Read More: Readers are Talking Risk & Safety
Study Identifies Worst Drivers by Generation
A new analysis finds that American drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 account for the most car accidents, the most fatal car accidents, and the second-highest percentage of distracted drivers in the nation.
August 11, 2023
Millennials tend to be worse drivers than both their younger and older counterparts, according to a new analysis.
Photo: pixabay.com/oknesanofa
2 min to read
Millennials are the worst drivers in the nation, according to a recent generational analysis from a team of auto accident attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Ltd. Specifically, people between the ages of 25 and 34 accounted for the most car accidents, the most fatal car accidents, and the second-highest percentage of distracted drivers.
To determine how various generations of Americans fared as drivers, the research team evaluated age groups on a number of factors based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These factors included the number of car crashes, the number of fatal car crashes, the prevalence of dangerous driving behaviors, speeding drivers in fatal crashes, and blood alcohol content in drivers in fatal crashes.
What the NHTSA Found
The findings conclude that millennials tend to be worse drivers than both their younger and older counterparts. The second worst drivers according to age group are people between the ages of 35 and 44. The analysis found this group to be responsible for the second most alcohol-related speeding crashes.
The newest generation, Gen Zers, appear to drive safer than several other age groups. Gen Z drivers include people 16 to 24 years of age.
While Gen Zers average 44 car accidents per 100,000 drivers, this correlates to only a 6% chance of a car accident — the second lowest percentage of car accidents as compared to all age groups. Moreover, Gen Zers boast the fewest fatal car accidents. On the downside, these young drivers can be easily distracted and are also likely to speed.
However, the percentage of accidents involving speeding drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 while under the influence of alcohol is one of the lowest at 20%. Once drivers reach the drinking age, there’s an immediate increase to 40%.
Noteworthy and perhaps surprising, the analysis finds that Baby Boomers between the ages of 63 and 72 are the best drivers. Baby boomers average just 14 accidents per 100,000 drivers — with the fewest car accidents of all age groups. Moreover, the data shows that Baby Boomers have the fewest instances of distracted driving, which claimed the lives of some 3,522 people in 2021 alone, according to NHTSA.
More Safety
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →