A new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has categorized drivers based on their self-reported risky behaviors.
Speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving emerged as the most prevalent dangerous habits in the annual Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) survey and identified five distinct driver profiles.
The survey asked drivers about their perceived level of danger for various driving behaviors, with most drivers saying unsafe driving behaviors are very or extremely dangerous. Yet, many have admitted to doing these dangerous behaviors at least once in the previous 30 days.
“Behind every deadly statistic is a real person,” said Dr David Yang, the AAA Foundation President and Executive Director. “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 survey identified five distinct driver profiles:
- Safe Drivers: Rarely engage in risky behaviors – 34.9%
- Distracted Drivers: Primarily engage in all distracted driving behaviors – 19%
- Speeding Drivers: Primarily engage in speeding behaviors – 32.6%
- Distracted and Aggressive Drivers: Engage in distracted and aggressive driving – 11%
- Most Dangerous Drivers: Engage in all risky driving behaviors – 2.5%
Safe drivers admitted to driving less, while most dangerous drivers, who admit to speeding, distracted, and impaired behaviors, logged more miles on the road, often in older vehicles with fewer safety features. Safe drivers condemned risky driving behaviors, but other profiles seemed more indifferent to the dangers.
Surprisingly, safe drivers and their riskier counterparts shared a similar disregard for the potential consequences of their actions, the AAA said.
