Car accidents affect drivers of all ages, but car crash statistics by age consistently show that younger drivers are involved in the highest number of accidents, while young and middle-aged adults account for the most injury-related crashes in Florida. Many people askwhat age group causes the most car accidents or what age group has the most car accidents, and statewide data helps clearly answer those questions. Age influences driving habits, experience, risk tolerance, and time spent on the road, all of which play a role in accident rates.
Below, we break downcar accident rates by age, explain why certain age groups are more at risk, and discuss what this means for insurance rates and injury victims in Florida. If you or a loved one has been injured, aFort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
Car Crash Rates by Age: What the Data Shows
Understandingcar crash rates by age is essential when analyzingwhich age causes the most car accidents and how different generations contribute to overall crash numbers.
When determining which age group causes the most accidents, it is important to consider both thenumber of crashes and how frequently each age group is on the road.
What Age Group Causes the Most Car Accidents?
Young Drivers Have the Highest Crash Rates
National and Florida data consistently show thatdrivers under 25 are involved in crashes at disproportionately high rates.
- Drivers aged 16–19 make up about 3.7% of U.S. drivers but are involved in 8.7% of all crashes.
- In Florida alone, there were 118,301 crashes in 2023 involving drivers under 25.
By comparison:
- Drivers aged 65–74 represent about 13.5% of drivers but are involved in only 7.3% of crashes.
- In 2023, Florida recorded 48,951 crashes involving drivers aged 65–74.
While not all teen drivers are unsafe, thesecar crash statistics by age explain why younger drivers are often identified when people askwhat age group causes most car accidents.
Why Younger Drivers Are More Likely to Be in Accidents
Looking at car crash rates by age helps identify who is most at risk, but understandingwhy is just as important. Younger drivers tend to be involved in more accidents due to several key factors:
- Inexperienced driving and limited time behind the wheel
- Poor hazard recognition, such as lingering in semi-truck blind spots
- Risk-taking behaviors, including speeding, texting, or impaired driving
- More nighttime and weekend driving, when visibility is lower, and traffic is heavier
- Peer influence that encourages unsafe decisions
- Overconfidence in reaction time and driving ability
These behaviors significantly increase crash risk compared to older, more experienced drivers.
Who Causes More Car Accidents: Old or Young?
Injury Crashes in South Florida: Younger and Middle-Aged Drivers Lead
While drivers under 25 have the highest overall crash rates,drivers aged 21–39 account for the most injury-related accidents in South Florida. According to theFlorida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
Highest Crash Injury Age Groups (Florida)
- Ages 21–24: 53,653 injuries and 191 fatalities
- Ages 25–29: 63,385 injuries and 213 fatalities
- Ages 30–34: 57,488 injuries and 214 fatalities
- Ages 35–39: 49,570 injuries and 165 fatalities
These age groups spend more time on the road due to work commutes, family responsibilities, and social activities, which increases their exposure to crash risks.
Teen and Senior Driver Risks Compared
Although younger and middle-aged adults cause the most injury crashes, teens and seniors still face unique dangers. This comparison is often raised when askingwho causes more car accidents, old or young, and the answer depends on whether you measure total crashes, injury crashes, or fatal crash rates.
- According to theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thefatal crash rate per mile driven for teens is nearly three times higher than for drivers aged 20 and older.
- In 2019, teens experienced16.2 fatal crashes per 100,000 teens.
- Seniors aged70 and older had thelowest fatal crash rate, at12.5 per 100,000 people.
This shows that while seniors crash less often overall, teens remain one of the most vulnerable groups on the road.
Common Causes of Accidents Among High-Risk Age Groups
TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies several behaviors that contribute heavily to accidents among younger and middle-aged drivers:
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Distracted driving, including phone use
- Speeding
Additional risk factors include driving late at night, early morning hours, and during peak traffic times.
What Car Insurance Rates Reveal About Age-Based Risk
Insurance companies use age as one of several factors to determine premiums. Drivers are often grouped as follows:
- Teens and Young Adults (16–24)
- Experienced Drivers (25–39)
- Middle-Aged Drivers (40–64)
- Senior Drivers (65+)
Teen and young adult drivers usually face higher premiums due to increased crash risk, while seniors may see higher rates due to physical limitations that affect reaction time and vision.
To lower premiums, insurers may offer discounts for:
- Defensive driving courses
- Consistent safe driving history
- Good student performance (for teen drivers)
What Happens If You’re Injured in a Florida Car Accident?
Florida operates under ano-fault insurance system, requiring drivers to carryPersonal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP typically pays for:
- Medical treatment for minor to moderate injuries
- A portion of lost wages
- Certain related expenses
Florida law requires crash victims to seek medical care within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits under Florida Statutes § 627.736.
If your injuries are serious, you may be eligible to pursue a fault-based claim or lawsuit, allowing recovery for:
- Additional medical bills and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Strict deadlines apply. UnderFlorida Statutes § 95.11, most personal injury cases must be filed withinfour years, and wrongful death cases withintwo years.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty.TheLaw Offices of Wolf & Pravato help accident victims understand their rights, navigate insurance claims, and pursue full compensation.
Our South Florida car accident attorneys can:
- Answer your questions and explain your options
- Handle all insurance and legal communications
- Investigate the crash and build your case
- Protect your rights and meet all legal deadlines
Call (844) 643-7200 today for afree consultation. You can also review our case results and testimonials to see how we have helped other accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.