Canadians would give up bad driving habits for a reward: survey

 The vast majority (93%) of Canadians have engaged in at least one bad driving habit, but most (79%) would be willing to give up their bad habits for a monetary incentive.

A survey from Leger Research, commissioned by auto insurer Belairdirect, finds that the bad habits Canadians are most willing to give up for a financial reward include texting, checking their phone and talking on the phone. Even if they were offered a monetary incentive, drivers would be reluctant to stop changing the radio station, drinking a beverage or turning to chat with a passenger.

From the archives: Top 10 summer road safety tips

As well, despite 93% of Canadian drivers admitting they have engaged in bad driving habits, 95% of respondents classified themselves as good drivers. “Drivers may not realize that some behaviours are putting them at risk. We’ve all been in a rush or off to a special occasion, but with millions of people on the road, it’s important that we take an active role in keeping the roads safe,” says Richard Taschereau, deputy senior vice president of marketing, communications and business development at Belairdirect, in a press release.

The top three driving behaviours Canadians found to be riskiest include driving under the influence (89%), distracted driving  (54%) and fatigue (42%). The age group most willing to give up bad habits for financial reward is those aged 18 to 34 (93%). Individuals between the ages of 18 to 44 are those who most commonly use their phone, applied makeup, removed clothing or updated a GPS tool while driving.

Related: Marijuana users feel doping and driving is safe

Other common bad habits include driving through a red light (31%), disobeying road signs (29%), engaging in romantic activities(14%) and flossing (3%). Drivers in British Columbia and Alberta are most likely to change their bad habits for an incentive, with 96% of respondents in these provinces saying this is the case while 92% of those from Manitoba and Saskatchewan indicate they would also be willing to change their bad habits.

On a lighter note, 54% of Canadians sing while driving and 96% wouldn’t steal someone else’s parking spot. The online survey, which was conducted between July 24 and 27, includes the responses of 1,551 Canadians over the age of 18.

This story was originally published by Canadian Insurance Top Broker.