Every generation tends to criticize the driving habits of the one that follows. Today, younger motorists are accused of being more distracted, impatient and willing to take risks behind the wheel.
Although age alone does not make someone a reckless driver, certain behaviors associated with today’s younger motorists often increase the likelihood of serious crashes on Maryland roads.
Has technology made reckless driving more common?
Technology has changed the driving environment. A driver can now check directions, answer a call or interact with an app without ever leaving the driver’s seat. For younger people who have grown up using smartphones throughout the day, resisting those distractions while behind the wheel is vital.
However, distracted driving is not exclusively a young-driver problem. Motorists of any age can easily become distracted.
Older generations also face their own driving risks. Some motorists may experience slower reaction times, difficulty seeing at night or other age-related changes that affect their ability to respond quickly to hazards.
What matters after a reckless driving accident?
After a collision, the more important question is not how old the driver was but whether that person acted negligently. Factors that can contribute to a preventable crash include:
- Speeding through traffic
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Texting while driving
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Disregarding traffic signals
These distinctions can help with a personal injury claim. Someone injured by a careless driver may seek compensation for losses resulting from the collision, but Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If the injured person is found to have contributed to the accident, even slightly, that finding can prevent a recovery.
Today’s generation may face driving distractions that older generations never encountered when they were young, but that does not automatically make every younger motorist reckless.
If another driver’s reckless behavior has caused an accident, a legal professional can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine whether there is a basis for a personal injury claim. They can also explain how Maryland’s negligence rules may affect the right to pursue compensation.