Everyone knows there are bad drivers on the road. It's always someone else that causes the backup during rush hour. What might surprise Toronto commuters is they are now telling on themselves. An eye-opening survey conducted by Kanetix - an online insurance quote comparison search site - finds that 8 out of 10 Canadian drivers personally admit to having at least one bad driving habit.
Though texting and cell phone chatting while driving has been banned across The True North Strong and Free, only 18 percent of Canadian drivers admit to the driving distraction. But a whopping 39 percent of Canadian drivers freely admit to chomping down or quenching their thirsts while behind the wheel. Making eating and drinking while driving the most widespread offense in the nation.
In fact, the United States National Safety Council estimates that one collision occurs every 24 seconds as a result of talking or texting.
Though these four wheel transgressions might seem trivial, they do pose dangers. According to a Kanetix Director,a driver taking his eyes off the road even for a second or two can have serious consequences. That's because the human brain is only capable of a limited number of functions at one time. While autonomic functions go on without being aware, cognitive functions require attention. And there is only so much attention the brain can devote at any given moment.
The survey likewise revealed that a substantial amount of Canadian drivers, 36 percent confess to speeding. Men comprise the highest percentage of speeders, with 41 percent copping to having a led foot. Ontarians top that by one percentage point, with 42 percent admitting to going over the posted speed limit.
That extra speed can not only cost drivers in citation costs, but in higher insurance premiums. Canadian insurers charge a 15 percent premium surcharge for drivers with just one traffic citation.
Another bad habit is following too closely, which 16 percent of respondents plead guilty. And following too closely accounts for the number one reason collisions occur, according to a report by the Ontario Provincial Police.
The habits don't end with texting, talking, food, speeding or following too closely. Canadian drivers admit to a plethora of other driving sins:
Road rage made up 11 percent of drivers, failing to signal garnered 10 percent, weaving in-and-out of traffic recorded 7 percent, farding--the act of applying makeup--made up 3 percent, another 3 percent confess to illegally parking, 2 percent take handicap spaces and 1 percent drive in the carpool only lane. There is still another 3 percent that acknowledge miscellaneous bad driving habits.
If you do the math, you might find that the percentages are short of 100 percent. That's because a full 19 percent classified themselves as "perfect drivers" in the survey.
Canadian drivers should consistently exercise caution when behind the wheel. These percentage don't represent numbers, they represent human beings. And distracted driving, no matter how inconsequential it seems can have devastating results.
The Canada Safety Council recommends drivers observe the following habits:
* Concentrate on the road * Keep eyes moving to watch for the unexpected * Be on the alert for cyclists, pedestrians and parked cars * Reduce speeds during rain or snow events * Avoid driving in low-visibility situations * Choose familiar routes * Keep background noise such as music to a minimum * Check mirrors and turn your head before making a turn or merging * Never assume the right of way is yours * Avoid prolonged driving hours * Do not operate a motor vehicle when drowsy * Never drive after consuming alcohol
Getting into good driving habits creates a safer environment for drivers and passengers alike. It also save Canadians money on car insurance premiums.
Though texting and cell phone chatting while driving has been banned across The True North Strong and Free, only 18 percent of Canadian drivers admit to the driving distraction. But a whopping 39 percent of Canadian drivers freely admit to chomping down or quenching their thirsts while behind the wheel. Making eating and drinking while driving the most widespread offense in the nation.
In fact, the United States National Safety Council estimates that one collision occurs every 24 seconds as a result of talking or texting.
Though these four wheel transgressions might seem trivial, they do pose dangers. According to a Kanetix Director,a driver taking his eyes off the road even for a second or two can have serious consequences. That's because the human brain is only capable of a limited number of functions at one time. While autonomic functions go on without being aware, cognitive functions require attention. And there is only so much attention the brain can devote at any given moment.
The survey likewise revealed that a substantial amount of Canadian drivers, 36 percent confess to speeding. Men comprise the highest percentage of speeders, with 41 percent copping to having a led foot. Ontarians top that by one percentage point, with 42 percent admitting to going over the posted speed limit.
That extra speed can not only cost drivers in citation costs, but in higher insurance premiums. Canadian insurers charge a 15 percent premium surcharge for drivers with just one traffic citation.
Another bad habit is following too closely, which 16 percent of respondents plead guilty. And following too closely accounts for the number one reason collisions occur, according to a report by the Ontario Provincial Police.
The habits don't end with texting, talking, food, speeding or following too closely. Canadian drivers admit to a plethora of other driving sins:
Road rage made up 11 percent of drivers, failing to signal garnered 10 percent, weaving in-and-out of traffic recorded 7 percent, farding--the act of applying makeup--made up 3 percent, another 3 percent confess to illegally parking, 2 percent take handicap spaces and 1 percent drive in the carpool only lane. There is still another 3 percent that acknowledge miscellaneous bad driving habits.
If you do the math, you might find that the percentages are short of 100 percent. That's because a full 19 percent classified themselves as "perfect drivers" in the survey.
Canadian drivers should consistently exercise caution when behind the wheel. These percentage don't represent numbers, they represent human beings. And distracted driving, no matter how inconsequential it seems can have devastating results.
The Canada Safety Council recommends drivers observe the following habits:
* Concentrate on the road * Keep eyes moving to watch for the unexpected * Be on the alert for cyclists, pedestrians and parked cars * Reduce speeds during rain or snow events * Avoid driving in low-visibility situations * Choose familiar routes * Keep background noise such as music to a minimum * Check mirrors and turn your head before making a turn or merging * Never assume the right of way is yours * Avoid prolonged driving hours * Do not operate a motor vehicle when drowsy * Never drive after consuming alcohol
Getting into good driving habits creates a safer environment for drivers and passengers alike. It also save Canadians money on car insurance premiums.
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To download a copy of the survey graphic please visit the Kanetix survey news release at www.newswire.ca.
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