Rhode Island drivers, like those throughout the country, think it’s unacceptable to drive well over the speed limit, run red lights, talk on a cell phone, and drive so sleepy they have trouble keeping their eyes open. But, just like drivers elsewhere, many do just that. Last week, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released its annual nationwide Traffic Safety Culture Index, designed to assess the attitudes and behaviors of drivers. Several states, including Rhode Island, were part of the survey and had their results broken out. The survey showed that in Rhode Island:
“It’s a case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’ when motorists recognize the risks of certain behaviors but do them anyway,” said Lloyd P. Albert, Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. The news wasn’t totally discouraging. 96 percent says it’s unacceptable to drive when they think they may have had too much to drink. Only three percent admit to having done so. Almost two out of ten drivers surveyed say they were in a crash as a driver within the past two years. They rate texting/emailing, driving after drinking, speeding, red light running, and aggressive drivers as the most serious roadway threats. As to laws and regulations, 72 percent support a hand held cell phone ban, 85 percent favor the use of technology such as ignition interlock systems for convicted drunk drivers, and 95 percent support a ban on reading, typing, or sending a text or email while driving. More WBOB Reads |
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