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Survey Reveals American Drivers Fearful of Others

14 August 2000

Inattention & Aggressive Driving Cited Most Often
     WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - As Americans continue to hit the road for summer 
vacations, most are "white-knuckle" rides, according to a national survey 
conducted by Response Insurance, an e-commerce insurance and direct-to-the-
consumer auto insurance companies.  The survey revealed that 98% of American 
drivers are fearful of their fellow drivers.

    More than four-fifths (83%) of drivers surveyed were fearful that other
drivers are not paying sufficient attention to the road.  Other fears cited in
the survey were aggressive driving by motorists (75%); drivers on drugs or
alcohol (74%); drivers who are too tired to drive and/or whose reaction time
is too slow (63%); other drivers being either too old or too young to drive
(57%); and that other drivers don't know the rules of the road (49%).

    Interestingly, the survey also revealed that while they are fearful of
others, 86% of American drivers consider themselves to be "a good driver."
"There is a curious disconnect between peoples' perception of other drivers'
abilities and their own," noted Mory Katz, Chairman of Response Insurance.
"Clearly a lot of us need to think about our own driving habits and make sure
that safe, responsible driving is the number one priority not just for others,
but for ourselves, as well."