According to a new survey released by Kanetix, an online quote comparison website for insurances, 80% of all Canadian drivers have bad habits behind the wheels. The results showed that texting while driving, a habit criticized by many these days, may not be that popular after all. 

Out of the 1,344 people surveyed, eating was ranked the number one driving distraction as 39% of all Canadian surveyed admitted to consuming food or beverages behind the wheel. Moreover, other habits looked like it could be more dangerous than texting while driving. Talking on the phone and texting while driving came in third place with 18%, but speeding ranked in second place as 36% of all respondents appear to ignore the speeding limits. It is worth nothing that one of out five drivers estimated that they are perfect drivers who are not distracted when driving.

As Kanetix’s Marketplace Director Janine White noted, some drivers seem to underestimate the scope of their practice.

“Our poll clearly indicates many motorists have no qualms with eating or drinking behind the wheel, however, when drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a second, there can be serious consequences,” she said.

 As of September 1, all Canadian provinces have now banned texting while driving.

Source:  Kanetix press release, November 22, 2011

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