GMAC Insurance Study: Nearly 1 in 5 American Drivers Unfit for the Road

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the 2011 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results revealed that nearly 1 in 5 drivers on the road today cannot meet the basic requirements to get a driver's license, meaning that 36.9 million American drivers – roughly 18 percent – would not pass the written drivers test if taken today. Kansas continued their reign in first place (82.9 percent average score), while New York was bumped from last by Washington, D.C. (71.8 percent average score). Take the test and view the full results at www.gmacinsurance.com.

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"The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for America's driving IQ," said Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer, GMAC Insurance.  "All drivers need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education.  We're hoping this year's GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results will inspire drivers to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe."

The average score of all drivers increased from 76.2 percent in 2010 to 77.9 percent this year, but results suggest that a great number of people on the road still lack basic driving knowledge, which can lead to dangerous driving habits. Eighty-five percent could not identify the correct action to take when approaching a steady yellow traffic light, and only a quarter were aware of safe following distances.

Without critical driving comprehension, many drivers run the risk of increased accidents or near accidents, where they often come to the realization of their lack of knowledge on rules of the road. The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test sets out to remind drivers to re-up their credentials before such events occur.

The seventh annual survey polled 5,130 licensed drivers ages 16-65, from 50 states and the District of Columbia.  The 2011 test gauged driver knowledge by administering 20 questions taken from state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) exams. The test was administered online by TNS, the world's largest custom research agency. National data was weighted to percentage of state population, age, gender and ethnicity.  

GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test Highlights

• Males are better drivers? If driving knowledge is any indication of driving habits, men are better drivers than women. 1 in 4 women failed the test (27.2 percent versus 13.6 percent for male).  Overall, males out-performed females with an average score of 80.2 percent versus 74.1 percent for females.  

• Northeast is worst driving region with average scoring at 74.9 percent.  Midwest is best driving region with average scoring at 77.5 percent.  

• The older the wiser. Oldest drivers tested, ages 60-65, continued to have the highest average test scores at 80.3 percent.

• Be careful in the Empire State and Beltway: 1 of 3 (34 percent) of all drivers in New York and Washington, D.C. failed the test. The state with the lowest percentage of failures is Wyoming, with only 1 of 20 (4.5 percent) failing the test.

• New York no longer last: New York moves to 45th after placing last three years in a row with a score of 75.3 percent

• Biggest gains and losses: After ranking 24th place in 2010, Colorado moves to third place with an 82 percent average score. Alaska plummeted 30 spots from tenth place in 2010 to 40th place this year. Their average test score decreased from a 79.8 percent average to a 76 percent average.

Think you're smarter than the average driver? Take the test.

Test your driving smarts at www.gmacinsurance.com where you can take the survey and challenge friends to top your score.  Facebook users can take the National Drivers Test Facebook quiz and challenge their friends, and Twitter users can follow the Drivers Test Twitter page for updates on state rankings and tidbits on safe driving habits.

For more information about GMAC Insurance or to find a local independent agent, call 877-468-3466, or visit www.gmacinsurance.com.

About GMAC Insurance Personal Lines Group

GMAC Insurance Personal Lines Group is one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States. GMAC Insurance Personal Lines Group offers property and casualty products, including personal auto, RV, motorcycle, commercial auto and homeowners insurance. With a nationwide network of claims professionals, local independent agents and brokers and a 24-hour, toll-free claims hotline available 365 days a year, GMAC Insurance provides superior claims service for its customers.

About TNS

TNS is the global leader in custom market research delivering actionable insights and research-based business advice to clients around the globe so they can make more effective business decisions. TNS offers comprehensive industry knowledge within the Consumer, Technology, Finance, Automotive and Political & Social sectors, supported by a unique product offering that stretches across the entire range of marketing and business issues, specializing in product development & innovation, brand & communication, stakeholder management, retail & shopper, and qualitative research. Delivering best-in-class service across more than 80 countries, TNS is dedicated to discovering growth opportunities for its clients in an ever-changing world. Through its pioneering and innovative culture, TNS understands the latest marketing challenges and research techniques, being the first to discover and solve new marketing issues for clients.

DISCOVER – A changing world: New territories, new media, new opportunities.

TNS is part of Kantar, one of the world's largest insight, information and consultancy networks.

Please visit www.tnsglobal.com for more information.

SOURCE GMAC Insurance