A new analysis by Farmer & Morris of crash data reveals that drivers aged 25 to 34 are the most dangerous on U.S. roads, leading fatality counts across drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving. The findings, drawn from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, shed light on which age groups and behaviors are most responsible for deadly accidents and why prevention efforts must expand beyond the stereotypes of “teen drivers.”
In 2023 alone, the U.S. recorded 6,138,359 police-reported motor vehicle crashes. These resulted in 2.44 million injuries and 40,901 deaths nationwide.
25–34-Year-Olds Lead Fatality Counts
According to NHTSA data, drivers in the 25–34-year-old age group were responsible for 7,583 fatalities in 2023, more than any other group. They were followed by:
- 35–44-year-olds: 6,416 fatalities
- 55–64-year-olds: 5,641 fatalities
- 45–54-year-olds: 5,247 fatalities
- 65–74-year-olds: 4,268 fatalities
Younger drivers also showed significant crash numbers, with 16–20-year-olds responsible for 3,390 deaths and 21–24-year-olds for 3,311 deaths. Seniors aged 75+ were linked to 3,623 fatalities.
Of the total 2023 fatalities, men accounted for 29,487 deaths, compared to 11,199 among women. Alcohol was the leading factor.
Drunk Driving Fatalities
The 25–34 age group also topped the list for drunk driving deaths, responsible for 2,970 fatalities in 2023.
- 35–44-year-olds: 2,265 fatalities
- 45–54-year-olds: 1,666 fatalities
- 55–64-year-olds: 1,445 fatalities
- 21–24-year-olds: 1,370 fatalities
- 16–20-year-olds: 1,085 fatalities
While seniors 75+ contributed fewer drunk-driving deaths (491), the overall numbers confirm alcohol impairment is not just a “young driver” issue.
States with the highest drunk-driving fatalities included:
- Texas – 1,699
- California – 1,355
- Florida – 839
- Ohio – 455
- Georgia – 433
Speeding Fatalities
Risk-taking behind the wheel also extends to speed. In 2023, 25–34-year-olds caused 2,475 speeding-related deaths.
Other age groups included:
- 35–44-year-olds – 1,792 fatalities
- 16–20-year-olds – 1,464 fatalities
- 21–24-year-olds – 1,308 fatalities
Fatalities decreased with age, with drivers 75+ responsible for 463 speeding deaths.
The top speeding states were:
- Texas – 1,484
- California – 1,303
- North Carolina – 632
- Pennsylvania – 491
- Illinois – 436
Distracted Driving Fatalities
Confirming the pattern, 25–34-year-olds also ranked first in distracted driving deaths, with 378 fatalities in 2023. Phone use and multitasking were cited as primary causes.
- 55–64-year-olds: 350 fatalities
- 35–44-year-olds: 313 fatalities
- 65–74-year-olds: 299 fatalities
- 75+ drivers: 305 fatalities
Notably, distracted driving was not limited to younger drivers — older age groups also showed unexpectedly high numbers due to slower reaction times and difficulties managing GPS or in-car technology.
Worst states for distracted driving included:
- Texas – 404
- Florida – 277
- Louisiana – 254
- New Jersey – 172
- New Mexico – 162
What the Findings Mean
The data shows that mid-life drivers, not just teens, are the riskiest on U.S. roads. Drivers aged 25–54 are highly represented across all three major crash causes — drunk driving, speeding, and distractions.
Additional insights include:
- Men are nearly three times more likely than women to cause fatal crashes, often due to risky behaviors influenced by cultural stereotypes.
- Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws have helped reduce fatalities among teens, underscoring the role of stricter driving rules.
- Older adults face rising risks due to declining vision, reaction time, and cognitive function, particularly in distracted driving crashes.
“These numbers prove that dangerous driving is not just a teen problem,” said a spokesperson for Farmer & Morris Law. “Drivers in their late twenties and thirties are consistently the most dangerous behind the wheel. Public safety campaigns and stricter enforcement need to reflect that reality.”
Legal Help After a Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. With offices across North and South Carolina, the firm has decades of experience representing accident victims and their families.
