A new study on U.S. highway safety garnered disturbing results: American drivers aren’t nearly as concerned about the issue as they should be. This scary revelation is definitely shocking considering the recent push to end distracted driving, or driving while texting or otherwise on the phone. Research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety compared surveys from 2009 and 2012, and noted people’s concern for highway safety is slipping.
2009 Versus 2012
The AAA Foundation’s 2009 survey found 90% of participants considered drunk driving a serious issue. The survey also noted people believed other highway safety concerns, such as distracted driving, red light violations and drowsy driving, to be essential safety issues as well.
However, these attitudes have changed dramatically as of 2012. Only 69% of people regarded drunk driving as problematic, and 46% of respondents believed distracted and drowsy driving to be safety concerns. In 2009, 87% and 77% percent of participants considered distracted and drowsy driving serious issues, respectively. What’s more, a number of high-profile vehicular accidents over the last few years were linked to drunk and drowsy driving.
Why the Difference?
While it’s obvious Americans aren’t as concerned with highway safety as they used to be, it’s still unclear as to why. Numerous campaigns/nonprofit organizations, such as It Can Wait, discuss the often life-ending accidents caused by such driving with commercials featuring people talking about lost loved ones. Despite these campaigns, American attitudes towards highway safety issues such as drunk driving appear to be softening. Speculation could include the use of hands-free devices when driving, which often lead people to believe they aren’t as distracted as they actually are. Another possibility is that people may have looser ideas on what constitutes “drunk driving.” Many believe that having a few drinks before hitting the road isn’t a highway safety issue, when in reality it is a serious safety concern.
Why do you think people’s attitudes towards highway safety have changed so much? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
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