What age group causes the most car accidents?

Car Accidents - November 18, 2025

Teen drivers (those between 16 and 19) cause the most car accidents in the country. Their inexperience makes it easy to misjudge traffic or fall into distractions behind the wheel. A Chicago car accident attorney with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates explains how crash risks change across age groups and what you can do if you’re recovering from a wreck.

What are the crash statistics for young drivers?

National data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Safety Council (NSC) show that drivers ages 16–19 continue to have the highest crash rates of any age group. The risk is especially high in the first months after a teen gets a license, when they’re still learning how to judge traffic and react to sudden changes.

Teens are more likely to drive distracted, misjudge distances, and freeze in unfamiliar situations. IIHS data also shows that new drivers (usually ages 16–17) are involved in more crashes per mile driven than adults.

Young drivers also take more risks behind the wheel. Many overestimate their abilities, drive with teen passengers who encourage unsafe behavior, or skip wearing a seat belt. CDC data shows teen drivers and teen passengers are less likely to buckle up, contributing to higher crash-death rates among this age group.

What age groups compare to teens for crash rates?

While older drivers usually have more experience, age can still affect safety on the road. National Safety Council crash data shows that drivers 65 and older have higher fatality rates per mile driven than middle-aged drivers because they’re more physically vulnerable in a crash. Age-related issues like slower reflexes, reduced vision, mobility limitations, or medication side effects can make it harder to avoid sudden road hazards.

According to NHTSA data, drivers aged 80 and older have lower crash death rates per mile driven than teenagers, but still face more risk than most adult age groups. Health conditions, like sleep-related breathing disorders, can also affect reaction time and increase the chance of a serious outcome if a collision occurs.

What risk factors are common across all age groups of drivers?

No matter how old a driver is, there are some factors that cause motor vehicle crash deaths every year. Some of the more frequent reasons contributing to Illinois auto accidents include:

• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Alcohol or substance use
• Distraction
• Failure to obey traffic signals

Whether you have been the victim of a driver in the highest crash rate category or in another age group, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. In Illinois, you can file an auto insurance claim against the at-fault party and negotiate a settlement. If your loved one died as a result of the accident, you can file a lawsuit with the help of a Chicago wrongful death lawyer.

How Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help after a crash

Understanding which age groups are most likely to cause accidents doesn’t change the fact that you’re the one dealing with the fallout. Recovering from a crash is hard enough without worrying about insurance companies or legal steps. If you’re recovering from injuries, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can step in and guide you through the claims process so you’re not handling everything alone. To discuss your options and learn more about how we can help, arrange a free consultation by calling (800) 985-1819 today.