Speed Kills: Surveying Dangerous Driving Habits

What image comes to mind when you think of a dangerous driver? Maybe a red-faced, late-for-work road-rager, fist-pounding the steering wheel in frustration? Perhaps a teen recklessly and carelessly weaving in and out of traffic, chasing the thrill of a fast-paced drive? According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these people contribute to roadway fatalities.

Many studies have been conducted to acknowledge dangerous driving behaviors and pinpoint the most common causes of accidents. One study showed that speeding was a major contributing factor in over 40% of vehicular fatalities in the U.S. Additionally, many experts suggest that speed also plays a role in a further 20% of crashes attributed to "inattention."

Therefore, surveying drivers' habits, who cause fatal car accidents, can help identify the most dangerous type of driver. By understanding the types of drivers most likely to speed, be distracted, and engage in other potentially hazardous behaviors on the road, law enforcement, and safety organizations can target various security and safety campaigns suitable for those groups.

One of the primary methods used to survey and evaluate drivers' driving habits has been using speedometers, which measure the speed of vehicles as they travel along roads. Advanced speedometers provide detailed data on how many vehicles pass through any given area and at their traveling speed. This data type can be compared to estimates of other risky behaviors such as fatigue, fatigue-related accidents, and distracted driving.

Furthermore, this type of data can create educational resources for drivers that could help curb dangerous driving habits. From videos and courses that aim to educate teens on the dangers of speeding and reckless driving to online forums created explicitly for elderly drivers to exchange their experiences, these types of educational resources provide an effective platform for educating all types of drivers.

Given the prevalence of dangerous driving habits, surveying drivers' habits and behaviors is an effective way to reduce the risk of accidents. By putting the right resources in place, we can work toward safer roads for all.