NHTSA Identifies Worst Drivers by Generation
Asking a room full of people from various backgrounds and demographics who they think are the worst drivers by generation isn’t likely to yield a cohesive opinion. Younger generations often bemoan the perils of elderly drivers, while Baby Boomers may fear riding in the passenger seat with an inexperienced driver behind the wheel. Biases formed from personal experience are hard to dislodge, but recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has produced a definitive answer.
Millennials, specifically those between the ages of 25 and 34, scored almost across the board as the worst drivers. They experienced the most accidents and the most fatal accidents. They’re also the second-highest portion of distracted drivers. NHTSA calculated the various scores based on the following historical data:
- Total car crashes
- Total fatal car crashes
- Speeding-related fatal car crashes
- Driver’s blood alcohol content in fatal crashes
- The frequency of dangerous driving behaviors
The Millennials from the second half of their generation and the youngest members of Gen X didn’t fare much better. Drivers between the ages of 35-44 scored as the second worst.
Meanwhile, Gen Z drivers between the age of 16 to 24 are second only to Baby Boomers for total collisions. These younger drivers also account for the lowest percentage of fatal car crashes. Unfortunately, they are the most distracted drivers and are prone to speeding.
Baby Boomers between 63 and 72 scored as the overall best drivers. They have the fewest car accidents and are the least distracted drivers.
Distracted driving is a significant concern among fleets. Distracted driving collisions claimed over 3500 lives in 2021—all of which were avoidable. Unfortunately, truck drivers have many things vying for their attention, such as smartphones, radios, GPS devices, food, and beverages. Contact Interstate Motor Carriers to learn more about mitigating risk factors within your fleet.