Survey Finds Distracted Driving Common Though Few Admit to it

Canadians report witnessing many distractions but admit to few, according to RSA Insurance survey. Turns out many are using the driver’s seat as a place to apply makeup, shave, scream at other drivers and make out.

According to a survey commissioned by RSA Insurance, 63 percent of Canadians report witnessing other drivers applying makeup and 57 percent saw others fixing their hair, while only 3 percent admitted to applying makeup and 7 percent to fixing their hair.

One of the most interesting findings in the survey is that drivers across the country, including in Ontario where there has been increased activity in distracted driving campaigns, are not getting the message that talking, texting and driving don’t mix. Almost all Canadians reported seeing drivers talking or texting.

The Leger survey also found:

• 24 percent of Canadians report seeing other drivers make out, while 3 percent admit to it themselves.
• 66 percent of Canadians have witnessed people driving with pets on their lap; less than 4 percent admit to doing it themselves.
• 60 percent of Canadians have watched other drivers scream/swear at other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, while only 23 percent admit to that behavior.
• 40 percent of Canadians report seeing other drivers screaming at passengers; 8 percent admit to doing that themselves.
• 61 percent of Canadians have seen other drivers distracted with the radio or GPS, while nearly half admit to that themselves.

Source: RSA Insurance