N.J. long-distance drivers have the worst habits

A new study finds New Jersey drivers with long commutes are more likely to engage in unsafe behavior behind the wheel.

The study by Fairleigh Dickinson University and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety shows drivers who travel more than 20 miles each way to work exceed the speed limit more often than other motorists.

The long-distance commuters are also more likely to give rude hand gestures to other drivers, said Fairleigh Dickinson political science professor Dan Cassino.

“Over 40 percent of drivers who have commutes of more than 20 miles each way have expressed non-verbally their frustration with another driver at some time in the past couple years,” Cassino said. “This is dangerous not only because it takes you hands off the wheel but because driving angry is actually one of the leading causes of accidents.”

Drivers with long commutes tend to rate themselves as being the best drivers on the road, so they think they can get away with things they don’t believe other motorists should, Cassino said.