11/13/2024

Many Americans Perceive a Rise in Dangerous Driving

Seventy-eight percent blame cellphone distractions

As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for holiday travel, many U.S. adults feel that driving in their area has become more dangerous than it was before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Most see cellphone distraction behind the wheel as a major problem in their local community, and about a quarter report witnessing road rage often, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

While the pandemic-era spike in the number of fatalities from vehicle crashes in the United States has abated some, 49 percent of Americans today say people in their community are driving less safely compared with five years ago. This includes 23 percent who say people in their area are driving a lot less safely.

A far smaller share (9 percent) say driving behaviors in their area have become safer. Another 35 percent don not see a change in people's driving habits.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Pew Research Center.