A majority of drivers of all ages have engaged in dangerous driving behaviors in the past 30 days, according to a survey of 2,511 drivers by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
This is particularly alarming because traffic deaths have been increasing nationwide for the past few years. There were 35,092 traffic fatalities in 2015, which was a seven percent increase over 2014. Early estimates show there were 40,000 traffic deaths last year, which would be the largest two-year increase in traffic deaths in 50 years.
The following percentages of drivers in each age group said they engaged in texting, running red lights and speeding in the past month:
- 19 to 24 years old: 88.4
- 25 to 39 years old: 79.2 percent
- 40 to 59 years old: 75.2 percent
- 16 to 18 years old: 69.3 percent
- 75 years old and up: 69.1 percent
- 60 to 74 years old: 67.3 percent
Young millennial drivers between 19 and 24 years old were clearly the worst behaved group.
Texting while driving is most prevalent among drivers in this group, as they are 1.6 times more likely to read emails or texts while behind the wheel. The survey also revealed that young millennials are almost twice as likely to say they sent a text or email while driving.
When it comes to speeding, young millennials were 1.4 times more likely than drivers in other age groups to report that they drove 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street.
Fortunately, the results of the study were not all negative. Researchers found that 87 percent of all drivers said they have never driven a car when they thought their blood alcohol concentration was close to the legal limit.
Also, 88 percent of drivers in all age groups said that driving without wearing a seat belt is not OK.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The auto accident injury lawyers of O’Connor, Acciani & Levy have a successful track record of holding negligent drivers accountable and recovering fair compensation for our clients.