A new study by AAA suggests that more American drivers are admitting risky behavior behind the wheel.
NEW HAVEN, CT – A new report finds that unsafe driving behavior, including speeding, running a red light, drowsy driving and driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol, increased from 2020 to 2021.
The most alarming increase was among drivers who drank heavily and felt they were over the legal limit, an increase of nearly 24%.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, AAA says people developed dangerous habits behind the wheel because there weren’t as many drivers on the road. More people are still coming, AAA said, adding that people still haven’t stopped those bad practices.
“The frequency with which US drivers engage in risky driving behaviors varies. While drivers recognize that some behind-the-scenes activities, such as speeding and drunk driving, are unsafe, many engage in these activities anyway. Stay engaged,” said Dr. David Yang, CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “We need to be aware of the serious consequences of dangerous driving behavior and change course.”
Here’s an analysis of the rise in risky driving behaviors over that period.
| unsafe driving behavior | 2021 (% of drivers) | 2020 (% of drivers) | % Change, 2020-21 |
| driving thinking you were over the legal alcohol limit | 7,3% | 5,9% | +23,7% |
| driving within an hour of consuming cannabis | 5,0% | 4,4% | +13,6% |
| 15 mph over the limit on the highway | 50,7% | 45,1% | +12,4% |
| go through a red light | 28,2% | 25,6% | +10,1% |
| driving when you were so tired it was hard to keep your eyes open | 18,8% | 17,3% | +8,7% |
| drive tight/change lanes quickly | 22,9% | 21,3% | +7,5% |
| reading a text | 36,2% | 33,9% | +6,8% |
| talking on a cell phone with one hand | 37,4% | 37,2% | +0,5% |
The number of traffic deaths in the US has also increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 42,915 people will die in car crashes in 2021, an increase of 10.5%.
What can you do about risky driving behavior? AAA says education, compliance and engineering will be needed, which could mean changes to these highways.
AAA recommends keeping these safety tips in mind.
- Out of sight, out of mind , Put your smartphone away, put it in airplane mode, or turn on call/text blocking features like Apple’s Do Not Disturb.
- slow down. Drivers value time saved more than speed. Speed kills and it’s not worth the cost.
- stay alert , If you feel drowsy, stop driving because you can fall asleep at any time. Fatigue affects reaction time, judgment and vision.
- drive cool , If you use marijuana or alcohol, don’t drive. If you’re taking prescription drugs that could harm you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to stay safe and healthy behind the wheel.
- Gear up for every journey. It doesn’t matter which vehicle you are sitting in. Using seat belt properly is the most effective way to avoid traffic accident.
