Daily Record: Florida drivers not the most knowledgeable

Florida drivers are among the least knowledgeable drivers on the road out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to GMAC Insurance based on its National Drivers Test.

For 2010, Florida drivers rank No. 41 with an average score of 75.2, compared with the drivers in Kansas, the best at 82.3, and in New York, the worst at 70.

Florida drivers don’t appear to be improving much.

Florida drivers rose from No. 43 in 2009 but fell from No. 28 in 2008. The average grade for drivers in the Sunshine State rose from 74.1 in 2009 but dropped from 78.6 in 2008

GMAC reported that its sixth annual test indicates that about 38 million licensed drivers in the country lack basic driving knowledge. It surveyed 5,202 drivers representative of the 50 states and D.C. who completed 20 questions from Department of Motor Vehicle tests.

GMAC found two primary trouble spots: Following too closely and not knowing what to do at a traffic light displaying a steady yellow signal (which GMAC says is to stop if it is safe to do so). The survey also found that drivers are distracted.

In addition to the 20-question exam, GMAC asked about habits and found:

• 52 percent of drivers talk with passengers while driving. 
• About 25 percent of drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone, selecting songs on an iPod or CD, adjusting the radio or eating while driving.
• 5 percent reported they text while driving.

Overall, a significantly higher percentage of females than males reported engaging in the following distracting situations: conversation with passengers, selecting songs on an iPod or CD/adjusting the radio, talking on a cell phone, eating, applying makeup and reading.  Test Your Knowledge and take the quiz today.

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