New Study Reveals Views on Aggressive Driving Vary Across the U.S.
30 August 1999
New Study Commissioned By TheSteelAlliance Reveals Views on Aggressive Driving Vary Across the U.S.; Americans Rank Driving Habits They Consider Aggressive And Dangerous WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 -- 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, D.C., 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, D.C., 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.
"With large numbers of Americans traveling over the Labor Day weekend,
there will be more highway congestion, backups, and delays that will bring out
the worst frustrations in drivers," says Lon Anderson, American Automobile
Association Mid-Atlantic's Director for Government and Public Relations.
"Since drivers are likely to encounter an aggressive driver over the holiday
weekend, we hope this latest study will provide additional insight as well as
tips and recommendations that will help drivers stay safe and calm on the
road."
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.
