2008 Traffic Safety Culture Index

Despite rating drunk driving as the most serious traffic safety issue, nearly one in 10 respondents in a new AAA Foundation survey admitted to driving when they thought they might have been legally intoxicated within the past month. Among other findings, 82 percent of respondents to the 2008 Traffic Safety Culture Index rated distracted driving as a serious problem, yet over half admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving in the past month. Also, three in four drivers rated speeding as a serious problem, but 40 percent of those same drivers admitted driving at least 15 mph over the speed limit on highways. Three in four motorists claimed to be “more careful than others” behind the wheel. The study is part of the Foundation’s effort to assess the public’s actions, behaviors and beliefs with respect to traffic safety culture. For more information, please view the press release.