Driving is Getting Under Drivers' Skin

July 14, 2005
Nearly half of those surveyed in a new poll say they find driving more aggravating than just 2 years ago, with one in four calling it much more aggravating.

While an equal number of drivers cited aggressive and distracted drivers as the greatest safety threats on the road, the third annual Drive for Life poll, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Research, found most drivers admitting to one or more of those behaviors themselves:

  • Sixty-eight percent of drivers admit to speeding, and three out of four say it's acceptable to drive five miles per hour over the speed limit.
  • One in four drivers even say driving 10 miles per hour over the limit is acceptable. Those numbers climb among young drivers, ages 16-20, with 88 percent sanctioning speeds five miles per hour over the limit and more than 50 percent approving speeds of 10 miles per hour over the limit.
  • One in three drivers surveyed admit to driving while emotionally upset and 16 percent say they have driven in a hostile or aggressive manner because they were late.
  • While one in three drivers say cell phone usage by other drivers is their greatest aggravation on the road, 43 percent say they use a cell phone while driving. And 70 percent of parents of teen drivers say their children have cell phones. Eleven states and the District of Columbia have laws restricting cell phones while driving, while 19 states also track mobile phone involvement in auto crashes.
  • Beyond talking on a cell phone, most drivers admit to engaging in at least one distracting behavior, with 52 percent saying they eat while driving and 17 percent saying they read while driving. Ten percent of drivers surveyed said a romantic moment has competed with their attention while driving.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
Learn about lone working laws in the US, key hazards and risks, and get actionable advice on how to keep your lone workers safe.
June 23, 2025
Chemical substitution can quickly get messy, with unclear steps and the risk of swapping one hazard for another. This checklist helps you avoid costly mistakes, prioritize which...
June 23, 2025
A mature approach to health and safety means making safety a core part of your culture, where everyone plays a role and performance is measured by more than just numbers. In this...
June 23, 2025
Behavior-based safety focuses on observing and encouraging safe behaviors to reduce workplace risks. Experts explain how strong safety culture, clear methods, and digital tools...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!