In a recent poll by a leading insurance company, American drivers admit to some very bad habits behind the wheel, all while rating themselves as very good or excellent drivers. Could this be considered overconfidence in their driving abilities that no doubt, lends to their feeling they can engage in unsafe practices?
The survey reveals the following:
- 89% admit to driving faster than the posted speed limit, with 40% driving more than 20 miles per hour over the posted limit
- Men are more likely to speed than women
- More than one-half of drivers admit to driving when on the verge of falling asleep
- 15% say they have driven while intoxicated.
- One-third has sent an email or text message while driving
- Drivers 18-29 years old are most likely to text while driving
- 53% of drivers report that they have received at least one speeding ticket or other moving violation, with 44% of these drivers receiving three or more tickets.
As a result, two-thirds of drivers say these poor driving habits have caused accidents or near-accidents.
Your insurance rates, and even your ability to obtain auto insurance, are directly dependent on your driving history. The good news is, you’re in control of maintaining a good driving record. By doing so, you put yourself in the best position possible to qualify for the lowest auto rates.
On the flipside, it’s no surprise that this survey indicates the poor driving habits mentioned above frequently results in violations or accidents – both of which can drastically increase your cost of auto insurance.