Driving in Georgia? Proceed with caution

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia's drivers are still below average, but improving, according to a nationwide survey by a leading auto insurer.

Peach State motorists ranked 32nd in the sixth annual GMAC Insurance survey with a 76.7 score (out of 100) -- below the national average but a significant improvement from a year ago, when Georgia drivers ranked 47th out of the 50 states. Overall the study showed that nearly one in five licensed motorists – roughly 38 million Americans – would fail a written driver's test if taken today.

Kansas drivers ranked first in the nation (82.3 percent average score), with New York motorists coming in last (70 percent average score).

The survey polled 5,202 licensed Americans from 50 states and the District of Columbia. They were administered 20 questions from state Department of Motor Vehicles exams, with additional questions exploring distracting habits, such as texting behind the wheel.

Among those findings: One in four motorists drive while talking on a cellphone, eating or adjusting their radio or iPod.