---

EASY RIDERS: Maritz AmeriPoll Finds Most Americans Enjoy Driving, Feel Safe in Their Cars

25 February 1998

EASY RIDERS: Maritz AmeriPoll Finds Most Americans Enjoy Driving, Feel Safe in Their Cars

    ST. LOUIS, Feb. 25 -- Despite news reports of carjackings and
cases of "road rage," a new study has found that most Americans generally feel
safe getting behind the wheel.  According to a recent Maritz AmeriPoll(R),
only 23% of Americans say there are times when they don't feel safe in their
cars. An additional 28% are neutral on the subject, while nearly half say they
do feel safe.  Women expressed more anxiety than men, with 27% saying they
sometimes felt unsafe, compared to just 19% of men. The poll is the subject of
a feature article in the March issue of American Demographics.
    Widespread use of cellular telephones may help contribute to some
motorists' peace of mind:  Nearly 30% say they usually have a working
telephone with them while driving.  Drivers age 25-34 are most likely to have
cell phones (38%), closely followed by the 35-44 age group (37%).
    When asked to rate their feelings about the statement, "Traffic congestion
is a source of stress in my life," respondents are evenly distributed:  36%
agreed, 28% are neutral, and 35% disagreed.  Widely differing geographic
locations and commuting distances may account for the even spread.
    Jam or no traffic jam, 45% of respondents agreed with the statement,
"Driving is my time to think and enjoy being alone."
    Some statistics on the average American driver:
    *  39% drive less than 100 miles each week; 30% drive 100-299 miles; men
accrue significantly more mileage than women.
    *  Just 17% carpool to work at least once a week; 18-24-year-olds are most
likely to carpool (28%).
    *  Work commutes break down as follows:
       - 27% drive less than 10 minutes
       - 42% 10-29 minutes
       - 24% 30 minutes or more
    *  Only 4% take public transportation to work at least once each week;
low-income and elderly Americans are most likely to utilize public transit.
    Maritz AmeriPoll is a copyrighted poll conducted by Maritz Marketing
Research Inc.  Accuracy of the survey results is within +/- 3.09%.  Results of
the poll may be used in print or broadcast media, provided credit is given to
the Maritz AmeriPoll and/or Maritz Marketing Research Inc.

SOURCE  Maritz Marketing