Many Canadians report seeing distracted drivers, but few admit to the same behaviour

Canadians report seeing many distracting driver behaviours, but few admit to being the ones fixing their hair while behind the wheel, according to a new survey from RSA.

In the survey of 1436 Canadian drivers conducted online by Leger Marketing, 63% said they have witnessed other drivers putting on makeup, and 57% reported seeing others fix their hair, while only 3% admitted to applying makeup and 7% to fixing their hair.

The survey results also suggest that 66% of Canadians have witnessed people driving with pets on their lap but less than 4% admit to doing it themselves.

The survey also found:

• 24% of Canadians report seeing other drivers make out, while 3% admit to it themselves
• 60% of Canadians have watched other drivers scream/swear at other drivers, pedestrians, cyclist, while only 23% admit to that behaviour
• 40% of Canadians report seeing other drivers screaming at passengers;  8% admit to doing that themselves
• 61% of Canadians have seen other drivers distracted with the radio or GPS, while nearly half admit to that themselves

“As we approach the first long weekend of the summer, we’re encouraging people to pay attention to what they are doing behind the wheel,” Alex Walker, director of claims relations with RSA Insurance noted in a statement on the survey results.

The survey findings also suggest that almost all Canadians have reported seeing drivers talking or texting, despite legislation against doing so in many regions, including Ontario’s recent changes.

“That tells us that despite the recent emphasis on preventing distracted driving, including increased fines and demerit points, Ontario drivers still aren’t getting the message,” Walker said.

“These are extremely dangerous behaviours and drivers need to be more aware of their actions behind the wheel.”