Distracted driving, speeding and driving while impaired contribute to tens of thousands of traffic deaths each year. And in total, federal officials estimate that more than 39,000 people were killed in all U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year but still a stark reminder of the persistent public health crisis on American roads.
The annual Traffic Safety Culture Index examines driver attitudes, self-reported behaviors and support for traffic safety policies. This year’s results highlight a clear pattern: Even as some drivers continue to take dangerous risks, most Americans want stronger safeguards that prevent impaired driving, including advanced vehicle technologies and more protective legal standards.
- 67% of respondents supported requiring all new cars to include alcohol-impairment prevention technology.
- 51% of respondents supported lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08 to 0.05.
Despite this support for countermeasures, the survey found that drivers are still choosing to drive impaired. While 93% said driving after drinking is very or extremely dangerous, 7% said they did so in the past 30 days. That trend persisted for marijuana-impaired driving: 70% said driving within an hour of using marijuana is very or extremely dangerous — and 6% reported doing so.
“Impaired driving has resulted in devastating outcomes for too long, and these findings make it clear that the public is ready for solutions,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Especially at a time when so many drivers still admit to risky driving behaviors, it’s critical that we leverage the tools and technologies that can make a measurable difference.”
The survey also found risky behavior persists in other areas.
Distracted Driving
- Almost all respondents said scrolling social media (97%), texting/emailing (94%) and reading on a hand-held phone (90%) are extremely or very dangerous behind the wheel — yet 28% texted, 37% read messages and 36% talked on a hand-held phone while driving.
Aggressive Driving and Speeding
- Aggressive driving (90%) and running red lights (80%) were considered extremely or very dangerous, but speeding was seen as less dangerous compared to other risky behaviors.
- 58% said a driver is very or somewhat likely to be caught by the police for driving 15 mph over the speed limit, yet about half of respondents reported driving 15 mph over the speed limit in the past month.
For more information on survey methodology, data considerations and results, please refer to the full Traffic Safety Culture Index report.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
