NW Poll: Is polite driving a thing of the past?

Think drivers are acting ruder on the road as of late? You’re not alone. According to the latest poll from PEMCO Insurance, nearly three in four drivers (73%) in Washington and Oregon say they’ve seen an increase in traffic violations over the past five years. 

And some admit they’ve contributed. More than one-third of drivers (36%) say they’ve occasionally driven slower to “teach someone a lesson” after being tailgated, while 35% admit to speeding up to block another vehicle from passing. 

Surprisingly, certain groups are more likely to fess up to these behaviors than others. Parents, for example, are three times as likely as non-parents to say they’ve often taken these actions: 29% vs. 9% say they’ve driven slower to punish a tailgater, and 24% vs. 8% say they’ve blocked someone from passing. Drivers under 35 are also far more likely than drivers exceeding 35 years old to admit to these unfriendly behaviors. 

Not all hope is lost. Most drivers say they continue to witness polite behaviors like letting others merge or waving someone through. Yet the contrast is clear: 56% often see rude or aggressive driving, while just 37% say they regularly witness extra politeness on the road. 

“Aggressive driving may be becoming more common, but it doesn’t have to be the norm,” said Jennifer Hawton, spokesperson for PEMCO Insurance. “Safe, defensive driving helps protect everyone, and often, a small act of kindness behind the wheel can prevent a much bigger problem. It’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and help keep each other safe when driving.” 

For more Northwest Poll results, visit www.pemco.com/blog/nw-polls.