A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that 88 percent of young millennials, ages 19 to 24, regularly engage in risky driving behavior when operating a vehicle.
The study analyzed the behaviors of 2,511 drivers from different generations and discovered that within the 30-day period prior to the study, young millennials committed at least one dangerous action that increased crash risk, such as texting and driving, red-light running, or speeding.
AAA’s researchers found that this age group views engaging in distracting activities while driving as acceptable behavior and was unfazed by its deadly consequences.
The study comes at a time when traffic fatalities have reached a new high. The National Safety Council released its final tally showing approximately 40,000 deaths that occurred throughout 2016, marking a six percent increase from 2015.
According to AAA’s study, the percentage of drivers who routinely commit dangerous acts while driving include:
- 19 through 24-years-old: 88.4 percent
- 25 through 39-years-old: 79.2 percent
- 40 through 59-years-old: 75.2 percent
- 16 through 18-years-old: 69.3 percent
- 75-years or older: 69.1 percent
- 60 through 74-years-old: 67.3 percent
Texting and driving
Drivers between the ages of 19 and 24-years-old are 1.6 times more likely to read a text message they received while driving compared to the other age groups.
Researchers found that the age group is also nearly twice as likely as all other drivers to send a text message while driving.
Speeding
Those surveyed between the ages of 19 and 24-years-old were 1.4 times more likely than all other drivers to have driven 10 mph over the speed limit in the 30 days prior to the study.
Nearly 12 percent of the same age group also reported that they feel it is acceptable to drive 10 mph over the speed limit in a school zone, while only five percent of other drivers found this acceptable.
Red-light running
Almost half of the young millennials surveyed in AAA’s study revealed that they had driven through a light that had just turned red when they could have safely stopped and waited, while only 36 percent of all other drivers reported to have committed this act as well.
At a time when traffic fatalities and the number of drivers on U.S. roads continue to increase, it is important for all drivers to practice safe behavior when operating a vehicle.
Those who have been injured or lost someone they love to a negligent driver may have legal options that could result in compensation and justice. Contact the Knoxville car accident attorneys at Greg Coleman Law for experienced legal guidance for no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for your claim. Our injury lawyers can discuss whether or not your accident entitles legal action through a free, no obligation consultation.
Call (865) 247-0080 if you have been injured in a car accident.
