Nationwide Survey Reveals Spike in Traffic and Speeding
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Cedar Electronics Smart Driving Index surveyed Americans nationwide to uncover their plans for road travel and new safety concerns while driving. Roughly one quarter of respondents said they will drive to their vacation destination, taking road trips ranging from 2-7+ hours. The actual numbers will likely be higher as another 30% are still undecided on vacation plans, indicating that more people are making last-minute decisions about travel since reopening began.
A majority (77%) say they’ve already encountered more drivers on the road, particularly in the South. And one in three (32%) observed an increase in speeding. Busy roads filled with hotfoot drivers are a natural cause for concern, and one in three drivers (33%) also say they are more worried about safety behind the wheel post-COVID.
Data from the Cedar road awareness apps supports the survey data. Part of our Drive Smarter cloud-based driver alert and community platform, our apps experienced a 218% increase in driver alerts from April to June 2020 and a 69% year-over-year increase. This reflects an undeniable increase in drivers on the roads post-COVID, reporting road hazards, speed traps, and more.
Conscientious drivers and people who do a minimal amount of driving each week often feel that dash cams are simply not for them. But dash cam owners have been spared the cost of repairs and worse because they were able to capture the truth of what happened during a parking lot fender bender, rush hour confrontation, or act of nature, such as a neighbor’s tree branch falling on your car.
You don’t need a dash cam because you might make a mistake (though, let’s be honest, we all do from time to time). You need one because you share the road with thousands of other drivers each year — drivers who may be distracted, reckless, and downright unscrupulous when it comes to taking responsibility for their mistakes and dealing with insurance. 
If your car is damaged while parked on the street or another driver is behind the wheel, you could be left without a clue as to what really happened. With the proper features, dash cams enable you to keep eyes on your car even when you’re not in it. 
Automobile insurance fraud is rampant, fueled by organized criminal rings who stage crashes to claim payments for exaggerated vehicle damage and physical injury. 
Americans are driving less since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The need to drive plummeted in the spring with schools, gyms, and restaurants under lockdown, and nearly 
A majority (77%) say they’ve already encountered more drivers on the road, particularly in the South. And one in three (32%) observed an increase in speeding. Busy roads filled with hotfoot drivers are a natural cause for concern, and one in three drivers (33%) also say they are more worried about safety behind the wheel post-COVID.
Data from the Cedar road awareness apps supports the survey data. Part of our Drive Smarter cloud-based driver alert and community platform, our apps experienced a 218% increase in driver alerts from April to June 2020 and a 69% year-over-year increase. This reflects an undeniable increase in drivers on the roads post-COVID, reporting road hazards, speed traps, and more.
Surprisingly, nearly half (46%) of Gen Z respondents cite road safety concerns, more than any other generation. Defying stereotypes of reckless youth, Gen Z drivers are taking precautions to not only avoid the virus, but also avoid accidents and incidents caused by driver distraction, road rage, traffic, and more.
Of course, millennials, Gen X, and boomers, also reported concerns about road safety this summer. Overall, drivers’ top fears and frustrations include:
The top motivation for driving varies by generation. Nearly two thirds (61%) of Gen Z drivers surveyed are excited by the ability to cover more ground and see more sights by car. Millennials report that they truly enjoy driving more than flying or trains. Gen X is largely driven (44%) by a desire for safety amidst the pandemic. And 67% of boomers like that driving puts them in control of their own pace and schedule while traveling.
Regardless of age, drivers share several common motivations for traveling more by car. Like boomers, 61% of Gen Z drivers and 55% of all drivers also relish the freedom and autonomy of car travel. And beyond being able to set your own timetable and itinerary, 50% of those surveyed said driving is simply more convenient. The desire for safety also crosses generations, with 42% aiming to social distance and avoid typically crowded travel hubs where they have a higher likelihood of contracting or spreading the virus. 
Despite higher rates of car travel and heightened concerns on the road, one in two Americans (49%) don’t use any car tech to increase safety. It’s not because they don’t see the value in safe driving technology: 48% agree that a crowd-sourced road awareness app would help them stay informed and prepared while driving. And the majority are interested in receiving information about traffic, police activity, and emergency notifications about accidents and hazards while driving.
Driver safety and awareness technology has advanced well beyond the glitchy GPS systems and old school radar detectors of the past. Americans hitting the road this summer can benefit from advanced dash cams, sensor-based driver alert systems, and crowdsourced road awareness apps that are easily available today.
To soothe anxiety behind the wheel and encourage smarter, safer driving, Cedar Electronics CEO Gail Babitt offers the following tips: 
