What generation drives the least?

[LeEmma]

Baby Boomers have the lowest rate of DUI incidents per licensed driver, with 0.53 DUIs per 1,000 drivers. This is less than half the rate of Generation X (1.01) and significantly lower than Millennials (1.59) and Gen Z (2.17). This data, reflecting traffic safety studies, indicates that the oldest generation of current drivers is statistically the least likely to be involved in driving under the influence offenses.

The ranking of DUI incidents per 1,000 licensed drivers by generation is clear:

Rank	Generation	DUIs per 1,000 Drivers
1	Gen Z	2.17
2	Millennial	1.59
3	Generation X	1.01
4	Baby Boomer	0.53

This generational disparity is supported by analysis of traffic citation and insurance claim data. The lower rate among Baby Boomers is influenced by multiple factors. Age and life stage play a significant role; older drivers typically have more established routines, engage in less late-night social driving, and may exhibit more risk-averse behavior. Furthermore, this generation entered the driving age during a period of increasing public awareness and stricter legal penalties for DUI, which may have instilled stronger long-term habits of caution.

It is crucial to interpret this data correctly. A lower DUI rate does not directly equate to "driving the least" in terms of total miles. Federal Highway Administration data often shows that middle-aged drivers (Gen X, older Millennials) accumulate the highest annual mileage. Baby Boomers may drive fewer miles on average as they enter retirement, but their low DUI rate is more a reflection of safer behavioral patterns rather than simply reduced time on the road. The high rate for Gen Z, while concerning, is also contextual. It represents a small number per capita, and this group includes new, less-experienced drivers who are statistically higher-risk across all violation categories.

The trend shows a clear correlation between younger driver age and higher DUI incidence rates. This pattern is consistent with global road safety research, which identifies young drivers as the highest-risk demographic for impaired driving and other serious violations. Therefore, while Baby Boomers show the best performance in this specific metric, the data primarily highlights an ongoing road safety focus: mitigating risk among the newest generations of drivers through education and enforcement.

[TravisRose]

As a retired person in my late 60s, my driving habits have definitely changed. I don’t commute anymore, so most of my driving is for errands, doctor appointments, or visiting family during the day. My friend group doesn’t go out to bars at night; we have coffee or dinner early. I think that’s a big part of it. The data saying my generation has the fewest DUI issues makes sense to me. We’re just not in those high-risk situations as often. It’s more about lifestyle than being a “better” driver.

[DeclanLee]

I’ve been a rideshare driver in a major city for five years, and the patterns are hard to miss. The vast majority of my late-night weekend pickups from bars and clubs are younger passengers—Gen Z and Millennials. I’ve had to refuse rides a few times because someone was clearly over the limit. It’s just a much more common scene with that crowd. My older passengers, the Boomers, are usually heading to or from the airport, a restaurant for an early dinner, or a theater show. Their nights out wrap up earlier and seem more planned. My experience on the road directly mirrors what the statistics say about which age groups are most often involved in impaired driving.

[MacLevi]

Looking at this from a data perspective, the key is the “per 1,000 drivers” rate. It controls for the size of each generation on the road. So, the low 0.53 rate for Baby Boomers is a powerful indicator of behavioral difference.

The numbers tell a story of risk declining with age and maturity. Gen Z’s high rate is a focal point for public safety campaigns. It’s not just about alcohol; it includes other substances. This data is used by insurance companies to model risk and by policymakers to target educational resources. The generational gap isn’t surprising to analysts, but its scale—with Boomers’ rate being a quarter of Gen Z’s—is always a stark reminder of where preventative efforts need to be concentrated.

[KevinMarie]

I work with a community safety nonprofit, and we discuss this data often. The Boomer generation’s low DUI rate is a success story of sorts, reflecting decades of advocacy for stricter laws like raising the drinking age and lowering legal BAC limits, which they experienced as young adults. However, we can’t be complacent. The higher rates among younger drivers show our work isn’t done. Our outreach now focuses on peer-to-peer messaging and the dangers of polysubstance use, which is a different challenge than in the past. It’s also important to remember that a low rate doesn’t mean zero. We still encourage all drivers, regardless of age, to plan for a safe ride home every single time. Safe driving behavior is the goal for every generation.