A new survey by CAA South Central Ontario has found that while 94% of drivers report seeing unsafe driving behaviours on the road, only 57% of drivers admit to engaging in unsafe driving behaviours.
The published results of the survey found that 78% of drivers reported seeing speeders, 69% aggressive driving, and 67 reported seeing distracted driving. However, when asked if drivers themselves participated in any unsafe driving behaviours, only 57% said they did. The report on the survey’s findings suggests there’s a serious difference in how drivers perceive their own driving and how we perceive others.
“Most Ontario drivers can identify dangerous behaviours when they see them, but many don’t realize they may be contributing to the problem themselves,” said Michael Stewart, community relations consultant, CAA South Central Ontario. “The good news is that small changes in driver behaviour can make a big difference. By slowing down, staying focused and making safe choices behind the wheel, we can help create safer roads for everyone.”
The study also found most Ontarians say they slow down when they realize they are speeding, suggesting awareness and education can play an important role in changing behaviour. According to the data, 87 per cent of drivers also support the fines and penalties for speeding, and 37 per cent claim that penalties and fines affected their driving behaviour in the past year.
A separate survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario found that 16 per cent of Ontario drivers have been involved in a collision caused by distracted driving, a figure that has gradually increased in recent years. Rear-end collisions remain the most common type of crash associated with distraction, according to this study.
