Americans Say They're More Often Aware Behind The Wheel These Days
Survey of 30,000 Americans Reveals Our State of Mind While Driving Has changed in Light of Terrorist Attacks
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio — April 1, 2002 —A recent phone survey of 30,000 Americans, conducted as part of ongoing market research and in an effort to understand people's driving habits, looked to uncover a change, if any, in people's state of mind while driving since the terrorist attacks of September 11.
According to the survey conducted by Progressive Insurance (NYSE: PGR), 38 percent of drivers describe their state of mind while driving as more "aware" in light of the attacks — while 14 percent say they are more "tolerant" and two percent say they are more "anxious." Only one percent of respondents say they are either more angry, fearful or distracted behind the wheel.
Progressive Insurance conducted the study from October through December 2001.
When asked, "In light of the recent terrorist attacks, which of the following best describes your usual state of mind while driving?":
- Women (41 percent) were slightly more likely than men (34 percent) to report their usual state of mind while driving as more "aware."
- Respondents ages 18 to 24 were nearly two times more likely than any other age group to describe their usual state of mind while driving as "fearful."
- Older respondents are more likely to be more tolerant ... thirteen percent of respondents ages 55 to 64 describe their driving state of mind as "tolerant" — compared to only 10 percent of respondents ages 18 to 24.
Progressive Insurance (NYSE: PGR), headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is the nation's fourth largest auto insurance company. In business since 1937, the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person and online services. The company sells its products over the phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVESM, online at progressive.com, and through more than 30,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. More information about Progressive can be found at progressive.com.
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