A new report released the other day by The GMAC Insurance Group, a national property, casualty and auto insurance provider, suggests that American roads may be more dangerous than previously thought.
The report, called the GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test, shows that 1 out of every 5 drivers do not meet the minimum requirements to obtain a driver’s license. This translates into 18%, or 37 million, motorists being unfit to be behind the wheel of a car. In previous years, New York held the last place position. This year, however, Washington, D.C., has taken that spot.
GMAC’s chief marketing officers, Scott Eckman, thinks that America’s driving IQ is in a desperate state. “All drivers need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education,” He says. Part of the aim of the study is to inspire drivers to better their habits. Eckman asserts that the overall lack of critical driving comprehension puts motorists at risk for serious accidents.
While this year’s results are better than those in 2010 – up to 77.9% from 76.2% — there is still a need for improvement. Of those surveyed for the study, 85% were unable to identify the correct course of action when approaching a yellow light. Nearly a quarter of participants were unaware of safe driving distances. The overall lack of knowledge breeds dangerous driving habits, according to Eckman.
