Google Screened
What are the Highest Rates of Distracted Driving by Age Group?
October 1, 2019
According to a recent multi-national study conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance, certain age groups report higher rates of distracted driving than others. Distracted driving is a widespread and serious public health threat. In fact, more than 9 people die each day from injuries sustained in distracted driving-related accidents.
Although there are numerous new technologies (e.g. hands-free options) in place designed to curb deadly distractions behind the wheel, data indicates that they can be just as dangerous as known distractions, like using a cell phone or eating.
The Data
The study looked at three different age groups: millenials (individuals who became adults in the early 21st century), Gen-Xers (people born in the 1960s and 70s), and Boomers (those born in the 40s, 50s, and 60s). Researchers found that:
- Nearly 70% of participants (of all ages) admitted to using a phone while driving;
- Almost one-half said they “regularly” engage in dangerous driving behaviors like eating, drinking, programming GPS, etc., and:
- More than one-third say they regularly speed while driving
While gen-xers, millenials, and boomers all admitted to shockingly high rates of distracted driving behaviors, millenials admitted to the most.
Millenials and Distracted Driving
Around the globe, millenials self-report the highest rates of distracted driving. Data shows:
- 79% use a phone to text or talk while driving;
- Nearly 90% use a phone to email, check an app, talk, text, etc.;
- More than one-half check their email behind the wheel, and:
- Over 70% say they “glance” at their phone
Not only do millenials admit to texting, talking, emailing, or looking at apps behind the wheel, they are also more likely to have their phone in a visible location. Having a phone in plain sight while driving is known to increase distractions – and it can lead to serious accidents.
Distracted Driving Culprits
Cell phones are the most common – and therefore deadly – form of driver distraction. It is not that other distractions are not deadly, but that people most frequently engage in unsafe, distracted driving behaviors involving a mobile phone. But there are other culprits, too. Here are just a few examples:
- Eating or drinking;
- Lighting a cigarette;
- Viewing or setting GPS devices;
- Daydreaming or taking your attention off the road;
- Changing a radio station, and:
- Distracting passenger(s)
Preventing Accidents
The only way to prevent distracted driving-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, is to pledge to drive without distractions. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) estimate that more than 10% of all accidents result from distracted driving – and wants to remind everyone that taking your attention off the wheel can be deadly in seconds.
Allentown Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Represent Victims of Automobile Accidents
If you were injured in an automobile accident, please contact the Allentown personal injury attorneys. Galfand Berger has offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.