It's difficult to place a great deal of credence in an unscientific nationwide survey of 2,400 licensed drivers that compares driving habits among 20 of the nation's largest cities.
Yet, the fact that Salt Lake City ranked 10th for its rude drivers is cause for reflection. It's not hard science by any means, but it does make you wonder what it is about Utah that its drivers could be mentioned in the same company as Detroit, Washington, D.C., Houston and San Francisco.
Sure, we're no Boston or New York City, both of which received "F" grades in the fifth-annual "Nerves of Steel" aggressive driver survey. And Utah hasn't, according to the steel industry trade-group's research, developed the reputation of Los Angeles or Dallas. But does the No. 10 spot suggest we're well on our way?
How did mostly mild-mannered Salt Lake City develop such a perception? Some experts suggest that Utahns have split personalities. As Roylane Fairclough of AAA Utah explains, "This is a very nice and hospitable city, but as people get behind the wheel, boom, it's all over."
The survey found that 59 percent of Salt Lake drivers admitted to driving 10 miles over the speed limit, while 62 percent said they rush through yellow lights. Twenty percent wait until the "last second" to merge into traffic. On top of that, we're considered the third drowsiest drivers among people in the 20 cities surveyed.
Keep in mind that the Utah Highway Patrol questions the overall findings of the survey. Yet, where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Anyone who has driven in Salt Lake City has likely observed interesting hand gestures, read lips when colorful language has been spouted and gone to great lengths to avoid a collision with a reckless driver.
The truth is, we could all be better drivers. We need to concentrate on the job at hand, instead of eating, applying make-up, fussing with our car stereo or any number of activities that distract us as we drive. We've got to quit using our automobiles as time machines when were running late. We're all guilty of this from time to time.
There's no reason Salt Lake drivers can't be considered among the least rude in the future. Collectively speaking, most of us are nice people in every other aspect of our lives. We volunteer our time and give generously to religious and charitable organizations. Most of us get along well at work and at home. Getting behind the wheel of the car shouldn't alter that sensibility.