Citation

Accid. Investig. Q. 2004; (37): 32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

The article reviews the fifth annual "Nerves of Steel" aggressive driving survey conducted by telephone in the spring of 2003 among drivers across the nation. The survey rates 20 cities and ranks drivers in three categories: rudeness, safety, and drowsy driving behavior. A total of 2,400 participants with valid driver's licenses were asked a series of questions about their driving habits, including their own actions while on the road. 65% consider talking on the cell phone without headset dangerous, but 37% still admit to doing it. The survey also revealed that an alarming 36% of motorists have fallen asleep behind the wheel while driving, and finding men are 2/3 more likely to doze off than women. Road rudeness has risen, tailgating, making rude gestures and passing on the side of the road are the most widely considered acts of aggressive driving. For the third year in a row, driving defensively (49%) and driving courteously (25%) are the best advice drivers gave for protection against acts of aggression. The survey polled an equal number of men and women, and found that men are more likely to admit that they committed an act of aggressive driving, where as women are three times more likely than men to multitask while driving.

KEYWORDS:
Aggression; Defensive drivers; Drowsiness; Gender; Road rage; Safety; Surveys; Tailgating; Close following

Language: en