Washington Post Poll: DC-Region Traffic Poll, January 2005

This special topic poll, fielded January 27-31, 2005, was
undertaken to assess public opinion on traffic congestion in the
Washington, DC, area. Respondents who commuted in the greater
Washington, DC, area were asked about traffic conditions in the region,
their primary means of transportation to and from work, the length of
their commute, what they liked and disliked most about their commute,
and whether they had ever relocated or adjusted their work schedule to
improve their commute. Those polled rated the different types of
public transportation available in the area, how often they used the
Metrorail subway system, and why they did not ride it more
often. Views were sought on proposals to expand the Metrorail system
and build new highways in the area, sources of funding for
transportation projects, and whether measures such as high occupancy
vehicle lanes, adjustable tolls, and building new roads were effective
in easing traffic congestion. Respondents were also asked about the
type of vehicle they drove, how often they traveled by car, how much
time they spent driving, and how often driving invoked feelings such
as independence, relaxation, and anger. A series of questions asked
respondents how often they and others were guilty of behaviors such as
speeding or road rage, and whether they engaged in activities such as
eating or reading while driving. Additional topics addressed the use
of automatic cameras at traffic lights and stop signs and whether
existing traffic laws were too tough on teenage drivers. Demographic
variables included sex, age, race, household income, education level,
and political party affiliation.