Passenger drivers believe CMV operators are more risky, survey finds

Atlanta — Drivers of passenger vehicles have a considerable misunderstanding of the safety performance of commercial motor vehicle operators, results of a recent survey show.

An online survey commissioned by Verizon Connect and Wakefield Research asked 1,000 U.S. adults about CMV road safety. In addition, researchers analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Survey results show that 83% of the respondents believe they are safer behind the wheel than commercial drivers. That contrasts with the data, which, according to a press release from Verizon Connect, shows that only 3% of severe crashes nationwide involve commercial drivers.

Other findings:

• 81% of the respondents said they have witnessed a commercial vehicle operator driving dangerously. Of them, 54% reported witnessing a traffic incident involving a CMV.
• 69% of the respondents said they’ve seen commercial drivers speeding. The next most common unsafe driving behaviors observed were abrupt lane changes (55%), erratic driving (46%) and turning too quickly (37%).

FMCSA reminds passenger vehicle drivers that CMVs “have large blind spots, long stopping distances and limited maneuverability that make it vital for other drivers to focus on safety.” The agency offers a number of tips, including:

• Don’t drive in a CMV’s blind spot.
• Pass safely.
• Anticipate wide turns.
• Remain focused and be patient.