New study: millions of Americans fall for common auto myths
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AUSTIN, TX - January 12, 2019: DriversEd.com - which revealed recently that a majority of drivers admit to texting while driving released its latest study, Fake Auto News 2019: A Look at Common Driving Myths Can Fool Even Most Seasoned Motorists, which found that 35% of Americans falsely believe that texting and driving remains legal in most states, when in fact 47 states ban it for all drivers.
In addition, 63% are unaware that drunk driving is on the decline.
The report, conducted by DriversEd.com, the leading online driving school in the U.S., unveils data on an array of myths on additional topics including marijuana laws, credit, insurance, car maintenance and Uber driver costs.
"While both issues are gravely serious-and undeniably deadly-data shows that distracted driving continues to rise as drinking and driving is on the decline. For drivers, especially teens, the smartphone is the new open beer bottle," said Laura Adams, safety and education analyst at DriversEd.com. "There are many pervasive driving myths and misconceptions out there. As a result, people's driving records, cars and bank accounts suffer."
Among the study's findings:
* Marijuana Laws: 24% are unaware that driving while impaired by marijuana is illegal in all 50 states.
* Credit Score: 20% are unaware that an unpaid ticket can harm a driver's credit score.
* Life Insurance: 18% are unaware that that a poor driving record can increase a driver's life insurance rates.
* Car Oil: 69% falsely believe that, in general, a car's oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.
* Engine: 67% falsely believe that in cold weather, warming up your car before driving is good for the engine.
* Uber Drivers: 7% are unaware that Uber drivers have to pay for their own gas, insurance and maintenance.
* Men vs. Women Drivers: 28% believe that men are statistically safer drivers than women, when in fact studies have shown otherwise and it is well documented, that women pay lower auto insurance premiums.
"People are unaware of the extent to which their driving record can impact many aspects of their lives-from auto premiums to credit scores to life insurance costs. If an infraction is serious enough, it can even affect your right to vote, ability to travel, eligibility for federal aid or even ability to adopt a baby," said Adams.
This report is a follow-up to DriversEd.com's Holiday Drinking and Impaired Driving Report, released in November, and Distracted Driving in America Report, released in October, which found that 18% of drivers admit to checking social media while behind the wheel and 8% admit to watching YouTube videos.
The full Fake Auto News report-which includes additional data, insights and analysis-is available at 7-driving-myths-can-fool-even-most-seasoned-motorists.
Methodology
This survey was conducted online using Survey Monkey. One thousand forty three participants were polled, spanning across the United States. The demographics of those polled represented a broad range of household income, geographic location, age, and gender. All respondents are 18 or older.
About DriversEd.com
DriversEd.com is the #1 online driving school-with courses offered directly, through partners and through some of the largest schools in the country. As the industry leader in teaching defensive driving, DriversEd.com is the premier destination for online driver education, and the go-to resource for driving safety-related tips, news and strategies. The site offers comprehensive solutions, including online driver's education, in-car driving lessons, traffic school, insurance, telematics and more. DriversEd.com's tools are geared towards developing safe, confident drivers well-prepared for a lifetime of safe driving. Visit the DriversEd.com website and connect with DriversEd.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
