Photo: Contributed

It turns out we like to say we're good drivers, but most of us really do have bad habits behind the wheel.

A new survey conducted by belairdirect shows that 19 out of 20 Canadians (95%) believe they are good drivers, but almost the same percentage (93%) admittedly have exercised bad habits in the drivers seat.

Using a cellphone, eating or drinking all commonly constitute risky behaviours while driving, as does putting on make-up and even the temptation of romantic or intimate intuitions. 
 
“Belairdirect is committed to encouraging all Canadians to engage in good driving habits and understands that drivers may not realize that some behaviours are putting them at risk,” said Richard Taschereau, deputy senior vice president of marketing, communications and business development for belairdirect.

Of all risk factors ranked by Canadians in this survey, 89% had being under the influence as one of their top-three risks, while 54% had distracted driving and 42% had fatigue. 

Almost four out of five Canadians who were surveyed (79%) would correct their poor driving customs if cash was the reward. In fact, the top-three bad habits drivers would willingly omit all involved using their cell phone: sending a text, checking their phone or making/ taking a phone call. 

Some bad habits that those surveyed were reluctant to give up include changing the radio station or volume, turning to talk to a passenger or sipping a beverage at the wheel.

Alternatively, almost one in 10 Canadians surveyed (9%) said regardless of a monetary incentive, they would not be willing to change their driving habits.

Observing other tendencies while driving, 54% of those surveyed sing behind the wheel, and backing the good-natured narrative of Canadians is showings that 96% wouldn't steal another driver's parking spot, and 91% wouldn't speed up to stop another motorist from passing.
 
Other findings from the survey:

• Those aged 18-34 are the group most willing to improve their driving habits if they knew they would be rewarded (93%)
• Drivers aged 18-44 are significantly more likely to admit to having used their cellphone, updated a map or GPS, removed an article of clothing such as a jacket or applied make-up while driving.
• Three in 10 drivers admit to have driven through a red light (31%) and disobeying road signs (29%).
• The provinces most willing to change driving habits, if they knew they would be rewarded are British Columbia and Alberta (96%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (92%).
• 14% of drivers have engaged in romantic activities while driving.
• 3% of drivers have flossed while driving.