Many Canadians have engaged in risky or distracting behaviour while driving, including eating and drinking, using a cellphone, applying make-up and even being romantic or intimate. But, the good news is that they are willing to change – for the right incentive.
Canadians identified what they believe to be the top three riskiest behaviours of drivers on the road, including:
- Being under the influence (89%)
- Distracted driving (54%)
- Fatigue (42%)
The majority of drivers (79%) would be willing to give up at least one bad driving habit if they knew a monetary incentive was offered. Habits drivers are most willing to give up involve limiting their cellphone use, including:
- Sending a text
- Checking their phone
- Making a call/or talking on the phone
Some activities that drivers were less enthusiastic to give up included changing the radio station or volume, turning to talk to another passenger, or sipping a beverage while driving. The study also found that nearly one out of 10 (9%) drivers were not willing to give up anything even if a monetary incentive was involved.
Upholding our Canadian reputation as being nice and good natured, it’s not surprising that 54% of us like to sing while driving and 96% of us would not steal another driver’s parking spot, or speed up to stop someone from passing us (91%).
Other survey findings:
- 93% of those aged 18-34 are the group most willing to improve their driving habits if they knew they would be rewarded.
- Drivers aged 18-44 are significantly more likely to admit to having used their cellphone, updated a map or GPS, removed an article of clothing such as a jacket or applied make-up while driving.
- Three in 10 drivers admit to have driven through a red light (31%) and disobeyed road signs (29%).
- The provinces most willing to change driving habits, if they knew they would be rewarded are British Columbia and Alberta, both 96% followed closely by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (92%). The rest of the provinces were also overwhelmingly willing (80% plus) to change their driving habits which is a testament to our openness to change.
- 14% of drivers have engaged in romantic activities while driving.
- Lastly, 3% of drivers have flossed while driving.