Today’s America is often a scary place. Some feel they cannot trust their fellow community members to keep safety top of mind and then take action that reflects such an attitude. This is a particular pain point for drivers who recognize that driving is a communal activity during which we all need to work together to achieve the common goal of arriving to our destinations safely.
Can You Trust Other Drivers?
A recent study found that American drivers believe other drivers are not driving safely.
49% of Americans today say people in their community are driving less safely compared with five years ago. This includes 23% who say people in their area are driving a lot less safely
The most cited concern was driving while distracted by a cellphone. “78% say this is a major problem in their local community.” Other pain points included “speeding and aggressive driving such as tailgating, weaving through traffic or running red lights…people driving under the influence of alcohol…and driving in a way that puts cyclists or pedestrians at risk.”
People in urban areas were more likely to cite these as major problems than people in rural areas, suggesting that population density and more traffic negatively impacts people’s driving behaviors. Unfortunately, some of the busiest traffic days of the year are upon us.
Can You Avoid Driving?
In America, one of the busiest driving days of the year is Thanksgiving. Over Thanksgiving weekend “55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home,” contributing to heightened traffic levels and leading to more driver error.
Thanksgiving Day is one of the riskiest days to be on the road all year.
Thanksgiving is also known for increased rates of distracted driving. “On Thanksgiving Day, distracted driving is alarmingly high throughout the day.” The rates of distracted driving throughout the day have been found to follow a pattern wherein “distraction climbs as the morning progresses. It peaks at 11:00 a.m., when distraction is 30% higher than other Thursdays at an average of 2 minutes and 36 seconds per hour.” According to the pattern, it is safer to drive earlier in the morning before the 11:00 a.m. peak. After 11:00 a.m., midday and afternoon continue to be risky times on the road, with “increased phone use and speeding.” However, it is safer to avoid driving on Thanksgiving Day or the day before, especially if the weather is poor.
It can be difficult to trust your safety to the actions of others on the road. But if we all obey traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and are courteous to each other, we will all have more pleasant drives, and live safer lives not just on Thanksgiving and high-traffic holidays, but every day!
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