Gen Z is the youngest generation driving on U.S. roadways. Like those before them, these drivers are inexperienced, but they must also contend with more driving distractions than previous generations, with smartphones, navigation systems and other technologies in the vehicle. Teens make up 3.6% of licensed drivers but are the drivers responsible for 9.3% of all crashes and 6.3% of crash fatalities, according to the National Safety Council.

John Foy & Associates sought to compare the number of crash-related Gen Z deaths in a given state to the estimated size of the generation in that location. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiled from 2017 to 2021 for people born between 1997 and 2012, the personal injury attorneys identified the top 10 most dangerous states for Gen Z with the least safe Gen Z drivers.

"Many members of Generation Z aren't yet old enough to drive, but the data still shows that more than 12,000 drivers in the age group were killed in crashes between 2017 and 2021," commented a spokesperson for John Foy & Associates. "The data not only emphasizes the vulnerability of Gen Z drivers on the road but also the importance of targeted safety measures and driving education programs to address this pressing issue."