A new study from Allstate Corp. suggests that U.S. motorists may not be as skilled of drivers as they may think. The study shows that the majority of Americans consider themselves to be good drivers with safe habits. This notion is contrary to the evidence compiled by Allstate that suggests otherwise. How the auto insurance industry will react to the study is yet to be seen. Whether the study will serve as inspiration for drivers to improve their habits is also unclear.
Allstate studied more than 1,000 adults in the U.S. and surveyed them on their driving ability and safe practices. According to Allstate’s study, 64% of Americans would give their driving skills an “excellent” rating. This rating is twice as high as those given to close friends. Despite this confidence, however, the vast majorty – 89% — admit to unsafe driving practices, such as speeding and text messaging.
The insurer also polled participants of the study regarding their expectations of other’s driving ability. Teenagers were considered by participants to be the worst drivers on the road, followed by the elderly. The study also found that 7 in 10 drivers have had to slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid a major accident due to distraction. 53% say they have received tickets for moving violations.
More information on the study can be found via Allstate’s website.