Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A new survey finds nearly half of American drivers find being behind the wheel now is more dangerous than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pew Research survey finds many U.S. adults feel driving in their area has become more dangerous than it was before the pandemic. Most see cellphone distraction behind the wheel as a major problem in their local community, and about a quarter report witnessing road rage often.
That is no surprise to AAA's Elizabeth Carey, who says AAA has conducted similar surveys with similar results.
"Unfortunately, some of the driving habits have gotten a little bit more aggressive throughout the pandemic and since the pandemic," said Carey in an interview with WBEN.
According to Carey, people don't have patience behind the wheel, so people are getting upset and wanting to get places faster.
Carey says while drivers say road rage is a problem, some admit to contributing to it.
"Popping the finger at someone, beeping at someone, tailgating someone on purpose, all signs that it's very dangerous to do so behind the wheel, and it's making the roads more unsafe," Carey noted.
Another issue brought up in the survey: Cell phone use.
"It used to just be people looking at a text here and there, which is dangerous enough, but now we're seeing people looking at social media, even checking their email, making a video, making a Tiktok, checking YouTube. These are things you can't do when you're driving a car. You need to be able to put the phone down and focus on the task of driving," Carey warned.
Carey adds marijuana use has become an increasing issue for driving safety.
"Marijuana became legalized for recreational use in New York, but it's still illegal to use marijuana and get behind the wheel of a car. That's something AAA and state police have trying to make clear to everyone that it's still illegal. It never said that you can use marijuana and then get behind the wheel and drive," Carey said.
Contrary to what some users think, people have a slower reaction time when they use marijuana, and it's not safe to do so behind the wheel.
Carey also preaches patience when driving during the upcoming holiday season.