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Most of the time, when we think of dangerous drivers, we think of teenagers or the elderly -- people who have been driving for such a short period of time as to be reckless, or people who have been driving so long they’ve become a danger to themselves and others. Typically, it’s assumed that drivers who have moved out of their teenage years and into full adulthood are more responsible, cautious and courteous drivers. However, a new study from AAA shows that’s just not the case.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that drivers between the ages of 19 and 24 are actually the most dangerous drivers on the road. Contrary to the assumption that teen drivers are inherently more dangerous than everyone else, the study found that drivers aged 16 to 18 were actually less likely to speed, run red lights or text while driving than drivers in their 20s to 50s.

Some say this shows the success of teen driver education campaigns. Tamra Johnson, AAA spokeswoman, said that the foundation is now looking to reach other age groups in a similarly successful fashion.

Here are a few statistics from the study that may surprise you:

• While over 50% of drivers feel threatened by other drivers talking on the phone, 68% admitted to talking while driving in the past 30 days.

• 36% of drivers aged 19 to 24 (compared to 23% of drivers in general) believe it’s acceptable to drive 15 mph above the speed limit on the highway. And 46% admitted to driving that fast in the past 30 days.

• More than 75% of drivers agree that texting or e-mailing while driving is dangerous. However, 31% had done just that in the pat 30 days and 8% do so on a regular basis.

• Although 96% of drivers agree that driving while fatigued is a danger to everyone, 29% admitted to barely being able to keep their eyes open while driving in the past 30 days.

So, What’s the Solution?

This study from AAA shows some concerning driving trends sweeping the nation. Traffic deaths in 2015 rose 7% from the year before, coming in at 35,092. This was the largest increase in decades, and this number is only expected to rise.

In order to address this dangerous behavior, something has to change. And many believe it will have to start on a cultural level. We’ve become a society that accepts risky driving behavior as the norm. So to start, we’ll have to begin shifting our tolerance away from the life-threatening choices behind the wheel, and in favor of more careful, conscientious driving practices.

In the meantime, now might be a good opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with the whole family—new and old drivers alike—to discuss the importance of road safety. Once everyone is on the same page, you might be able to sleep a little easier. You can also inspire change by modeling good driving behavior yourself. When you model safe driving habits, the other people in your life may be more likely to see their value.

However, just because you and your family are practicing safer driving does not mean that everyone else is doing the same. If you or someone you care about winds up in an accident, a Tampa car accident lawyer on our team is here to help.

We know that you do your best when you’re behind the wheel, and you shouldn’t have to worry about your legal situation as you recuperate from your collision. So if you have questions and are ready to find out more, do not hesitate to contact us.