It may seem like everywhere you turn there are messages and warnings about the dangers of distracted driving and other unsafe driving behaviors. Local governments and safety advocates spend millions of dollars on public awareness campaigns that jolt the senses and tug at the heartstrings. But does the message get across?
According to a recent report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the answer is a resounding no, at least among certain age groups. In fact, the report reveals that not only do most drivers engage in unsafe behavior, but many also believe it is acceptable to do so. At least one driver may now have learned a hard and painful lesson, and that driver is the one responsible for the accident that caused your serious injuries.
Traffic deaths continue to rise
Last year, U.S. traffic fatalities rose another 7 percent to over 35,000. Nevertheless, the AAA report revealed that 88 percent of drivers between the ages of 19 and 24 admit they broke at least one of the following laws within the past 30 days:
- Reading or sending a text or email while operating a motor vehicle
- Running a red light
- Speeding on a residential street
- Speeding through a school zone
More than 10 percent of millennial drivers reported believing their risky behaviors are acceptable. For example, some tolerable situations include driving through an intersection after the light has just turned red or traveling faster than 10 mph over a posted speed limit in a school zone.
You are paying the price
Whether your accident was the result of the negligence of a 20-something driver or someone from another age group does not change the fact that you are left with the suffering and inconvenience of medical treatment, lost wages and pain. It may be even more frustrating to learn that so many people believe the risky behavior in which the driver may have been engaging behind the wheel is perfectly acceptable.
You certainly want to hold accountable the driver responsible for your accident, especially if that driver was texting, speeding or driving in some other careless manner. A personal injury attorney can advise you on the best way to proceed. With the alarming number of accidents caused by distracted drivers, an attorney with experience seeking compensation for injured drivers will be a strong advocate for your rights.
