AAA Survey Finds More Washington Drivers Opting for Safety Behind the Wheel

Editor’s Note: “Speak Up” PSA for download & free use on your platforms, Cited survey data

Today, AAA Washington announces findings from new research that show more and more Washingtonians are choosing to put down their phones while driving. The same survey reveals children and passengers as the primary motivators for driving distraction-free. Distracted drivers are involved in at least a quarter of fatal crashes in Washington State. To keep raising awareness of the issue, AAA launches a new message, encouraging people to “Speak Up” during Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April.

Three years ago, AAA launched a campaign bringing attention to distracted driving, showing how the consequences of texting and driving are similar to drinking and driving — deaths and serious injuries,” said Kelly Just, AAA Washington’s traffic safety program manager. “In this new research, we see our public awareness campaign is working! More and more of us are choosing to put down our phones while driving – currently 82 percent of Washington drivers. That’s up from 69 percent in AAA’s 2018 distracted driving survey.

Children + Passengers Help Prevent Distracted Driving

Perhaps the most interesting finding from the research is the vital role both kids and passengers play in preventing distracted driving. Roughly, half of all drivers surveyed said they would be most influenced against using a phone/device behind the wheel if a child or passenger spoke up and asked them to stop, 51 percent and 49 percent respectively. The survey also showed that the mere presence of a passenger under age 18 prevents distracted driving behaviors, including legal interactions.

About AAA’s “Speak Up” Public Service Campaign

AAA’s new “Speak Up” public service announcement (PSA) leans into that research, showing what can happen when a passenger voices concern about distracted driving. The PSA is part of a wider “Don’t drive intoxicated. Don’t drive intexticated.” campaign, launched in November 2018. The new “Speak Up” video is available on AAA.com/distracteddriving.

We want to encourage Washington drivers to be safe from all distractions behind the wheel,” said Just. “Reaching into the glove box, grabbing something from your bag in the passenger seat, snacking while driving, turning around to check the back seat – these seemingly mundane behaviors distract your eyes and mind from the road. Lives can change in a matter of seconds.

About AAA’s 2021 Washington Distracted Driving Survey

Conducted in November 2021 on behalf of AAA Washington, GMA Research surveyed 1,000 Washington residents screened to be age 16 and older, have a valid driver license and drive at least 10 miles/week on average. With a sample size of 1,000, the digital survey — taken on smart phones, tablets, and laptop and desktop computers— carries a 95% confidence rate; margin of error is +/- 3.2%.

About AAA Washington:

AAA Washington was established in 1904 by 10 prominent Seattleites determined to champion the betterment of motoring conditions and laws, the preservation of Washington state’s natural beauty and the promotion of Washington as an unrivaled tourist destination. Nearly 120 years later, the club continues to pursue these on behalf of its 1.2 million members.

Members of AAA Washington receive exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts on hotels and rental cars, comprehensive insurance options, and personalized trip planning. AAA Washington was named a Best Place to Work by Puget Sound Business Journal and voted the best Travel/Tourism Company by 425 Business readers in 2023, and AAA was named one of the most trusted travel and automotive brands in the U.S. Additional information is available through the company’s Washington and northern Idaho stores and at www.AAA.com. 

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

Media Contact

Fearey o/b/o AAA Washington 
AAA@feareygroup.com 
206-838-9209

Twitter: @AAA_Washington
Facebook: AAA Washington
Instagram: aaawashington

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