Millennials in New York and across the U.S. are more likely than other age groups to use their cellphones while driving, according to a recent multi-national study. The study, which was conducted by researchers at Liberty Mutual, surveyed approximately 8,000 drivers in the U.S. and Western Europe about their driving behaviors.
The researchers found that 67% of U.S. drivers who participated in the study said they use their cellphones while on the road, compared to 60% of drivers from Western Europe. They also discovered that millennials are the age group most likely to use their phones behind the wheel. For example, 86% of U.S. millennial drivers admitted they use their phone while operating a vehicle, and 73% of Western European millennials admitted the same. Meanwhile, 79% of of U.S. millennials said they text and drive, compared to 65% of millennials from Western Europe. Finally, 53% of millennials from the U.S. admitted to emailing while behind the wheel, compared to 33% of Western Europeans in the same age group.
However, millennials aren’t the only ones who are guilty of distracted driving. The study found that significant percentages of Gen Xers and baby boomers in the U.S. and Western Europe also admitted to using their cellphones in the car. While 98% of all drivers in the study claimed they were safe drivers, around 47% of U.S. drivers said they frequently engage in distracted driving and other dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding. In comparison, 39% of Western European drivers said they do the same.
Individuals who are injured in car accidents that are caused by a distracted driver often require extensive medical treatment. They might find it advisable to have an attorney’s help when seeking compensation for the losses that they have incurred.