In 2023, nearly 41,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives in traffic crashes. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a tragic loss for families, friends, and communities. While the number of deaths marks a small improvement from the previous year, it’s clear that the dangerous habits we see on our roads remain a significant threat to everyone’s safety.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has taken a closer look at why car accidents happen and how we can prevent them. Their annual Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) offers insights into how drivers think about risky behaviors and, more importantly, how often they actually engage in them. The findings reveal that even when people know better, many still choose to take risks behind the wheel.
What drivers admit about their habits
Let’s be honest, most of us know what’s dangerous on the road. But knowing and doing are two different things. The AAA survey asked drivers about behaviors such as texting, speeding, and driving while tired or impaired. While nearly everyone agreed these actions are dangerous, a large percentage admitted to doing them anyway in the last 30 days.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common yet dangerous behaviors. Nearly all drivers (93%) said texting or emailing while driving is extremely risky. But here’s the kicker:
- 27% admitted to sending a text or email while driving.
- 37% said they’ve read a text or email behind the wheel.
- 36% confessed to holding their phone to talk while driving.
Speeding and aggressive driving
Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors also pose major risks, even though most drivers understand their dangers. Here's what the survey found:
- 89% of drivers believe aggressive driving is dangerous.
- 81% see running red lights as risky.
- Yet, 27% admitted to running at least one red light in the past month.
- Almost half (49%) drove 15 mph over the limit on a freeway.
- 36% sped 10 mph over the limit on residential streets.
Drowsy driving
Nearly everyone surveyed (96%) acknowledged the dangers of driving while drowsy. Still, 20% admitted to doing it recently. Driving tired doesn’t just make you less alert; it slows your reaction time and impairs judgment.
Impaired driving from alcohol and cannabis
Drunk driving remains one of the most condemned risky behaviors. An overwhelming 95% of drivers said it’s dangerous and socially unacceptable, yet 7% admitted to doing it. Cannabis use while driving is a growing concern. Only 70% of drivers viewed it as very dangerous, and 6% admitted to driving after using cannabis in the past month.
Who’s taking the risks?
Not all drivers behave the same way. To understand the problem better, the AAA Foundation categorized drivers into five groups based on their habits:
- Safe drivers (34.9%): Rarely engage in risky behaviors.
- Distracted drivers (19%): Regularly use their phones or engage in other distractions.
- Speeding drivers (32.6%): Habitually drive over the speed limit.
- Distracted and aggressive drivers (11%): Combine distractions with aggressive actions.
- Most dangerous drivers (2.5%): Engage in all risky behaviors, including speeding, distraction, and impairment.
The most dangerous drivers spend more time on the road and often drive older cars with fewer safety features. Meanwhile, even safe drivers admitted to occasional risky behaviors, which shows that no one is entirely immune to poor decisions behind the wheel.
What experts say about these driving behaviors
Traffic safety experts agree that education, enforcement, and smarter resource allocation are key to reducing risky driving behaviors. Dr. David Yang, President of the AAA Foundation, pointed out the human cost of these crashes. "Behind every deadly statistic is a real person,” Yang said. "This work helps us uncover the public’s perspective on traffic safety, enabling the creation of targeted solutions that make a real difference in reducing traffic crashes and fatalities."
Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy, stressed the importance of focusing on speed enforcement. "Most risk-taking drivers also speed," Nelson said. “By prioritizing speed enforcement, police can curb a wide range of risky driving behaviors and maximize their lifesaving impact.”
What is New Mexico doing to address the problem?
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recently awarded $7.5 million to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and the Department of Public Safety to fund the Target Zero program.
This funding will improve the state’s crash data collection and help officials identify the root causes of accidents. NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna explained how these efforts will create safer roads. "Comprehensive crash data will allow us to identify the root causes of traffic incidents, making our roads safer for everyone," Serna said.
By combining data-driven strategies with public education and enforcement, New Mexico's goal is to reduce traffic deaths and serve as a model for other states.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, Szantho Law Firm is here to help
While initiatives like the Target Zero program can help prevent accidents on New Mexico roads, you can't control the actions of every other driver. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, your life could change in an instant.
You might feel overwhelmed by mounting medical bills, lost income, and the challenges of recovery. On top of that, the other driver's insurance company is pressuring you into a lowball settlement or trying to deny your compensation altogether. However, an experienced New Mexico car accident lawyer at Szantho Law Firm can help you fight back against the at-fault driver and their insurance provider.
When you choose Szantho Law Firm, you’re getting a law firm that will fight for your best possible outcome. We'll work tirelessly to investigate your car accident, build your case, and fight for maximum compensation, either through a settlement or court award. Our legal team also operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
To see how we can help you, contact us online or call our law offices in Albuquerque or Santa Fe today for a free consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and explain what to expect at every step in the process.
"The Szantho Law Firm handled my case professionally and aggressively and made sure that my insurance company was held accountable. Due to Mr. Szantho's aggressive and spirited representation, my insurance company gave a settlement that I was very happy with. Mr. Szantho also made sure that my medical bills were paid and dealt directly with my medical providers. I was extremely happy with the representation that I received with the Szantho Law Firm, and I would highly recommend the Szantho Law Firm to anyone who has been injured in a car accident." - JM, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐