EASY RIDERS: Maritz AmeriPoll Finds Most Americans Enjoy Driving, Feel Safe in Their Cars
25 February 1998
EASY RIDERS: Maritz AmeriPoll Finds Most Americans Enjoy Driving, Feel Safe in Their CarsST. LOUIS, Feb. 25 -- Despite news reports of carjackings and cases of "road rage," a new study has found that most Americans generally feel safe getting behind the wheel. According to a recent Maritz AmeriPoll(R), only 23% of Americans say there are times when they don't feel safe in their cars. An additional 28% are neutral on the subject, while nearly half say they do feel safe. Women expressed more anxiety than men, with 27% saying they sometimes felt unsafe, compared to just 19% of men. The poll is the subject of a feature article in the March issue of American Demographics. Widespread use of cellular telephones may help contribute to some motorists' peace of mind: Nearly 30% say they usually have a working telephone with them while driving. Drivers age 25-34 are most likely to have cell phones (38%), closely followed by the 35-44 age group (37%). When asked to rate their feelings about the statement, "Traffic congestion is a source of stress in my life," respondents are evenly distributed: 36% agreed, 28% are neutral, and 35% disagreed. Widely differing geographic locations and commuting distances may account for the even spread. Jam or no traffic jam, 45% of respondents agreed with the statement, "Driving is my time to think and enjoy being alone." Some statistics on the average American driver: * 39% drive less than 100 miles each week; 30% drive 100-299 miles; men accrue significantly more mileage than women. * Just 17% carpool to work at least once a week; 18-24-year-olds are most likely to carpool (28%). * Work commutes break down as follows: - 27% drive less than 10 minutes - 42% 10-29 minutes - 24% 30 minutes or more * Only 4% take public transportation to work at least once each week; low-income and elderly Americans are most likely to utilize public transit. Maritz AmeriPoll is a copyrighted poll conducted by Maritz Marketing Research Inc. Accuracy of the survey results is within +/- 3.09%. Results of the poll may be used in print or broadcast media, provided credit is given to the Maritz AmeriPoll and/or Maritz Marketing Research Inc. SOURCE Maritz Marketing