First Insurance Finds Driver Courtesy on Decline

HONOLULU – National statistics from LexisNexis show auto claim severity is up dramatically over pre-pandemic rates, with speeding partially to blame. According to local data, traffic fatalities in Hawaii have also increased coming out of the pandemic.

Considering these trends, First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) is encouraging motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions, be courteous and acknowledge courtesy on the road. FICOH recently revived a survey it conducted back in 2012 asking Hawaii drivers about the state of courtesy on our roads. Among other findings, the 2023 survey found that more than two-thirds of the 435 drivers polled believe their fellow drivers are less courteous today than they were five years ago. The results of the survey are the inspiration for FICOH’s “Take the HI Road” campaign, which launched today.

“Driver courtesy – or the perceived lack of it – is a passionate topic of conversation. These are the conversations we are hoping to tap into and engage our community in,” said FICOH president and CEO Todd Takayama. “In addition to spotlighting the importance of driver courtesy, we want to give Hawaii drivers a way to share the good and courteous things happening on our roads so that together we can spark a positive change in driving behaviors and make our roads safer. Courteous drivers are safer drivers.”

FICOH has launched a campaign on its website where drivers are invited to share their thanks for acts of courtesy they experience on the road, and in this way help to start a chain reaction of courteous actions. Drivers who share their thanks will be entered in a drawing for a FICOH Car Pack, including a 20 oz. Yeti tumbler, emergency flashlight multi-tool, trunk caddy, and power bank. The campaign runs through November 16, 2023.

“Of the Hawaii drivers we polled, 87% agree that driving courtesy is contagious,” said Takayama. “This shows us that when we act with courtesy, it has a positive ripple effect that can lead to safer roadways. No matter how stressful our environment or how many delays we face, we have a responsibility to control our behavior. How we drive matters.”

2023 driver courtesy by the numbers:

• The majority of drivers polled give themselves a B grade for their driving courtesy but give other drivers a C grade.
• Only 45% of drivers polled in 2023 say their courtesy is acknowledged most of the time or every time. This is compared to 91% of those polled back in 2012.
• Hawaii drivers’ top five complaints in 2023 are drivers who (1) signal late or not at all; (2) weave in and out of traffic; (3) tailgate; (4) don’t allow others to merge; and (5) talk on their cell phone while driving.
• Click here for more 2023 survey findings.

10 ways to show how we drive matters:

1. Obey the speed limit
2. Don’t cut others off
3. Use your horn sparingly and only when necessary
4. Don’t block intersections
5. Acknowledge courtesy on the road with a wave or shaka
6. Respect pedestrian right of way
7. Don’t run yellow lights
8. Drive in the right or middle lane; pass on the left
9. Allow others to merge
10. Signal before turning or changing lanes

About First Insurance Company of Hawaii

Founded in 1911, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd. is the oldest and largest property and casualty insurer domiciled in Hawaii, with assets of $699.1 million, liabilities of $430.4 million, and policyholders’ surplus of $268.7 million as of December 31, 2022.

First Insurance, a member of the Tokio Marine North America (TMNA) group of companies, enjoys an “A+” rating from A.M. Best Co. Proud of its broadly experienced, service-oriented staff, First Insurance employs more than 250 insurance professionals and distributes its products through 26 independent general agencies. First Insurance was awarded the American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Gold Achievement for 2022. In 2023, First Insurance was named one of Hawaii’s Best Places to Work in the “large company” category by Hawaii Business magazine.

First Insurance supports many local organizations through monetary donations made at the corporate level, by its associates and the First Insurance Foundation. Its charitable giving focuses on four areas: 1) family, social services and health care; 2) education and career development; 3) environment and sustainability; and 4) civic, culture and the arts.

Follow First Insurance on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.