Are U.S. drivers becoming less concerned about risky behaviors?

Washington – U.S. drivers may be becoming less concerned about certain risky driving behaviors, according to a new study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Researchers evaluated survey results for 2009 through 2012 from the Traffic Safety Culture Index. Among the results:

• 46 percent considered drowsy driving a very serious threat to safety in 2012 – down from 71 percent in 2009.
• 69 percent considered driving after consuming alcohol a very serious threat to safety in 2012, a decrease from 90 percent in 2009.
• 81 percent considered texting or emailing while driving a very serious threat to safety in 2012, compared with 87 percent in 2009.
• Talking on a cell phone while driving remained unchanged – with 58 percent considering it a serious threat to safety in both 2009 and 2012.

Researchers recommended increased visibility of traffic enforcement and transportation safety legislation to increase awareness of the negative consequences of risky driving behaviors.