The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Yahoo! The Hartford Finds Texas Drivers Happy, But Would Welcome Improvements


HARTFORD, Conn.--Congested freeways in Dallas. Road construction in San Antonio. Traffic delays in Austin. It's enough to make the driving experience unpleasant for anyone.

"Understanding the driving experience helps us understand how to keep drivers; and their vehicles; moving and safe.

Yet despite incidents of road rage and complaints from a core group of heavy drivers, Texas residents generally believe their cities are “drivable,�?? with at least 60 percent in each of the major cities of Dallas, Austin and San Antonio stating that officials in their area do a good job of maintaining city streets. Still, many drivers see room for improvement. Residents of each of the large cities studied have a slightly different take on ways to boost drivability in their city:

  • Dallas drivers, besieged by weather-related potholes and rough roads, would recommend improving the condition of existing roads to improve drivability (39 percent of drivers).
  • Austin drivers, with narrow roadways restricted by development, would like to see more lanes added to highways (39 percent).
  • San Antonio drivers would appreciate a combination of the two solutions, with road improvements slightly nudging out adding more lanes as the No. 1 choice for improved driving conditions (32 percent vs. 28 percent).

According to a new research study conducted by GfK Roper for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., many Texas drivers say that improving the condition of existing roads, such as fixing potholes or repaving streets, would be the most effective way to make their communities more drivable. Armed with this information, The Hartford is launching its "Pothole Patrol" initiative in key markets nationwide, including Dallas, with the goal to create smoother commutes by filling costly and burdensome potholes that cause damage and disrupt the drives of local residents.

Keeping Texas Drivers Moving and Happy

The Hartford Drivability Survey polled American drivers nationwide, and examined a number of metropolitan areas in detail – including Texas markets Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. In general, residents of the Texas cities:

  • Spend more hours driving per week than in other cities studied.
  • Spend more time driving on highways.
  • Spend more time driving during rush hours.
  • Spend more time in traffic jams.

According to the survey, the majority of Texas drivers (at least 73 percent in each market) also believe that traffic is getting worse where they live, and acknowledge that the roads in their area were not designed to handle the amount of traffic they currently receive.

These growing frustrations may create the “need for speed.�?? When asked which song title best describes driving in their area, more drivers in each of the three Texas cities selected the Sammy Hagar song “I Can’t Drive 55�?? than any other. And whether it’s the need for speed or a desire for agility, if given the opportunity to trade their cars for a famous fictitious car from television or the movies, more drivers would opt for George Jetson’s flying car as a way to solve traffic problems.

Overall, American drivers want to feel safe, competent and welcome when they leave the comfort of home to hit the road. They believe adequate traffic signs and signals, well-maintained roads, and courteous drivers are the hallmarks of a drivable community. At least seven in 10 drivers nationally rate each of these factors as “very important�?? measures of drivability.

For more information about The Hartford Drivability Survey and The Hartford’s Pothole Patrol initiative, aimed at improving road conditions in markets throughout the country, visit www.hartfordauto.com/potholepatrol.

About the Survey

From February 16 to March 2, 2010, GfK Roper conducted 300 targeted random-digit dial (RDD) telephone interviews with U.S. drivers in each Dallas; Austin, Texas; and San Antonio. To qualify, respondents had to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have driven in the past month.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The full research report is available upon request.

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years, The Hartford is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

To learn more about The Hartford's automotive insurance products, consumers can visit http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com.

HIG-PC