from staff
Florida drivers improved their knowledge of the rules of the road the past two years.
Really.
According to the 2011 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test, Florida drivers ranked No. 37 in the nation for their driving knowledge with an average score of 76.5 percent on the test, where the passing score is 70.
In 2010, the state ranked No. 41 with an average score of 75.2 percent. The state ranked lower, at No. 43, in 2009 at 74.1 percent.
This year, 18 percent of Florida respondents failed the test.
Overall nationwide, the 7th annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results showed that 1 in 5 drivers on the road today cannot meet the basic requirements for a driver’s license.
That means 36.9 million American drivers, or about 18 percent, would not pass the written driver’s test if taken today.
Kansas continued in first place with an average score of 82.9 percent. New York was bumped from last by Washington, D.C., which showed an average score of 71.8 percent.
“The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for America’s driving IQ,” said Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer of GMAC Insurance, in a news release.
“All drivers need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education. We’re hoping this year’s GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results will inspire drivers to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe,” he said.
The average score of all drivers increased from 76.2 percent in 2010 to 77.9 percent this year, although GMAC said the results suggest that a great number of people on the road still lack basic driving knowledge, and that can lead to dangerous driving habits.
For example, 85 percent could not identify the correct action to take when approaching a steady yellow traffic light, and only a quarter were aware of safe following distances.
The survey polled 5,130 licensed drivers ages 16-65 from 50 states and the District of Columbia. The 2011 test gauged driver knowledge by asking 20 questions taken from state Department of Motor Vehicles exams.
The test was administered online by TNS, a custom research agency.
Some highlights from the report:
• Males are better drivers? If driving knowledge is any indication of driving habits, men are better drivers than women. Overall, 1 in 4 women failed the test (27.2 percent versus 13.6 percent for male). Males had an average score of 80.2 percent versus 74.1 percent for females.
• The Northeast is the worst driving region. The average score among Northeast drivers was 74.9 percent. The Midwest is the best driving region, with average scoring at 77.5 percent.
• The older, the wiser. The oldest drivers tested, ages 60-65, continued to have the highest average test scores at 80.3 percent.
• Be careful in the Empire State and Beltway. The study found that 1 of 3 (34 percent) of all drivers in New York and Washington, D.C., failed the test. The state with the lowest percentage of failures is Wyoming, with only 1 of 20 (4.5 percent) failing the test.
• New York is no longer last. New York moved to No. 45, with a score of 75.3 percent, after placing last during the past three years in a row.
• Biggest gains and losses. After ranking No. 24 in 2010, Colorado moved to third place with an 82 percent average score. Alaska plummeted 30 spots from 10th place in 2010 to No. 40 this year. The average test score there decreased from a 79.8 percent average to a 76 percent average.
Take the test and view the full results at www.gmacinsurance.com.
Top driving mistakes that cause crashes
• Multitasking while driving. Driving tip: When you turn the car on, turn the gadgets off. No matter how busy your day is, when you’re on the road, focus only on driving. Catch up on other activities later and avoid unnecessary accidents.
• Following too closely. Driving Tip: One thousand one, one thousand two. Leave a two-second cushion between you and the vehicle ahead. It could save your bumper and your life. Make sure to double or triple that interval when the weather is inclement or the pavement is slick.
• Failure to yield on a left-hand turn. Driving Tip: Check the flow before you go. Look at the street you are turning into to make sure that no vehicles or pedestrians are in your path.
• Incorrect merging. Driving Tip: Yellow is for yield. Accidents often occur when you are stuck behind a driver who interprets yield as “stop.” Don’t be the guilty party. Use the ramp as a means for merging into traffic, not causing it.
• Backing up. Driving Tip: Look over your shoulder. Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. Your mirrors have a margin of error, so don’t rely on them alone. Look over your shoulder before backing up.