How Millennials Can Navigate Car Accident Risks in the Fast Lane
The millennial generation is often described as being both the busiest and most connected cohort in the history of the world. Between juggling work, school, side hustles, social obligations, and so much more, millennials are constantly on the move.
This fast-paced lifestyle, while very exciting, comes with certain risks, including car accident risks, especially on the road.
Speeding has become a common byproduct of tight schedules and endless to-do lists which has led to serious consequences in the lives of far too many millennials due to the injuries seen from a car accident most commonly.
Explore the relationship between millennial culture and speeding accidents to learn practical solutions for creating safer driving habits.
Why Millennials Are More Likely to Speed
The tendency to speed amongst millennials isn’t random, rather it’s deeply rooted in their cultural and economic environment.
Millennials live in an age where “hustle culture” reigns supreme above all. The expectation to be constantly productive pushes many to compress their schedules which leaves very little time for error.
Due to this, speeding can often feel like the quickest way to catch up to that busy schedule. When social events, gym time, errands, and more are added in, it’s no wonder that millennials feel like they’re racing against a clock.
On top of this, technology has started to play a role as well. Many millennials utilize apps like Google Maps or Waze to get around and to get provided with estimated arrival times, which some drivers actually take as a challenge to beat.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft only complicate things further by rewarding drivers for quick drop-offs and pick-ups.
Notifications from social media, emails, and texts all create further distractions which make millennials less focused on the road. None of this even touches the financial pressures that many millennials feel which also play a role.
Amidst an economic environment of stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and mounting debt, time has become a precious commodity, especially for those who are juggling multiple jobs.
The Impact of Speeding-Related Accidents on Millennials
Speeding-related accidents don’t just create monetary setbacks, rather they can have long-lasting impacts on the health, finances, and lifestyle of any millennial.
Speeding increases the likelihood of severe injuries in an accident. Broken bones, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries are very common, all of which can lead to weeks or months of recovery.
On top of the physical injuries, there are also emotional tolls. Many survivors of accidents involving speeding experience anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more which make it hard to return to a normal life.
The financial consequences of a speeding accident are also substantial, as medical bills, car repairs, and legal fees can quickly add up.
Millennials who may not have a robust savings account or health insurance may find themselves in significant debt as a result. Even those of you with good coverage may face higher insurance premiums after an accident which only adds insult to injury.
As a generation that thrives on mobility, car accident risks can lead to significant disruptions. A car accident may make commuting to work or side gigs impossible, resulting in lost income.
Freelancers or gig workers face unique challenges, as they often lack paid leave or disability benefits, making accident risks even more impactful.
How Millennials Can Prevent Speeding Accidents
Preventing speeding accidents and saving yourself from debilitating injury should always be the goal. The first step to accomplish this is to recognize the risks of speeding and to take proactive steps to drive safely.
Begin by practicing better driving habits such as leaving 10-15 minutes earlier to alleviate any pressure to rush, as this will make it easier to obey speed limits.
Planning routes in advance also helps to avoid last-minute decisions that can lead to speeding. Turning off notifications while driving also eliminates any potential distractions that may cause risky behavior.
Ironically, though, technology can also be part of the solution. There are apps such as Life360 and EverDrive that monitor your speed and provide you with feedback, while also allowing people to see your live location, which can encourage safer driving habits on the road.
Certain insurance companies even offer discounts for using apps that track driving behavior, helping to minimize car accident risks. Rather than treating GPS arrival times as a race, you can use these tools to ensure they’re taking the safest route.
However, it’s entirely possible that the most important change that needs to happen is at the cultural level. Millennials should first think about challenging the narrative that productivity is more important than their health and safety.
Valuing your own well-being rather than squeezing every second out of the day can lead to both mindful and cautious driving.
Support Systems for Millennials After a Speeding Accident
Even if you have the best of intentions, a speeding accident can still occur on the road. Knowing where to turn to in the event this does happen is crucial.
Personal injury lawyers can help victims navigate the legal process, thereby ensuring they receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Mental health resources, such as attending therapy or support groups, also provide emotional support during your recovery.
Consider also leaning on your friends and family, if they are around, for assistance with your daily errands or transportation as this can make your healing process far more manageable.
Reduce Car Accident Risks by Embracing Safer Driving Habits
Millennials have the opportunity to reshape driving culture by prioritizing safety over speed.
By adopting smarter habits, leveraging new technology, and challenging societal pressures on millennials, this generation can reshape the perception of the correlation between themselves and speeding-related accidents.
The road to adulthood doesn’t need to be rushed and by slowing down millennials can set a powerful example for all future generations while ensuring a safer journey for everyone.