The 2021 California Traffic Safety Study was conducted with an online panel of California drivers, as in the prior year of data collection. While in previous years, data was collected via in-person intercepts, the 2020 wave transitioned to an online, self-administered survey, a mode that was continued in 2021 to avoid in-person contact in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This report describes the findings of the 2021 Traffic Safety data, with a comparison to previous years of data, which include opinions on traffic safety, distracted driving, bicycle and pedestrian interactions, and other driving behaviors from a representative sample of California drivers.
The online survey panelists were provided by MSG, a commercial sample and panel vendor. Participants were forwarded to an online survey portal programmed and managed by E&W. Eligibility criteria for participation included a valid California driver’s license and being 18 year or older. Quotas were specified for age groups and gender to align the 2021 survey with previous waves of the Traffic Safety Study and to achieve a representative cross-section of pre-screened and qualified respondents.
Survey participation was anonymous, and a total of 2,801 responses were collected in May of 2021.
