Caltrans released new survey data that shows nearly half of all motorists surveyed admit to sometimes littering along the state’s highways.
Nearly one in five California motorists report intentionally dumping something on the side of the highway. Survey respondents confirmed they improperly disposed of items ranging from old furniture and appliances to green waste from their yards — lawn clippings, branches or leaves.
And another 6-percent admitted that they don’t pick up waste left by pets on the side of the highway.
“These findings are staggering because this is not accidental public behavior, but rather a conscious decision to improperly discard or leave behind debris along California freeways,” said Caltrans Director, Malcolm Dougherty, in a news release. “These items create roadway hazards while also directly affecting the cleanliness of our highways and the waterways. When it rains, storm water flushes highway debris and pollutants into the storm drain system flowing to open bodies of water.”
The quantitative survey
The survey was conducted in February 2016 by ConsumerQuest Research. And was done to measure California highway drivers’ awareness, attitudes and behaviors when it comes to maintaining clean highways for the purposes of clean waterways. Some 300 drivers, 18-older, who had driven on a California highway within the past 30 days were surveyed.
Survey findings included:
- Some 84% believed there is a connection between highway pollution and the quality of water and virtually all said knowing this encourages them to properly maintain their vehicles and not litter or cause pollution on highways.
- The primary action taken is to avoid littering (30%), followed distantly by making sure there are no leaking fluids (14%).
- Only half regularly checked to make certain their tires are properly inflated.
- Four in 10 discovered a fluid leak from their vehicle in the past several years. While most repaired it immediately, a significant portion did not. Of those who discovered leaking fluids, 20 percent report waiting at least a few days to take action or topping off and not worrying about it.
The comprehensive Caltrans Awareness, Attitudes and Behaviors Study Pre-Campaign Baseline Results can be found online at: www.protecteverydrop.com/resources.
