D.C.

Brakes A Dangerous Record

By Jamie Geller July 3 2013 Soft News Writing Sample When it comes to car safety, D.C. residents may find themselves screeching to a halt. Washington, D.C. ranked the lowest on the GMAC Insurances 2011 National Drivers Test. The study revealed that 1 in 5 drivers on the road today do not meet the basic requirements to get a drivers license, meaning that 36.9 million American drivers roughly 18 percent wouldnt pass the written drivers test if taken today. The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for Americas driving IQ, Chief Marketing Officer of GMAC Insurance Scott Eckman, said. All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education. Were hoping this years [test] results will inspire drivers to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe. The seventh annual survey polled more than 5,000 drivers ages 16-65 nationally with 20 questions selected form the Department of Motor Vehicles written examination. The market research company, Taylor Nelson Sofres., administered the test online. National data was weighted to percentage of state population, age, gender and ethnicity. The good news? The average driving score increased by more than a full point from last year. However, an alarming 85 percent of drivers could not identify the correct

action to take when approaching a steady yellow traffic light, with only a quarter of those tested were aware of safe following distances. (more)

The test highlights also included that: Its a mans, mans world: Males statistically being better drivers, more likely to pass their first drivers test. They also outperformed female with an average score of 80.2 against 74.1. A Crash Coast: The Northeast was identified as the worst driving region with an average score of less than 75 percent. Plane it safe: The Midwest ranked the highest, with an average score of 77.5 percent Wisdom with age: The oldest drivers tested, ages 60-65, consistently maintained the highest average score, which was more than 80 percent. The city that never speeds: New York jumped to 45th place after placing last few years. But dont breathe a sigh of relief for the Empire state just yet1 of 3 New York and Washington, D.C. failed the test. A rocky change: Colorado moved to third place, jumping 21 spots since 2010. Arkansas fell 30 spots to 40th place this year. Without critical driving comprehension, many drivers run the risk of increased accidents or near accidents, where they often come to the realization of their lack of knowledge on the rules of the road.

The online test is available at www.gmacinsurance.com. For more information about GMAC insurance, call 877-468-3466. ###

Word Count 435

SEO WCT 5

SPP 1.9

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Pass. Voice 7%

Grade Level 11.2