Pop-Quiz: GMAC Tests Nation’s Driving Knowledge
GMAC, sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 25 entry in the NEXTEL Cup Series driven by Brian Vickers, recently set out to test how much the average licensed driver knows about basic rules of the road. The results were staggering. The inaugural GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test study found that one in ten licensed drivers – nearly 20 million Americans – would fail a DMV-style drivers test if taken today. What’s more, the study revealed that Americans have dangerous everyday driving habits.
When compared by state, Oregon drivers ranked highest on the test with an overall average score of 89 percent (70 percent or higher is required to pass a standard driving test); Rhode Island ranked lowest with an overall average score of 77 percent. In all, drivers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic fared the worst.
Results suggest that many Americans find standard driving practices vexing, including merging, failure to yield when making left turns, and road-sign interpretation. In addition, many may not take such important topics as drinking and driving seriously enough. Twenty-nine percent (57 million) of drivers who drink admitted they would knowingly drive while over the legal limit “if they felt okay.”
Other highlights include:
• Half of Americans report that they do not know how to merge into heavy traffic.
• At least 1 out of 5 drivers do not know that a pedestrian has the right of way at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• 1 out of 3 drivers claim to speed up to make a yellow light even when pedestrians are in the crosswalk.
• 1 out of 4 drivers would roll through a stop sign rather than come to a complete stop.
• 1 out of 10 drivers regularly drive over the speed limit by 11 or more miles per hour.
For more information about GMAC Insurance and to obtain a quote, visit www.gmacinsurance.com.
When compared by state, Oregon drivers ranked highest on the test with an overall average score of 89 percent (70 percent or higher is required to pass a standard driving test); Rhode Island ranked lowest with an overall average score of 77 percent. In all, drivers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic fared the worst.
Results suggest that many Americans find standard driving practices vexing, including merging, failure to yield when making left turns, and road-sign interpretation. In addition, many may not take such important topics as drinking and driving seriously enough. Twenty-nine percent (57 million) of drivers who drink admitted they would knowingly drive while over the legal limit “if they felt okay.”
Other highlights include:
• Half of Americans report that they do not know how to merge into heavy traffic.
• At least 1 out of 5 drivers do not know that a pedestrian has the right of way at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• 1 out of 3 drivers claim to speed up to make a yellow light even when pedestrians are in the crosswalk.
• 1 out of 4 drivers would roll through a stop sign rather than come to a complete stop.
• 1 out of 10 drivers regularly drive over the speed limit by 11 or more miles per hour.
For more information about GMAC Insurance and to obtain a quote, visit www.gmacinsurance.com.