A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that young millennials have some of the worst driving behaviors compared to any other age group. Young millennials were defined as young adults between the ages of 19 and 24 years. In a press release from AAA, the company revealed shocking details from the study about this groups driving behaviors. Some were quite shocking.
What Are Millennials Doing Behind the Wheel
The study showed that just over 88 percent of young millennials between the ages of 19 and 24 years admit to engaging in at least one risky driving behavior in the last 30 days. Risky behaviors included texting while driving, speeding, and running red lights. These behaviors can increase the risk of a traffic accident. The next closest age group (between the age of 25 to 39 years) was almost 10 percent below the young millennials.
A spokesperson for AAA stated that it is critical that this group of drivers understand the dangers associated with these driving behaviors. The spokesperson continued to say that this group of drivers must change their driving behavior to help curb the growing number of traffic-related fatalities in the United States.
Some of the statistics from the report show that young millennials are:
- 6 times more likely to reading text messages or emails while driving
- Two times as likely to type and send a text or e-mail while driving
- 4 times as likely to drive ten mph over the posted limit in a residential area
- 12 percent thought was okay to exceed the speed limit in a school zone (only 5 percent of drivers of all age groups found this acceptable)
- Almost 50 percent admit to running a red light even though they could have stopped safely
- Almost 14 percent think it is okay to run a light that just turned red (only 6 percent of drivers of all groups found this acceptable)
It is obvious that young millennials have some of the worst driving habits and beliefs. However, not all drivers in this age group are terrible drivers. Furthermore, some drivers in all age groups admitted to these driving, just not as many as in the 19 to 25 age group.
Tragic Accidents Caused by Bad Driving Behaviors
Sadly, bad driving habits are the cause of thousands of traffic accidents each year in the United States. Traffic deaths rose by seven percent from 2014 to 2015. If drivers do not begin adopting safe driving habits, that number could continue to grow.
Drivers who cause traffic accidents because of their negligence, careless, or reckless driving can be held accountable for their actions. By filing an injury claim, an accident victim can recover compensation for their medical bills, property damage, physical pain, lost wages, and emotional stress. Because accidents can result in substantial financial, physical, and emotional damages, it is always in your best interest to consult with an Erie car accident attorney before discussing your claim with the insurance adjuster for the other driver.
Call Now For a Free Legal Consultation
Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our Erie car accident lawyers. We want to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for your accident claim.