Gen Z is getting wrecked.
Young drivers are wracking up some serious crashes across the US, according to a new report called “Gen Z Recklessness Score,” but some states stand out far more than others when it comes to bad behavior behind the wheel.
Montana’s Gen Z drivers are the most dangerous, followed by Wyoming and South Carolina, according to the report, according to the report, which used National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
New York Zoomers are the safest drivers, with New Jersey drivers riding their bumpers as the fifth safest.
The study, released by Wilshire Law Firm, analyzed the driving records of individuals between the ages of 15 and 29, focusing on the five-year period from 2019 to 2023.
The national average for Gen Z-related accidents sits at 14.81 per 100,000 people, but many of the highest-ranking states far exceed that number, according to the NHTSA.
Nearly 6,000 motorists were killed in crashes due to speeding by Gen Z drivers in 2023, reported NHTSA data per Consumer Affairs. That’s 9.02 deaths per 100,000 Zoomers, more than two and a half times the national rate.
The rankings were based on several factors, including accidents involving Gen Z drivers, fatal crashes, speeding-related incidents, and alcohol-related crashes — all measured per 100,000 people.
Montana topped the chart with a reckless driving score of 99.74. The state recorded 23.79 Gen Z driver accidents per 100,000 people and nearly the same number of fatalities at 23.88.
The Treasure State also had some of the highest rates of speeding and alcohol-related crashes involving Gen Z motorists.
Wyoming ranked second with a score of 98.00 and had the highest speeding-related fatality rate in the study at 11.46 per 100,000 people. South Carolina followed in third place, with more than 24 accidents and fatalities per 100,000 people involving Gen Z drivers.
New Mexico and Arkansas rounded out the top five, both showing high levels of fatal crashes and speeding-related incidents. Mississippi, South Dakota, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas also placed in the top 10.
The data suggests that rural areas are the most dangerous.
Many of the highest-ranking states have long stretches of open highways, higher speed limits, and fewer transportation alternatives, which can contribute to dangerous driving behaviors among younger motorists.
But when New York Zoomers hit the road, it’s safety all the way. In fact, Gen Z drivers from the Empire State are number one — the safest drivers overall, earning the lowest recklessness score of just 2.48.
Massachusetts and New Hampshire also ranked among the safest states, with significantly lower accident, speeding and alcohol-related crash rates.
New Jersey performed particularly well, ranking 46th with one of the lowest recklessness scores in the country at 9.91. The state reported just 7.54 accidents involving Gen Z drivers per 100,000 people — roughly half the national average.
