An examination of the trends in attitudes about traffic safety and self-reported driving behaviors, based on the findings from our most recent surveys of the American public.
August 2013
Suggested Citation
For media inquiries, contact:
Tamra Johnson
202-942-2079
TRJohnson@national.aaa.com
This report provides a multi-year analysis of the Foundation’s four most recent Traffic Safety Culture Index surveys (2009-2012), and offers insights into the trends observed since AAAFTS began studying and tracking the nation’s safety culture. While much has remained relatively stable, there are some potentially-troubling findings as well, such as a general decrease in the public’s perception of the threat posed by impaired, distracted, and drowsy drivers.
Since 2006, the AAA Foundation has been committed to studying and promoting the concept of traffic safety culture, which it defines as a “social climate in which traffic safety is highly valued and rigorously pursued.”
Our annual survey of American motorists — The Traffic Safety Culture Index — addresses core topics, such as:
The findings of these surveys have led us to characterize the traffic safety culture in the United States with the phrase “do as I say, not as I do.” This is because high numbers of people consistently admit to doing the same dangerous things — like texting, driving drowsy, or speeding — that they condemn other drivers for doing.
Now, for the first time, we have conducted a multi-year analysis of the data from our four most recent surveys (2009-2012) in order to offer insights into how the traffic safety culture in the United States has changed since we began our efforts. The findings of these surveys have led us to characterize the traffic safety culture in the United States with the phrase “do as I say, not as I do.” This is because high numbers of people consistently admit to doing the same dangerous things — like texting, driving drowsy, or speeding — that they condemn other drivers for doing.
Americans Show Decreasing Concerns about Traffic Dangers
“Do As I Say, Not As I Do” Still Holds True
Most Indicators Fairly Stable Over Time
Suggested Citation
For media inquiries, contact:
Tamra Johnson
202-942-2079
TRJohnson@national.aaa.com