Many drivers in the U.S. think running red lights, speeding, and drowsy driving are all un-acceptable--yet they continue to do these things themselves.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducts a phone survey each year to look at the attitudes and behavior of drivers. Spokeswoman Beth Mosher says the survey they took last fall shows the same results as previous years.
Almost half of the drivers surveyed said that they speed on residential streets, but 65 percent said that's unacceptable. The survey showed similar results for running red lights, texting while driving, and falling asleep at the wheel.
Mosher says AAA works with police and state legislators to promote safety on the road and pass laws against unsafe driving habits.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety annual survey results:
- Red light running: 36 percent of drivers report running red lights while 55 percent say it is a serious threat and 73 percent say it is completely unacceptable.
- Speeding (10+ mph) on residential streets: 44 percent report speeding while 65 percent say it is completely unacceptable.
- Drowsy driving: 29 percent report drowsy driving while 45 percent say it is a very serious threat and 81 percent say it is completely unacceptable.
- Texting/emailing: 27 percent report typing/sending a text or email while 79 percent say it is a very serious threat to safety and 84 percent say it is completely unacceptable.
Distracted driving behaviors in the last 30 days:
- 2 in 3 drivers report talking on their cell phone
- 1 in 3 drivers report talking on their cell phone often
- 1 in 3 drivers report reading a text or email