Friday, February 19, 2010

Lawyers Bad Drivers? The *Worst* Drivers by Profession (Top Ten List)

As a service to my "loyal" readers, occasionally I come across something that strikes me particularly interesting and/or funny. This story definitely qualifies for both. I attempted to quote directly where applicable to give credit to the original author's content.

"Lawyers Top Worst Drivers List"

By Nadeem Muaddi
 Getty
Getty

"According to a recent study, 44 percent of attorneys and judges -- more than any other profession -- claimed to have been in a prior driving accident when comparison-shopping for auto insurance.

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Insurance.com analyzed the accidents people claimed and the professions they listed when applying for car insurance online. They published their findings along with a list of the Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession.

Beating out groggy truck drivers and even NASCAR racers, financial professionals came in second. According to Insurance.com VP Sam Belden, it’s because these types of professionals have the attention span of a gnat. He said, “Professions that demand multi-tasking – being on the phone, moving fast on a tight schedule – are prone to more distractions and, from there, more accidents.”

On the other hand, government workers came in third -- and they’re not exactly known for their high- pressure schedules. Dog groomers made the list, as did the barbers and stylists who groom their owners. Let us know if you can figure that one out.

Interestingly, the least dangerous drivers by profession were athletes (with 17 percent) and homemakers (24 percent). While it’s true that homemakers can be distracted by a van load of unruly brats, Beldon said most people who drive with kids “tend to take their time and use greater caution.” He also stated that “[h]omemakers and athletes also tend to be off the road during rush hour” -- when most accidents occur.

And, though athletes were among the safest drivers, their coaches were found to be some of the most dangerous on the road.

Insurance.com’s complete list of Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession is below."

1. Attorney/Judge

2. Financial professionals

3. Government worker

4. Bartender or Waiter

5. Business Professionals

6. Dog Groomer

7. Marketing/Advertising professionals

8. Barber/Stylist

9. Coach

10. Nurse

Interestingly enough, I qualify as #5 on this list (no surprise to me given my ADD tendencies and inability to focus on anything longer than five minutes sometimes). My parents (both) qualify as #8 (since both are hair stylists - dad a barber and mom a beautician), so I guess the fact that all of us have been in at least one (or more) accidents in our lives in not that shocking anymore (LOL).

My wife, btw, has an occupation (educator) that apparently DIDN'T make the list, so thank god for that. My insurance rates would be worse than they already are. ;-)


ORIGINAL ARTICLE LINK:

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1302/lawyers-top-worst-drivers-list/

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http://twitter.com/jdrentz/

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