For the third consecutive year, New York has been recognized as the top state for teen drivers, as revealed by a recent traffic safety study.
This study, conducted by WalletHub, assessed all 50 states using 23 criteria, like the number of fatalities among teen drivers, incidences of DUIs, and the accessibility of driver education and training.
These factors were categorized into three main areas: safety, economic environment, and driving regulations, culminating in a total score out of 100.
New York earned its leading position due to consistently strong performance in various metrics, ranking second in safety—just behind New Jersey—and also second with regard to effective driving laws.
The state recorded the fourth-lowest number of teen driver fatalities, the fourth-lowest rate of phone usage while driving, and the third-lowest incidence of poor turning maneuvers in the nation.
Furthermore, New York boasts the highest number of driving schools per resident and has the third-fewest DUI arrests among teens when adjusted for population.
With an overall score of 72.14, New York was followed closely by Oregon with a score of 72.00 and New Jersey at 68.01.
This recognition marks the third straight year that New York teens have clinched the top spot, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Christian Jackstadt, the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and a parent himself, expressed hope that this ranking provides reassurance to parents about the state’s commitment to road safety.
“We’re excited about this ranking, and we will continue our efforts to educate young people to become safer and more responsible drivers,” Jackstadt noted.
The study compiled data from a variety of sources, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Automobile Association (AAA), as per WalletHub’s report.
Despite the favorable ranking, motor vehicle accidents continue to be a leading cause of death for teens aged 16 to 19 nationwide. Notably, data from 2024 indicates that drivers aged 16 to 20 accounted for 7% of crashes in New York while representing only 4% of licensed drivers in the state.
Jackstadt pointed out that many accidents involving teen drivers typically stem from factors like inexperience, distraction, impairment, and driving at night. The state has implemented several programs and regulations aimed at addressing these risky behaviors.
Montana unfortunately ranked at the bottom of the list with a score of 22.78, far below New York’s score. Missouri followed with 29.16, and Mississippi with 35.88.
This WalletHub study arrives on the heels of a report from May that labeled the phenomenon “Gen Z Recklessness Score,” which indicated that young drivers are involved in a significant number of serious accidents across the U.S.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average rate of accidents involving Gen Z drivers stands at 14.81 per 100,000 people, with nearly 6,000 motorists losing their lives in speeding-related incidents involving these young drivers in 2023.
Once again, New York’s younger drivers were ranked as the safest in the country, while Montana found itself at the bottom of the rankings in both studies.
