Only 1 in 5 americans fit to drive

[Sarah]

More than one in five Americans -- some 36.9 million -- are not fit to drive and would fail a driving test if asked to take one today, according to a new survey of the nation's drivers.

Shocking as that may be, it's actually an improvement. Last year, 38 million received failing grades. Nationwide, the average score this year increased to 77.9% from 76.2% in 2010.


According to GMAC Insurance, which conducted the survey, the results mean that a great number of people on the road still lack basic driving knowledge, an ignorance that leads to dangerous driving habits.

For example, a full 85% of those surveyed could not identify the correct action to take when approaching a steady yellow traffic light.

And only one in four knew safe following distances

But, the survey suggests, you can avoid some of these drivers if you know what to look for: Young people, women and motorists who live in the Northeast.

Twenty-seven percent of women failed the test, while males had a failure rate of 13.6%. The oldest drivers tested -- ages 60 to 65 -- had the highest average test scores at 80.3%.

Drivers in the Northeast scored lowest, while respondents in the Midwest fared best. The worst place, no surprise to anyone who drives there, is Washington, D.C.

Wyoming, where less than 5% of the population failed the test, took home the top prize for states.

The annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers test polled 5,130 licensed drivers from 50 states and the District of Columbia with a 20-question test derived from state department of motor vehicles exams.

See Article here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Americ...213013421.html

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by Sarah

But, the survey suggests, you can avoid some of these drivers if you know what to look for: Young people, women and motorists who live in the Northeast.

Twenty-seven percent of women failed the test, while males had a failure rate of 13.6%. The oldest drivers tested -- ages 60 to 65 -- had the highest average test scores at 80.3%.

Well I guess science just proved it. Women can't drive.

[TOMS1SS]

Doesn't surprise me, most people think its okay to lane wander and go 10 MPH over the speed limit at all times.

[HDRDTD]

Originally Posted by TOMS1SS

Doesn't surprise me, most people think its okay to lane wander and go 10 MPH over the speed limit at all times.

While talking on the phone.

[Sarah]

i agree with all the people to avoid.

Women, Young adults and Motorist from the Northeast.

Def not going to say i'm a good driver but i guess im putting my own camaro at risk all because whats im my pants.
My husband is from Jersey. Everyone there are angry drivers, so they drive emotionally. Someone doesn't use their turn signal, he starts riding on someones a$$. Cant do that in texas, its considered your fault if that person brakes hard.

[CamaroSpike23]

Originally Posted by Sarah

The annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers test polled 5,130 licensed drivers from 50 states and the District of Columbia with a 20-question test derived from state department of motor vehicles exams.

keep in mind, there's what? ~309million (documented) people in America, of which about 88% of those are licensed to drive. so roughly 271,920,000 people.

of which they polled 5130. which equates to just under 1/500th of a percent of the population.

5130 people from 50 states plus DC. so basically an average of 100 people from each state (ideally, but nothing states that they polled from each state equally).


not saying their info isnt correct, just that it needs to be taken with a grain of salt...


then again, I am a white male from the midwest.
personally, I think the number should be higher...lol

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Your thread title is not correct. It should read 1 in 5 drivers not fit.

[toesuf94]

It scares me to drive these days...too many distractions with everyone these days!

[Cristoff]

I'd say 1 in 5 is light.

On my commute I'd say it was closer to 1 in 2...

[PHEOX]

Houston drivers = Hell. It's ridiculous here. You always have to be on your clutch and brake to avoid idiotic minivan moms and "cool" teens who weave everywhere. I know I don't have a ton of room to talk being 16, but I know that I piss people off all the time here because I'm accelerating too "slowly" for them. Sorry for trying to get clean shifts and not ram someone's rear fascia.

[CamaroSkooter]

This is my shocked face... º¿º

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Cristoff

I'd say 1 in 5 is light.

On my commute I'd say it was closer to 1 in 2...

Not knowing the rules & not following the rules are two different things.

[CAPT D]

I can believe it. My sister is one of those people.

[Oddball]

Originally Posted by Sarah

i agree with all the people to avoid.

Women, Young adults and Motorist from the Northeast.

Def not going to say i'm a good driver but i guess im putting my own camaro at risk all because whats im my pants.
My husband is from Jersey. Everyone there are angry drivers, so they drive emotionally. Someone doesn't use their turn signal, he starts riding on someones a$$. Cant do that in texas, its considered your fault if that person brakes hard.

Do NOT confuse New Jersey with the rest of the North-East. You can lump them in with new york if you like.