At one point or another, every person with a driver’s license receives the advice that they must keep their eyes on the road and be aware at all times. Even so, everyone is liable to drive while distracted every now and then.
However, some drivers tend to be more distracted than others. Motorists with a healthy regard for roadway safety should be aware of which age group is the most distracted behind the wheel and what the implications of distracted driving might be.
Which age group is most susceptible to distractions?
Drivers between the ages of 18-34 tend to be the most distracted. Common distracted driving behaviors among people in this age group include texting, carrying on conversations with passengers, adjusting music or using a navigation system on the vehicle dashboard or smartphone. Older drivers may be more likely to drive without significant distractions in the vehicle or naturally focus more on the road to compensate for vision or reaction time impairments.
Because they have grown up using technology, smartphones have become an integral part of younger drivers’ lives. This makes it harder for them to resist the temptation of checking messages or engaging in social media while driving. Peer pressure and the desire to impress friends can also contribute to their distraction, as they might engage in conversations or activities that divert their attention away from the road.
What are the implications of distracted driving?
Most drivers acknowledge that distractions increase the likelihood of an accident. New data shows just how dangerous the implications of distracted driving are. The NHTSA reports 42,000 traffic accident deaths in 2021, with an increase in distracted driving contributing to an estimated 3,500 of those fatalities.
A moment of distraction can cause devastating accidents and catastrophic injuries. Individuals who suffer damage due to an accident caused by a distracted driver have every right to pursue compensation or even a lawsuit if necessary.