Millennials and Young Adults Identified as America’s Most Dangerous Drivers

The most dangerous drivers on U.S. roads are not inexperienced teens or elderly motorists; they are adults aged 25 to 34, according to a new analysis of federal crash data.

The study from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, based on figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), shows that this age group tops fatality counts across drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving. T\he findings challenge traditional stereotypes about who poses the greatest risk on American roads.

In 2023, there were 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes in the U.S., leading to 2.44 million injuries and 40,901 deaths.

Deadliest Age Groups Behind the Wheel

NHTSA’s 2023 data highlights a surprising age-related pattern in crash fatalities:

25–34 years: 7,583 deaths (highest overall)
35–44 years: 6,416 deaths
55–64 years: 5,641 deaths
45–54 years: 5,247 deaths
65–74 years: 4,268 deaths
16–20 years: 3,390 deaths
21–24 years: 3,311 deaths
75+ years: 3,623 deaths

Men were also found to be significantly more dangerous behind the wheel, responsible for nearly three times as many fatalities as women — 29,487 compared to 11,199.

Alcohol Remains the Leading Killer

Drunk driving continues to be the most consistent factor in fatal crashes. The 25–34 age group recorded 2,970 alcohol-related deaths in 2023 — more than any other demographic.

Other age brackets followed closely:

35–44 years: 2,265 deaths
45–54 years: 1,666 deaths
55–64 years: 1,445 deaths
21–24 years: 1,370 deaths
16–20 years: 1,085 deaths

By state, Texas led the nation in drunk driving deaths (1,699), followed by California (1,355) and Florida (839).

Speeding: Another Deadly Habit

The 25–34 age group also ranked highest for speeding-related fatalities, with 2,475 deaths in 2023.

Texas again came first for speeding deaths (1,484), followed by California (1,303) and North Carolina (632). Other high-risk age groups included 35–44-year-olds (1,792 deaths) and 16–20-year-olds (1,464 deaths).

Distracted Driving Across Generations

Distraction while driving is not just a problem for younger motorists. In 2023, 25–34-year-olds were responsible for 378 distracted driving deaths, but older drivers were also strongly represented:

55–64 years: 350 deaths
65–74 years: 299 deaths
75+ years: 305 deaths

“Phones, GPS, and in-car technology don’t discriminate by age,” the report noted. “Older drivers are just as prone to distraction — and often have slower response times, which makes the consequences more severe.”

Texas led the nation in distracted driving deaths (404), followed by Florida (277) and Louisiana (254).

Rethinking Risk on the Road

The study overturns the long-standing belief that teenagers are the most dangerous drivers. While drivers under 25 are involved in many crashes, adults in their mid-20s to mid-40s consistently show higher fatality rates.

Key insights include:

Men take more risks — They are far more likely to drink, speed, and avoid seatbelt use.
Cultural expectations — Social attitudes that equate masculinity with risk-taking encourage aggressive driving.
Technology’s double edge — Advanced safety systems improve cars, but reliance on in-car devices has created new distractions.

“The data is clear: the most dangerous drivers aren’t teens or seniors, but adults in the prime of their lives,” said a spokesperson for Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. “They drive more, they drink more, and they take more risks. Public awareness campaigns and enforcement strategies must adapt to this reality.”

Preventing Future Tragedies

Experts suggest a range of preventive measures, including:

Expanding road safety campaigns beyond teens to target drivers aged 25–54.
Imposing harsher penalties for repeat drunk and reckless driving offenders.
Introducing regular re-testing for older drivers, focusing on vision and cognition.
Promoting education around the dangers of so-called “safe multitasking” while driving.

Legal Help After a Crash

If you or a loved one has been injured by a reckless driver, legal representation can make all the difference. Farmer & Morris Law has offices across North and South Carolina and decades of experience representing accident victims and their families.