Recently, GMAC Insurance released the results for their 2011 National Drivers Test. These tests are nothing to brag about as the study concluded that 1 out of every 5 drivers fails to meet basic road requirements to obtain a driver’s license. This means nearly 37 million American drivers, or roughly 20 percent of motorists on our roadways, would not be able to pass the written drivers test if they were to take it today. This lack of road knowledge greatly increases the risks for a car accident in Boston.
“The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for America’s driving IQ,” said Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer, GMAC Insurance. “All Americans 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.”
Our Boston car accident attorneys note that these test results concluded that the average score on this GMAC drivers test was less than 78 percent in 2011. While this is a near 2 percent increase from the previous year, the average score is still alarmingly low. This means that a large number of motorists on our roadways lack basic knowledge of driving skills and rules.
Nearly 90 percent of drivers that took this test could not identify the correct action to take when pulling up to a steady yellow traffic light. One a quarter of tested drivers were able to list safe following distances.
“All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to basic driving rules,” said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president, GMAC Insurance – Personal Lines. “Being a safe driver is about conduct, judgment and knowledge. We’re hoping this year’s results encourage people to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”
Massachusetts’ drivers rank 47th in the United States in driver intelligence. Our state dropped nine spots in the rankings since the previous year when we ranked 38th.
The Northeast region of the country submitted the worst scores of all regions. The Midwest region scored the best on this test. Typically, male drivers scored better than female drivers, with roughly 14 percent of men failing the test compared to approximately 27 percent of women. Older drivers also tested better.
The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test is conducted to serve as a reminder to drivers to freshen up on their credentials to help decrease their risk of being involved in an accident.
“The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test shows me that too many Americans are coming up short when it comes to knowing the rules of the road,” said Casey Mears, driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. “Whether you’re on the race track or in the real world, it’s about being safe, respecting other drivers and being educated about how to handle certain situations.”
The 2011 test quizzed driver knowledge through a series of 20 questions taken from state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tests. National data was weighted to percentage of state population, gender, ethnicity and age. The seventh annual survey had 5,130 licensed driver participants between the ages of 15 and 66 from all over the country.
Want to give the GMAC Insurance National Driving Test a whirl and see how your driving knowledge measures up? Visit their website and test your driving skills.
If you have been injured in an accident in the Boston area, contact Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Stay Home! Avoid the risk of a Boston car accident, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, February 2, 2011
Boston road rage a big city danger; common cause of Massachusetts car accidents, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, March 18, 2011