Driving Campaign Study Marks Michigan Drivers as “Courteous”
A modest but brag-worthy study from the Drive Human campaign, a courteous driving awareness crusade launched for summer 2017, shows Michigan drivers hold up to their “Midwest Nice” reputation. Michigan ranked #15, scoring in the top half of the country for being home to nice and courteous drivers and was given a B+ driving score. Even though survey feedback concluded that Michigan drivers respond poorly to being tailgated, they are still the most polite when it comes to backed up exit lanes and speedy drivers trying to pass on the left.
The Drive Human campaign was created to promote better driving habits among Americans. The results were based on individual online surveys through AYTM (Ask Your Target Market) with 50 licensed drivers in each state for a total of 2500 respondents, aged 18 and older, and conducted from March to April 2017. Another recent study led by QuoteWizard supports the Drive Human campaign findings. QuoteWizard’s research determined which of America’s 75 most populous metro city areas have the best and worst drivers. This study showed similar results and named Detroit, Michigan as one of the top ten best cities to have good drivers, with the lowest accident rate and speeding citations.
How to Be A Courteous Driver
Unfortunately, not all of Michigan’s drivers are courteous or good-at-driving. These drivers clog up roadways and cause major personal injuries to others with their accident prone driving decisions like speeding, violating traffic sign laws, distracted driving, and driving under the influence or with aggressive anger. Here are some tips for novice or experienced drivers alike to become more courteous.
- Do not cruise or drive in the passing lane. In a multi-lane road, highway or freeway, the left lane is the passing lane.
- Do not use cruise control when passing a vehicle. When you pass another car, do so quickly and safely.
- Turn off your high beams when you see oncoming traffic. Although a helpful feature when driving at night, these bright lights can also blind drivers traveling in the opposite direction or a driver ahead of you.
- Keep a safe distance from the driver ahead of you. Tailgating greatly reduces your reaction time and increases the likelihood of a collision upon sudden stops.
- Do not stop at the end of on-ramps; merge with the flow of traffic.
- Always use your turn signal before changing lanes.
- Focus on driving! Texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, applying makeup or reaching for items in the backseat all distract you while driving. Remember, it is illegal to text and drive in Michigan!
- Following a traffic accident, if you’re not seriously harmed and the damage is minor, move your vehicle to the side of a road. Once away from traffic, you can contact the police and insurance company, as well as exchange car insurance policy information with the other driver.
Lastly, when driving, obey traffic laws, never drink alcohol or use drugs, and always wear a safety belt Make sure all passengers are appropriately buckled up including children who should be in the right size child seat.
Don’t be afraid to share these rules of the road with someone you know who may be a less-than-courteous driver and let us know if it helps.
Keeping Bad Drivers Accountable
If you or someone you love was injured in a vehicle accident caused by another driver, you or your family may be entitled to compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call The Lee Steinberg Law Firm today for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Michigan auto accident attorneys: 1-800-LEE-FREE.
