self-reported data, reveal key trends in speeding, aggressive driving, drowsy driving and impaired driving:
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Nearly half of drivers (49%) admitted to driving 15 mph over the speed limit on freeways in the past month, and 27% ran a red light despite 81% considering it dangerous.
• Distracted driving: While 93% view distracted driving as dangerous, over a third (37%) admitted to reading texts or emails while driving in the last month.
• Drowsy driving: Despite 96% of drivers acknowledging the dangers, 20% admitted to driving while drowsy in the previous 30 days.
• Impaired driving: Drunk driving was widely seen as dangerous and unacceptable (95%), yet 7% admitted to it. However, only 70% of drivers viewed driving within an hour of cannabis use as very dangerous, with 6% admitting to the behavior.
The survey categorized drivers into five profiles based on their behaviors:
• Safe Drivers (34.9%): Rarely engage in risky behaviors.
• Distracted Drivers (19%): Frequently engage in distracted driving.
• Speeding Drivers (32.6%): Primarily engage in speeding behaviors.
• Distracted and Aggressive Drivers (11%): Exhibit both distracted and aggressive habits.
• Most Dangerous Drivers (2.5%): Engage in all risky behaviors.
“It’s time to work smarter with the resources we have to save lives,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy. He noted that prioritizing speed enforcement could curb multiple risky behaviors, maximizing safety efforts.
As traffic deaths remain high, this decade-long study continues to offer critical insights into driver attitudes and behaviors. Policymakers and law enforcement are encouraged to leverage these findings to target the most dangerous behaviors and reduce crashes and fatalities.
