In the course of the early months of the pandemic, did you discover extra quick vehicles on the street? (And, be sincere: Did you step on the fuel your self when the roads have been much less busy?)
The development is noticeable – and a number of other nationwide freeway security organizations agree. Some teams, such because the Governors Freeway Security Affiliation, are actually sounding the alarm concerning the enhance and launching packages to fight it.
Earlier in 2021, we surveyed 500 U.S. drivers to gauge their attitudes and behaviors relating to rushing. Hold studying to see what we came upon.
Life within the Quick Lane
One in 10 of all drivers (11%) admitted to driving at excessive speeds – that’s 20 mph or extra over the pace restrict way more usually than regular throughout the early months of the pandemic.
Males have been nearly twice as probably (14%) as girls (8%) to say they drove at excessive speeds way more usually than regular.
Whereas all of us prefer to shave a couple of minutes off the GPS arrival time, rushing is a harmful behavior. In accordance with the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security, excessive speeds make deadly automotive crashes extra probably. Why? As a result of at excessive speeds, it takes longer to cease – or to not less than decelerate sufficient – for a crash to be survivable. Crash vitality will increase exponentially as speeds go up.
Right here’s a sobering quantity from the IIHS: One in 4 crash fatalities could be attributed to somebody driving too quick. In 2019, the newest yr for which information can be found, greater than 9,000 deaths occurred in speed-related crashes.
Why Do Drivers Velocity?
Again to our survey. Why are we in such a rush – and what did COVID-19 must do with it? We requested drivers why they sped way more usually than regular early within the pandemic. Listed below are the 5 hottest causes:
- 66%: The roads weren’t congested, so I felt it was protected to drive sooner than posted pace restrict.
- 46%: I’m an excellent driver, so I felt I may drive safely, even at excessive speeds.
- 34%: It appeared like there was far much less regulation enforcement out, so I felt I may pace with out getting a ticket.
- 25%: Basically, I believe posted pace limits are slower than vital and I choose to drive sooner.
- 17%: The empty roads have been an excellent alternative to see how briskly my automotive may go.
Can Higher Highway Design Kick Dashing to the Curb?
Our survey additionally requested drivers about so-called “visitors calming” measures. Widespread techniques embrace lane narrowing and chicanes, that are deliberate curves put into an in any other case straight street. A slim street with curves could be safer as a result of drivers must pay extra consideration and drive extra slowly than they do on a large, straight one the place it’s simpler to hurry.
Nevertheless, most drivers surveyed assumed the alternative:
- 69% of drivers mentioned straight, extensive roads are usually safer
- 13% of drivers mentioned slim, curved roads are safer.
- The remainder weren’t certain.
For full survey outcomes, take a look at our infographic on the backside of the article.
Learn extra: I bought a rushing ticket. Now what?
If you happen to are usually considerably of a lead foot and end up with a rushing violation, it’s good to understand how a rushing ticket may have an effect on your insurance coverage – whether or not it’s your first violation or not.
Additionally, a number of automakers proceed to introduce new applied sciences to assist make your automotive smarter — and safer.
Erie Insurance coverage is doing our half to assist enhance driver security, one journey at a time. You’ll be able to turn into a safer driver and have the possibility to earn some nice rewards with YourTurn. Attain out to an Erie Insurance coverage agent to study extra.
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Cover textual content model
Website URL: www.erieinsurance.com/weblog/speeding-survey
Infographic URL:
Drivers Spill the Tea on Dashing.
In accordance with the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security, excessive speeds make deadly automotive crashes extra probably. As these security organizations observed a rise in rushing early within the pandemic and look to launch extra packages to cease it, Erie Insurance coverage commissioned a nationwide survey to gauge drivers’ attitudes and behaviors in direction of rushing.
One in 10 drivers admitted to driving at excessive speeds (20 mph or extra over the pace restrict) throughout the early months of the pandemic.
Why’d they do it?
The roads weren’t congested in order that they felt it was protected to drive sooner than posted pace limits 66%
They’re good drivers so felt they may drive safely, even at excessive speeds46%
It appeared like there was far much less regulation enforcement out, in order that they felt they may pace with out getting a ticket 34%
They assume that on the whole, posted pace limits are slower than vital and so they choose to drive sooner 25%
The empty roads have been an excellent alternative to see how briskly their automotive may go 17%
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Who’s doing it?
Males have been nearly twice as probably as girls to say they drove at excessive speeds way more usually then regular. 14% vs. 8%, respectively.
Of the 46% who mentioned they have been good drivers even at excessive speeds:
71% ages 18-24
19% ages 45-54
Slowing you down
Drivers inform us a few of the visitors slowing options they help:
Rumble strips 62%
Velocity bumps 55%
Roundabouts 46%
Unsafe driving behaviors impression extra than simply your auto insurance coverage charge. You’re additionally placing your self and different vacationers in danger for accidents and damage. Shield your self and others with the precise auto protection from ERIE. Go to erieinsurance.com/auto-insurance for extra data.
Methodology
The survey was performed on-line by Falls & Co. on behalf of Erie Insurance coverage, from August 22 by September 2, 2021, amongst 500 U.S. licensed drivers ages 18 and older. Falls & Co. established the sampling quotas, designed the questionnaire, tabulated the survey responses, and managed the general venture. Falls & Co. used Dynata (Plano, TX) to manage the survey by way of the web, together with cell units, to Dynata’s captive U.S. panels who met the age, gender, and regional demographic standards.
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