Millennials Being Called Worst Drivers
Author: Auger Law | February 17th, 2018
When it comes to the worst drivers in America, people have strong opinions on who they believe should carry the title. Some believe it to be seniors. Others think that the distinction belongs to teenagers. Of course, there are those who think other certain groups also hold the title.
According to a report recently released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, those between the ages of 19 and 39, or Millennials, are proving to be quite dangerous behind the wheel. The report states that 88 percent of this generation has engaged in at least one behavior behind the wheel that could be considered risky within the past month.
The behaviors undertaken include texting and driving, speeding and running red lights. Most people have accepted that texting while driving is a dangerous behavior. Many would agree that speeding and running red lights is also risky. Unfortunately, these behaviors are nothing new for young drivers.
Why Are They So Dangerous?
Here’s what is new: Drivers between the ages of 19 and 24 typically don’t feel as though their behaviors are dangerous. They are widely unapologetic. According to the executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Dr. David Yang, “Alarmingly, some of the drivers ages 19 – 24 believe that their dangerous driving behavior is acceptable.”
Dr. Yang goes on to say that these drivers need to understand the potential consequences of their behaviors. It’s also important that Millennials guilty of risky behaviors change those behaviors and drive more safely. The report released says that close to 12 percent of drivers between 19 and 24 feel as though it is acceptable to drive through a school zone at 10 mph over the posted limit. Fewer than five percent of all drivers feel the same.
Millennials Aren’t Alone
The good news for millennials, and maybe the bad news for the rest of us, is that they aren’t alone in their risky attitudes. For other groups surveyed, at least 60 percent reported engaging in the same behaviors, texting, speeding and running red lights, in the last 30 days.
It means that, as a nation, we aren’t the most responsible motorists on the planet. While millennials may be statistically the most unsafe drivers, the rest of the population that is of driving age isn’t much better. It’s up to each person that gets behind the wheel of a car to operate it safely.
Distracted driving is known to be particularly dangerous, causing more accidents each year than any other behavior. If you have a smartphone, put it on “do not disturb” while you’re driving. If you have a hands-free system, use it sparingly, if at all. Remember that when you get behind the wheel, you’re number one focus is the road ahead.
If you are involved in an accident in Charlotte, reach out to our team. We will help you arrange a free consultation and tell you more about your legal rights and options. Call today to schedule your case evaluation and take the first steps in being compensated for your damages.
