New Data from Cobra Electronics to Show Americans Driving Smarter and Safer

New data from Cobra Electronics reveals that as Americans hit the road this summer, they are adopting more prudent and secure driving practices.

FREMONT, CA: "Like every other aspect of our lives, driving has changed significantly in the past two years—and with it has brought a clear need to be better prepared sharing the road with other vehicles," states Gail Babitt, CEO of Cedar Electronics (parent company of Cobra Electronics). Cobra Electronics, the premier designer of award-winning automotive, mobile, and consumer electronics such as dash cams, radar detectors, and CB radios, has produced a nationwide study of post-pandemic American driving patterns. On the cusp of a "new normal," the data indicate a definite rise in road anxiety, as more Americans believe the pandemic has prompted people to drive more recklessly. Similarly, Americans continue to feel the desire to travel, with road vacations on the rise.

"As we emerge from the empty roads at the beginning of the pandemic to the current 'revenge travel' we're seeing this summer, it's important for today's drivers to invest in the tools to feel safe and confident behind the wheel—whether it's a dash cam, jump starter, or anything else for those 'just in case' moments," adds  Babitt.

Independent of the consumer base of Cobra Electronics, a national survey of 2,000 Americans was conducted in June 2021 and yielded these results. Among the highlights of the study—over half of drivers "often" or "often" feel nervous about the behavior of other drivers, and 65 percent of respondents report feeling more anxious in their vehicles now than before the outbreak. This may be the outcome of a study indicating that the average American has experienced at least three "near calls" in the preceding two years. Three out of five Americans feel the pandemic has made driving more hazardous. This may explain why a comparable number (62 percent) believes driving safely is more important than ever. Over fifty percent of Americans do not know what to do if their vehicle breaks down—indicating the need for more instruction regarding popular automobile tools such as tire inflators, jump starters, and battery chargers.

Similarly, inadequate vehicle preparation continues to be the greatest obstacle people confront when driving long distances—immediately followed by weather hazards and vehicle mechanical issues (34 percent each). This explains why more than a quarter of respondents would be willing to give up a day of their weekend to ensure a smooth journey. Despite the anxiety, car trips continue to rise relative to pre-pandemic levels: Even with increasing gas prices, "revenge travel" is on the rise, with more than half of Americans expecting to take more road trips this summer than in 2019.