Drivers in America Acknowledge the Distraction of Others on the Road Yet Overlook Their Own
In a survey conducted by Verra Mobility Corporation, 2,000 frequent American drivers expressed their views on road safety, self-reported behaviors, and the effectiveness of various initiatives aimed at reducing distracted and reckless driving.
**Distracted Driving**
The survey revealed that distraction, particularly phone use, is a significant concern among drivers. An overwhelming 85% of respondents believe that distracted driving is as dangerous as or more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. However, despite recognising the risks, many drivers admitted to engaging in distracted behaviours. Over 65% stated they had never driven distracted in the past year, 74% claimed they had not used their phone while driving, and 49% reported strictly adhering to speed limits. Yet, 89% of respondents observe speeding multiple times per week, 67% see drivers running red lights at least once a month, and 65% report witnessing drivers using their phones while behind the wheel several times a week.
**Support for Automated Enforcement**
An overwhelming majority (96%) of Americans support technology to enforce laws against illegal school bus passing. A majority (59%) support automated enforcement programs, such as speed cameras and red-light cameras, to promote safer driving in school zones and work zones. Support for automated enforcement is particularly high (77%) in school zones.
**Drunk Driving**
While the survey did not provide direct, recent statistics on public perception or self-reported rates of drunk driving among U.S. drivers, it is worth noting that drunk driving has seen a significant decline over the past few decades due to robust enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and stricter penalties. Today, drunk driving is broadly stigmatized, but it remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities.
**The Paradox of Awareness**
Jon Baldwin, Executive Vice President of Government Solutions at Verra Mobility, noted a paradox in the survey results, stating that Americans understand and recognise the dangers of distracted driving but may not be so inclined to recognise it in their own driving behaviours. This paradox was further emphasised by the fact that 78% believe that drivers in their state are reckless.
**Verra Mobility's Solutions**
Verra Mobility Corporation, a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, conducts surveys to gain insights into public perception and behaviours to develop effective solutions to promote safer driving. Verra Mobility's Government Solutions division provides technology-driven enforcement programs aimed at reducing reckless driving, with a focus on school zones and work zones. For more information about Verra Mobility's efforts to promote safer driving, visit www.verramobility.com/government.
Verra Mobility operates in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, providing solutions that address traffic safety, urban mobility, and compliance challenges for governments, fleet owners, and rental car companies.
- Despite recognizing the dangers of distracted driving, many drivers admitted to engaging in distracted behaviors like using their phones while driving, as seen in the survey conducted by Verra Mobility Corporation, which operates in various industries worldwide, including transportation and automotive.
- In the survey, an overwhelming majority of Americans support technology-driven enforcement programs, such as speed cameras and red-light cameras, in school zones and work zones, indicating a need for finance and industry collaboration to integrate technology effectively into the transportation sector.
- Verra Mobility Corporation, a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, is focused on developing effective solutions to promote safer driving by addressing traffic safety concerns, stemming from issues like distracted driving, in various regions around the globe, such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
