This province produces the worst drivers, according to nationwide survey

Which province is near the top in every category of dangerous driving… and are drivers really getting worse? Carriers brace yourself for even MORE auto claims

Motor & Fleet

By Libby MacDonald

B.C. drivers have the dubious distinction of ranking as the worst in Canada, according to a nationwide survey; and what’s more they are getting worse.

According to figures released late last week, half of Canadians think that drivers are worse now than they were five years ago. The figures, gathered by Insights West by way of a national online survey of more than 1000 respondents earlier this year, also turned up the fact that this deterioration was pointed out by Western Canadians at a higher than average rate: 57% of B.C. respondents and 58% of Albertans.

B.C. also ranked high on the section of the survey that asked if respondents had witnessed specific types of dangerous driving, coming in near the top in all categories. For example, the number of B.C. residents who recorded seeing a driver make a turn without signaling within the last 30 days came in at 84%.

Respondents identified the worst drivers at the ends of the driving age spectrum, with the young and the old both being blamed for not adhering to the rules of the road; and a familiar digital bugbear got a mention.

"Aside from the expected generational clash, there are two overarching themes to the complaints from Canadians who say some drivers are responsible for the problems on the road," said pollster Mario Canseco.

"While some keep the focus primarily on country of origin, others are upset with drivers who continue to illegally use their mobile devices while behind the wheel."

The survey comes at an auspicious time, on the heels of a dash-cammed road rage incident recorded in downtown Vancouver showing a car in a parking lane overtaking another before being pulled over by the police as one driver berates the other.

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