How many admit to dangerous driving behaviours

While many admit to driving dangerously at times, there’s growing support for measures like speed enforcement.

More than half of Ontario motorists confessed to engaging in risky driving behaviours, with younger drivers being the worst offenders, according to a recent study by CAA South Central Ontario.

The study found that more than 55 per cent of Ontario drivers admitted to participating in unsafe driving practices in the past year, a number that jumps to 61 per cent among younger drivers aged 18 to 34.

These statistics highlight the ongoing issue of dangerous driving on Ontario’s roads, with speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving topping the list of risky behaviors.

“These actions not only endanger the drivers themselves but also put all road users at risk,” said Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. “We must prioritize road safety by promoting responsible driving habits.”

The study found that the most common dangerous driving behaviors admitted by motorists are:

1. Speeding: 41 per cent
2. Distracted driving: 20 per cent
3. Unsafe lane changes: 9 per cent
4. Aggressive driving: 8 per cent
5. Running red lights: 7 per cent

In contrast, drivers reported witnessing these dangerous behaviours in others far more frequently:

1. Speeding: 84 per cent
2. Unsafe lane changes: 76 per cent
3. Aggressive driving: 76 per cent
4. Distracted driving: 73 per cent
5. Running red lights: 56 per cent

Stewart noted the disconnect between personal admission and observation. “The data tells us that it is far more prevalent for people to see others driving dangerously rather than admitting that they themselves are carrying out the same behaviour.”

Speeding remains a significant concern for Ontario motorists, particularly on highways with higher speed limits. While 86 per cent of drivers feel safe on residential streets, only 68 per cent report feeling secure on highways with posted speeds of 110 kilometers per hour.

“The risk of collision can increase when travelling at higher speeds,” Stewart noted, pointing out that dangerous driving behaviours are more commonly observed on highways.

The study also highlighted Ontario drivers’ support for stricter penalties to combat dangerous driving. This year, 35 per cent of Ontarians reported that fines and penalties for speeding and stunt driving have influenced their driving behavior — a 7 per cent increase from the previous year.

Despite this, the study found that 40 per cent of Ontario drivers actively avoid roads with Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras, even though 78 per cent believe that ASE can help deter speeding. Furthermore, 84 per cent of drivers support the presence of ASE near schools, and 81 per cent support it near community centers. However, 17 per cent of Ontario drivers — equivalent to more than 1.5 million people — have received a ticket from an ASE camera.

“It is no surprise that Ontario motorists are in favour of stricter penalties as speeding and dangerous driving continue to be an issue,” Stewart said. “What is surprising, however, is that despite the support for ASE, four out of 10 Ontario drivers will actively avoid roads where an ASE is present, an increase from last year.”

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