Destructive driving behaviors remain rampant on the road, according to a recent national survey by Erie Insurance, which found that 72% of respondents admit to sometimes or often speeding.  

Drowsy driving — which was linked to nearly 700 fatalities in 2019 — is also a common occurrence. Some 62% of those surveyed said they sometimes or often drive while tired, and a startling 7% said they sometimes or often fall asleep at the wheel.

This survey also reinforces the findings of many other previous surveys that show cell phone use while behind the wheel continues to be among the most hazardous of driver behaviors. Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2019 alone.

Yet some 36% of motorists said they fiddle with their phones to access GPS (36%), to take or make calls (36% and 28%, respectively), or to check or reply to texts (26% and 17%, respectively).

Another interesting finding from the Erie Insurance survey concerns vehicle safety. 

While most drivers kept up with their vehicle’s maintenance during the pandemic, one in five said they put off maintenance during COVID-19 — which means some cars on the road today may not be as safe as they should be. For example, nearly 65% said they put off oil and filter changes while 37% failed to rotate tires.