People feel more anxious in cars now than before the pandemic

Anxiety driving you crazy?

You’re not alone, especially behind the wheel. A new poll suggests Americans are actually more anxious in cars now compared to pre-pandemic times.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll which partnered with automotive and consumer electronics company Cobra, surveyed 2,000 American adults of which more than half are “always” or “often” anxious about other drivers on the road (53%).

But that isn’t all – 61% of respondents said the pandemic caused people to drive even more unsafely than before, with 62% of participants agreeing it’s even more important to drive safely.

While the drivers are keeping their eyes on the road, their passengers might be keeping track of the speedometer. According to the poll, 60% of respondents admitted to watching their driver’s speed while they’re a passenger, while 63% even divulged they’re nervous when their partner drives.

As passengers, 52% said they often wished their driver would pump the brakes and slow down, with seven in 10 saying they ensure their seatbelts are buckled before the car moves.

Since the average American has had three close calls when driving in the past two years, buckling up and being extra safe could save drivers some trouble.

Despite dangers on the road, 53% of people said they plan to take more summer road trips – even more than in pre-COVID 2019 – with 31% of people saying that summer is the season during which they drive the most.

But even road trips can get weary, causing 65% of people who responded to drive faster than usual during them. Running late (38%), less traffic (36%) and being in a hurry (35%) were also factors that caused drivers to live life a little fast, with more than one-third of drivers admitting they only “sometimes,” “rarely” or “never” follow speed limits (35%).

“Like every other aspect of our everyday lives, driving has changed significantly in the past two years,” Gail Babitt, CEO of Cobra’s parent company Cedar Electronics, said. “From the seemingly empty roads at the beginning of the pandemic to the current ‘revenge travel’ wave we’re seeing this summer, it’s important for today’s drivers to feel safe and confident when getting behind the wheel.”

Out of all the challenges a driver could face on an exhaustive road trip, lack of vehicle preparation topped the list, with weather hazards and vehicle issues following closely. In fact, 28% of people said they would be willing to give up one day of the weekend or their favorite outfit if it ensured a smooth ride.

The staggering statistics could possibly be chalked up to not knowing what to do if their car broke down, which more than half admitted to (53%), with 23% noting they wouldn’t even know what to do if their battery died.

While being car savvy may not be everyone’s forte, a third of people said they’d invest in a tire inflator and 30% said they’d purchase a car battery charger – just in case. To make the trip even safety, a quarter of respondents said they’d purchase a dash cam.

“Whether it’s a dash cam to give a driver that second pair of eyes on the road – or a jump starter for those ‘just in case’ moments, it’s important for drivers to invest in tools that can help a trip feel smoother and safer,” said Babitt.