Drivers in the U.S. are known for doing things while driving that motorists from other countries often find appalling … or at least they claim to anyway. However, the most common behavior U.S. drivers own up to is likely to be a pretty universal exhibition: crying.
Much of the focus on “distracted driving” so often focuses on using smart phones and how texting while driving or even talking on the phone while driving causes real problems on America’s roadways; however, distracted driving takes on many forms.
A recent study released from automotive technology company Drivemode found that nearly 38% people admitted to crying while behind the wheel, making it America’s most common bizarre driving behavior.
Aside from being a band that was popular in the Southeastern U.S. a few decades ago, drivin’ n cryin’ isn’t really all that unusual, but what took second place on the list might throw a few for a loop. One in six, or 16% of Americans, claimed to have engaged in some form of sexual activity was motoring down the road.
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Twenty-four percent of men claim to have done this, only 8% of women have said they have engaged in sexual acts while behind the wheel.
“In our modern, always connected world, it’s easier than ever to find yourself distractedly multitasking,” said Yo Koga, CEO and cofounder of Drivemode.
“In this study we’ve found that many Americans treat their cars as an extension of their home, workplace and even bedroom. All these distracting behaviors on the road reinforces the fact that your smartphone shouldn’t be one of them.”
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Some other findings about what Americans are doing in their vehicles, include:
- 14% admitted to drinking alcohol while driving
- 10% put on makeup
- 10% changed clothes
- 10% posted to social media
Twice as many men as women admitted to drinking while driving. Nearly one in five (19%) of men said they have drunk alcohol while driving compared to 9% of women.
Apparently, as one ages, they become more comfortable with the idea of drinking while driving. Fifteen percent of drivers older than 55 (i.e. baby boomers) admitted to having had a drink while driving, compared to 12% of Millennials.
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Individuals with children under the age of 18 are very distracted drivers. People with kids are twice as likely to have flossed/brushed their teeth (10% to 5%), taken a selfie (12% to 6%) and posted on social media (18% to 7%) than their peers with adult children or without any children at all.
Add at least 30 percent to those stated percentages and you’d be closer to accurate, IMO.
It’s no surprise at all that crying while driving is the #1 odd behavior. Anyone who knows how to drive properly and who drives appropriately is brought to tears in the U.S. daily by the gross incompetence and ignorance displayed by 85+ percent of U.S. vehicle operators. This is a troubling, painful experience endured daily in the U.S. Unfortunately even crying can’t fix stupid.