Millenial drivers: they’re the worst.
A common suspicion, finally backed by science: millennial drivers are the worst.Â
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has confirmed the anecdotal belief that millennial drivers are highway hazards. In particular, the study finds that 88% of drivers aged 19 to 24 have admitted to engaging in risky behavior while in operation of a motor vehicle, including texting while driving, running red lights and stop signs, or speeding in one month alone.
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The report, which was released Wednesday as per USA Today, surveyed 2,511 millennial drivers between August 25th through September 6th.Â
Among its findings were the following:
- Some 59.3% of millennials surveyed admitted to sending a text or email while driving, nearly twice the rate of other drivers surveyed (31.4%)
- Almost half of millennials surveyed admitted to running a red-light (other drivers: 36%)
The findings may be a particular cause for alarm, as traffic deaths continue to increase year to year. Last year, for example, we saw a 7% increase in traffic deaths, the biggest single year jump in 50 years.Â
Drivers Are Hypocrites
Another interesting yet potentially expected find of the study: drivers are hypocrites.Â
In particular, many drivers are quick to dismiss and decry behavior “as unacceptable,” even though they themselves engage in it. For example, while 78.2% of drivers say that reading a text or email was unacceptable, over 40% of drivers report doing exactly so. Likewise with 92.8% of drivers who deem running red lights as unacceptable, despite one in three admitting to doing so in the past month.Â
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