Crowded Roads Lead to Aggressive Driving

Of those polled, 84 per cent admit they have committed acts of aggressive driving such as running through yellow lights or driving over the speed limit. Although this is four per cent less than last year, it is still very high, and 72 per cent of respondents feel that the incidence of aggressive driving is increasing. The study also determined that 65 per cent of Canadians polled believe traffic congestion is increasing.

Aside from traffic congestion, aggressive driving can be fuelled by a variety of other factors. More than 90 per cent of respondents become frustrated on the road when they see other drivers reading, eating and using high-tech devices such as cell phones — a 15 per cent increase from 2001.

Drowsy driving also has an impact on aggressive driving. Close to 50 per cent believe aggressive driving and lack of sleep are linked. More than 40 per cent admit they drove while drowsy in the past year, while seven per cent admit to even falling asleep behind the wheel.

For all drivers, the first line of defense is to be alert while behind the wheel and to make the driving task their first priority. The last line of defense is to make sure your vehicle is designed to protect you in the event of a crash or to avoid a collision.

In 2003, the steel industry is focusing on Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) as part of an educational initiative to promote the use of new steel technologies in the automotive industry. AHSS provide advanced formability, strength and durability.

2003 Nerves of Steel Findings: Multi-Tasking on the Road

• 91% of drivers surveyed become frustrated when they see other drivers multi-tasking on the road - a 4% increase from 2002 and a 15% increase from 2001; more women than men surveyed were frustrated (93% vs. 89%).
• What frustrates respondents the most is when they see other drivers: read or use high tech devices like laptops and hand-held devices (73%), followed by putting on make-up, shaving or combing hair (66%) and cell phone use (65%).
• 80% of respondents have engaged in at least one form of multi-tasking while driving in the past year. The majority cited drinking beverages such as coffee or pop.
• 89% have seen other drivers multi-tasking on the road. The majority cited using cell phones.
• More men drivers than women drivers surveyed admit to multi-tasking in the past year (82% vs. 78%).
• 97% of those who drive aged 18-49 admit they have multi-tasked in the past year, while only 64% of those who drive aged 50+ admit this.

Safety Canada July 2003

Summary of 2003 Survey Results (PDF)

For further information, please visit: www.TheNewSteel.com

Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving

A Wake Up Call