Puget Sound Drivers Are Honking More In 2021, Poll Finds

SEATTLE — It's not just your imagination: Drivers across the Pacific Northwest are honking more than ever before, a recent poll found, and more than two-thirds of drivers around the Seattle metro now agree that honking is "at least somewhat appropriate." That figure is up considerably from 2017 when PEMCO found only 46 percent of drivers felt honking had a place on the road.

Pollsters point to more residents moving here from elsewhere in the country as one of the potential culprits.

"Whether it's increasing frustration from traffic, more residents moving here from honk-prone regions or just a natural shift in how we behave behind the wheel, we were surprised to see such a significant jump in how Northwest drivers feel about horn honking," said Derek Wing, a PEMCO spokesperson. "In my personal experience, as a native East Coaster, I've had to learn to lay off the horn since becoming a Pacific Northwest resident. But perhaps a more East Coast vibe is catching on here as we welcome more transplants to the area."

The poll found drivers are more thankful than mad for the audible nudge, with close to half saying they respond with a wave, versus 26 percent who said being honked at makes them angry.

However, people's acceptance of beeps appears to decrease with age. PEMCO found nearly three-quarters of drivers under 55 felt honking was appropriate sometimes, compared to about half of older drivers.

The poll also asked drivers to identify scenarios when it's most appropriate to use the horn. About 55 percent of those polled agreed that honks are best used to warn others of potential danger, like distracted drivers that could cause a crash.

PEMCO also checked in on a few other matters of driving etiquette, finding 61 percent of Seattle area drivers thank drivers who let them merge with a wave. However, only 14 percent of drivers respond with a courtesy wave.

Learn more about the PNW's honking evolution on PEMCO's website.