Texas Ranks 10th in Nation for Reckless Gen Z Drivers, New Report Finds

TEXAS (TXAN 24) - A new report from Wilshire Law Firm ranks Texas among the top 10 states with the most reckless Gen Z drivers in the country.

The study analyzed crash and fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System between 2019 and 2023, focusing on drivers born between 1997 and 2012.

Texas received a “Gen Z Recklessness Score” of 78.54, ranking 10th nationally. Researchers found the state recorded 18.46 accidents and 18.64 fatalities involving Gen Z drivers per 100,000 people during the five-year period.

The report also highlighted speeding and alcohol-related crashes involving younger drivers. Texas saw 6.56 overspeeding-related accidents and 7.64 fatalities per 100,000 people tied to Gen Z drivers. Alcohol-impaired crashes accounted for 3.34 accidents and 4.06 fatalities per 100,000 people statewide.

Researchers noted neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana also ranked inside the national top 10.

According to the National Safety Council, driver inexperience remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes involving young drivers. The organization continues advocating for stronger Graduated Driver Licensing programs and increased parental involvement to improve road safety.