According to a new survey done by CAA South Central Ontario, almost all Ontario drivers have seen dangerous driving but far fewer admit to it.
The survey, which took into account the last year of driving, showed that 96 per cent of drivers asked stated that they have witnessed some form of dangerous driving over the last year. 78 per cent witnessed speeding, 69 per cent saw aggressive driving, 68 per cent saw unsafe lane changes and 67 per cent witnessed distracted driving.
However, the data flips when drivers were asked if they themselves committed any of these acts. Only 57 per cent admitted to engaging in at least one dangerous driving behaviour. That number rose to 62 per cent among those aged 18-34.
The survey results, released by CAA South Central Ontario on Tuesday, showed that speeding remains the most common dangerous driving behaviour reported by Ontario drivers. More than one-third, or 38 per cent, admit to speeding, with more than half of those drivers saying they typically travel 10 to 19 kilometres an hour above the speed limit
The survey also showed that 87 per cent of drivers support the fines and penalties for speeding, and 37 per cent claim that penalties and fines affected their driving behaviour in the past year.
Additionally, data shows that 16 per cent of drivers in Ontario have been in collisions caused by distracted driving. That figure has been on the rise in recent years, with rear-end crashes being the most common cause of distracted driving.
"Most Ontario drivers can identify dangerous behaviours when they see them, but many don't realize they may be contributing to the problem themselves," said Michael Stewart, community relations consultant with CAA South Central Ontario. "The good news is that small changes in driver behaviour can make a big difference. By slowing down, staying focused and making safe choices behind the wheel, we can help create safer roads for everyone."
