Study: Pennsylvania Ranks Among Worst For Rude Drivers
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Just a few short months ago, Pittsburgh drivers were ranked the worst drivers in the country by one study, turns out, now we're being called the rudest drivers as well.
AYTM Market Research wasn't grading on a "curve" when they ranked Pennsylvania 42nd out of 50 states for courteous driving. The grade: "D" for discourteous.
Drivers were asked questions like: "How often do you use turning signals?" or "Would you steal someone's parking spot?"
Not surprisingly the question Pennsylvania drivers fared the worst on: "What do you do when you're in the left lane and suddenly realize your exit is rapidly approaching all the way on the right?
a. Turn on your blinker and merge right as quickly as possible
b. Get off at the next exit
c. Make a beeline for your exit
KDKA drove to the PennDOT district office in Bridgeville where safety press officer Jasmine Manyisha says road rage is on the rise.
"We have to practice patience. You have to pay attention to your surroundings. And do not be an aggressive driver," she said. "I think a lot of things occur when motorists are practicing aggressive behavior, such as tailgating, speeding, improper passing, running red lights and stop signs. It's a serious problem that we see in Pittsburgh."
PennDOT is teaming up with law enforcement to target aggressive driving. At AAA headquarters in East Liberty, spokesman Jim Garrity says it's best not to anger another driver in the first place.
"A lot of it can be done on your end. It's not always about the other driver. Of course, everybody should obey the speed limit. Avoid tailgating. Avoid crossing over multiple lanes at once."
We asked AAA clients if our city and state deserve this ranking.
"We have wonderful drivers," a Slippery Rock woman said. "They pull over, let you out. Maybe A-minus at the worst."
Is it possible that Pittsburgh may not be the primary culprit? Could it be that the average is actually being brought down by our neighbor to the east: the City of Brotherly Love?
"I think Pittsburgh's pretty friendly," a man adds. "We've got the 'Pittsburgh Left.' But out in Philly, you hesitate at the light a split second, and they're laying on the horn!"
The survey found that the east coast had the least courteous drivers.
New York was the state with the least courteous drivers.
Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Montana and Alaska had the most courteous drivers.
The survey was done by Kars4Kids, which promotes courteous driving. The campaign is called Drive Human, with the goal of reminding drivers that they share the road with other people, not faceless cars.
