Gen Z drivers are racking up the worst driving records compared to other generations, according to recent data from LendingTree. Analysis of "tens of millions" of insurance quotes revealed that individuals between the ages of 18 and 26, also known as Gen Z, lead in incident rates, DUIs, and a host of other driving violations.
The study, which was conducted by parsing through quotes from January 1, 2023, through November 30, 2023, found that Gen Z's incident rate stood at 49.07 reported incidents per 1,000 drivers, with this figure including accidents, DUIs, speeding tickets, and other citations. This is a marked increase from the preceding generation, Millennials, which logged 25.13 incidents per 1,000 drivers, as CBS News reported. Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation showed more modest rates ranging from 19.05 to 20.45 incidents per thousand drivers, respectively.
An expert attributed the high incident rates to a combination of inexperience and a propensity for risk-taking among the youth. "Young drivers need time to gain familiarity in how to operate a vehicle and learn how to deal with the various hazards that can unexpectedly arise on a road or highway," Rob Bhatt, a LendingTree auto insurance expert and licensed insurance agent, told CBS News. "Younger people, in general, are also often more likely to engage in risky behavior than older individuals," he added, mentioning the prefrontal cortex development which typically completes in the mid-20s could play a part in the decision-making processes of younger drivers.
The issue of distracted driving, especially texting while behind the wheel, has also been a significant factor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that 39% of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving at least once over a 30-day period in 2019. The generational trend continues with DUI rates, which, according to the same LendingTree study, showed Gen Z at the top with 2.17 DUIs per 1,000 drivers, while the Silent Generation had the least, at just 0.26 DUIs per 1,000 drivers, as FOX 5 Atlanta covered.
The startling statistics extend to traffic accidents with Gen Zers leading with the highest accident rate at 30.25 per 1,000 drivers, significantly higher than Gen X which had the lowest at 11.96. This poses a challenge for young drivers who already face steep insurance rates. "The good news for Gen Z drivers is that their rates will become more affordable when they reach their 30s, provided they can maintain a good driving record and avoid having too many insurance claims," Bhatt said in a statement obtained by CBS News. Finally, the study urged young drivers to avoid accidents and to pay their bills on time as these can help in keeping insurance rates in check.
