It is undeniable that North Carolina has suffered from a distracted driving problem in recent years. In particular, texting while driving has become a huge issue not only in the state, but across the entire country. Today, we will take a closer look at some of the numbers behind texting and driving incidents.
According to one study, Millennials are the generation most likely to text and drive. This includes anyone born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s. However, other studies have shown that Gen Z – or those born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s – are the ones who are more likely to engage in this behavior.
Yet another study showed that both younger and older parents tend to have an equal amount of distraction while behind the wheel. In this report, 60 percent of the study’s respondents stated they performed some sort of reading or writing activity while the car was in motion at least once in the 30 days before the survey.
While distraction appears to be about equal across the board, the biggest difference depends on how these distractions alter drivers’ behavior. Older generations appear to engage in less risky behavior even when distracted. On the other hand, younger generations seem to engage in more problematic behavior. As a result, it is the younger folks who suffer from a higher frequency of crashes and fatalities. This also means that those who share the road with younger drivers are also at risk.
Regardless of your age, distracted driving is a problem for everyone on the road. Remember to buckle up and put that phone away if you are driving.