Monday, September 13, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Catherine Franklin
(202) 973-5862
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Sharon Burns (202) 973-2934, [email protected]
NEW STUDY REVEALS VIEWS ON AGGRESSIVE DRIVING VARY ACROSS THE U.S.
Americans Rank Driving Habits They Consider Aggressive and Dangerous
WASHINGTON -- A new study has found that more than half of Americans consider tailgating and running yellow lights to be aggressive and dangerous driving acts, yet many still admit to driving aggressively in the past month.
According to the study, 88 percent of those surveyed agreed that tailgating is an aggressive driving act followed closely by making rude gestures (86 percent), passing on the shoulder of the road (83 percent), and failing to yield to merging traffic (83 percent). When asked about the most dangerous aggressive driving habits, 77 percent agreed that passing on the shoulder of the road and tailgating (75 percent) are the acts most likely to result in accidents.
Though Americans clearly recognize the characteristics of aggressive driving, many still admitted to driving aggressively. When asked about their behavior in the past month, 62 percent of those surveyed said they had driven through yellow lights that were turning red, and 56 percent said they had driven 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.
The survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group and commissioned by TheSteelAlliance, also found regional differences in the way Americans view aggressive driving. In-depth surveys conducted in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC revealed that perceptions of what's considered "aggressive" vary from city to city. For example:
* Los Angeles drivers are less likely than drivers in other U.S. cities to consider merging into traffic at the last minute aggressive.
* Chicago drivers are more likely than drivers in other U.S. cities to consider making rude gestures to be aggressive.
* Boston drivers are more likely than drivers in other U.S. cities to find pulling into a parking space someone else is waiting for to be aggressive.
* Dallas drivers are less likely than drivers in other U.S. cities to think honking their horn is aggressive.
* Washington, DC, drivers are more likely than drivers in other U.S. cities to consider tailgating aggressive.
The study also revealed that women are more likely than men to consider many of the acts surveyed as aggressive. For example, 84 percent of women drivers think pulling into a parking space someone else is waiting for is aggressive, compared to 75 percent of male drivers. Women are also more likely to find changing lanes without signaling to be aggressive.
To protect against aggressive drivers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers plan ahead before taking trips, consider alternate routes, obey the speed limit, and always try to be courteous while driving. In addition, drivers should take steps to ensure that their car is comfortable on the inside to help keep them calm on the road. This includes playing relaxing music and setting the air conditioning or heat on a comfortable temperature.
"Aggressive driving is getting increasingly serious as Americans' lives get busier and more stressed. People spend more time in their vehicles," says Nancy Pentz, a stress and anger management specialist based in Washington, D.C. "Drivers have a false sense of protection in an automobile which allows them to feel that they can act out anger, frustration impatience, and win-lose scenarios while driving. Drivers need to remember that courtesy and good manners are just as important on the road as anywhere else. In fact, it reduces stress to be a courteous driver."
Drivers can take action to help protect themselves and their families in the event of an aggressive driving crash by choosing a vehicle that is designed for safety. Seat belts, air bags, padded dashboards, safety glass windows, a steel frame, and side-impact beams all help protect against injury or death. Vehicles with steel safety cages, roofs, steering columns, and bumpers also provide added protection in the event of an accident.
TheSteelAlliance, along with AAA and the Insurance Information Institute (III), is distributing brochures that have been developed in partnership with NHTSA. The brochures provide drivers with a complete list of tips for staying safe and calm on the road. The brochures are available nationally.
"Americans are increasingly feeling that unsafe driving by others is a personal threat," said Mark Stephenson, President of TheSteelAlliance. "This new study gives us more insight into what Americans consider aggressive driving to be so that we can help drivers understand the problem and ensure a higher level of safety and security on the road."
Last year, nine states introduced a total of 26 aggressive driving bills. Only one was enacted -- the Arizona aggressive driving bill. This year, Nevada and Delaware enacted aggressive driving laws. Aggressive driver programs have been formed throughout the country to help make progress in combating the problem. Examples include the Arizona DPS aggressive driver program, California's "Smooth Operator" program, Colorado's "ADAPT" program, and Delaware's "Take It Easy" program.
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