It’s Not Teens—25–34-Year-Olds Are the Deadliest Drivers on U.S. Roads

For years, the stereotype has been that teenagers are America’s most dangerous drivers. But new federal crash data proves otherwise: 25–34-year-olds cause more fatal accidents than any other age group, with alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving as the leading factors.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6.1 million police-reported crashes in 2023, leading to 2.44 million injuries and 40,901 deaths nationwide.

The study from Farmer & Morris highlights not only which age groups are driving most dangerously, but also the states with the highest fatality numbers and the role that gender plays in crash data.

Who’s Really the Most Dangerous on the Road?

NHTSA’s breakdown shows that 25–34-year-olds were responsible for 7,583 crash fatalities in 2023 — the highest of any age bracket.

Other groups included:

• 35–44 years: 6,416 deaths

• 55–64 years: 5,641 deaths

• 45–54 years: 5,247 deaths

• 65–74 years: 4,268 deaths

• 75+ years: 3,623 deaths

• 16–20 years: 3,390 deaths

• 21–24 years: 3,311 deaths

Men were responsible for nearly three times as many deaths as women — 29,487 fatalities compared to 11,199.

Drunk Driving: A Persistent Killer

The 25–34-year-old group also topped drunk driving fatalities, with 2,970 deaths in 2023.

• 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

Worst states for drunk driving deaths included:

1. Texas – 1,699

2. California – 1,355

3. Florida – 839

4. Ohio – 455

5. Georgia – 433

Speeding Deaths Concentrated Among Younger Adults

Speed was another leading factor in 2023 fatalities. 25–34-year-olds once again led the way with 2,475 speeding-related deaths.

Other key groups included:

• 35–44 years: 1,792 deaths

• 16–20 years: 1,464 deaths

• 21–24 years: 1,308 deaths

• 45–54 years: 1,201 deaths

By state, Texas (1,484) and California (1,303) topped speeding deaths, followed by North Carolina (632) and Pennsylvania (491).

Distracted Driving: A Shared Danger

Distracted driving is often thought of as a “teen issue,” but the data tells a different story.

• 25–34 years: 378 distracted driving deaths (highest overall)

• 55–64 years: 350 deaths

• 35–44 years: 313 deaths

• 65–74 years: 299 deaths

• 75+ years: 305 deaths

Surprisingly, younger drivers (16–20 years and 21–24 years) had lower distracted driving fatality numbers — likely due to fewer miles driven and tougher penalties for phone use while driving.

The top states for distracted driving deaths were Texas (404), Florida (277), and Louisiana (254).

What the Data Shows

The findings confirm that mid-life drivers, not teens, are the deadliest on U.S. roads. Drivers in the 25–54 age range are heavily overrepresented in fatalities linked to drunk driving, speeding, and distractions.

Other key takeaways include:

• Men drive more aggressively and account for nearly three times as many fatalities as women.

• Cultural attitudes around masculinity and “tough driving” may encourage riskier behaviors.

• Older adults are at risk too: Distracted driving deaths are high among 55+ drivers, partly due to declining reaction times and difficulty managing in-car technology.

“The myth of the ‘reckless teen driver’ is outdated,” said a spokesperson for Farmer & Morris. “Today, the most dangerous drivers are often adults in their prime, juggling busy lifestyles and taking unnecessary risks. Road safety campaigns and enforcement strategies need to reflect that reality.”

Preventing Future Fatalities

Experts suggest that prevention efforts should broaden to cover all generations:

• Expand public safety campaigns to target mid-life adults, not just teens.

• Enforce harsher penalties for repeat DUI and reckless driving offenses.

• Address distractions across all age groups, not just younger drivers.

• Support older drivers with vision checks, re-testing, and awareness campaigns around GPS and phone use.

Legal Help After a Crash

If you or someone you love has been injured by a reckless driver, Farmer & Morris can help. With offices throughout North and South Carolina, our attorneys fight for accident victims to secure the compensation they deserve.