Gen Z drivers spend a shocking 21% of their time behind the wheel staring at their phones instead of the road, creating a deadly epidemic of distraction that has outpaced laws meant to prevent it.
Key Takeaways
- Gen Z drivers spend over one-fifth (21%) of their driving time looking at phone screens, with more than a quarter of these glances lasting dangerously long at 2+ seconds.
- Despite 35 states banning phone use for young drivers, an overwhelming 91.8% of teens still engage in distracted driving behaviors.
- Entertainment (65%), texting (40%), and navigation (30%) are the primary reasons teens check phones while driving, creating a significant public safety hazard.
- While Gen Z uses more hands-free technology than other generations, they’re also more likely to drive while tired (32%) and engage in other risky behaviors like eating (54%) behind the wheel.
The Alarming Stats Behind Gen Z’s Driving Habits
A new study reveals the disturbing extent of smartphone addiction among America’s youngest drivers. Generation Z motorists are spending over 21% of their time behind the wheel looking at their phones instead of the road. Even more concerning, 26.5% of these phone glances last two seconds or longer – a duration proven to significantly increase crash risk. This behavior persists despite widespread recognition of the dangers and laws in 35 states banning all phone use for young drivers. The study points to a growing disconnect between safety awareness and actual behavior on the road.
“Distracted driving is a serious public health threat and particularly concerning among young drivers,” said Dr. Rebecca Robbins.
The Psychology Behind the Screen Addiction
The research identified entertainment as the primary motivation for phone use while driving, with 65% of teens citing it as their main reason for checking devices. Texting followed at 40%, while navigation apps accounted for 30% of distractions. These findings reveal a concerning reality: despite understanding the risks, many young drivers perceive distracted driving as a social norm. The pressure to stay connected, coupled with the false belief that multitasking behind the wheel is manageable, creates a dangerous mindset that’s proving difficult to change through legislation alone.
“Driving distracted doesn’t just put the driver at risk of injury or death, it puts everyone else on the road in danger of an accident,” said Dr. Rebecca Robbins.
Beyond Phones: A Pattern of Risky Behavior
The distraction problem extends beyond just smartphone use. Gen Z drivers demonstrate multiple concerning habits behind the wheel that compound their risk. A staggering 54% admit to eating while driving, significantly higher than other generations. Even more troubling, 32% of Gen Z drivers acknowledge driving while tired, creating a perfect storm of inattention and delayed reaction times. Additionally, this generation is more likely to engage in heated arguments in the car and allow pets to sit on their laps while driving, further compromising safety.
“Regardless of how often Americans are driving, staying focused behind the wheel is one of the most important things any driver can do — for their own safety and everyone else’s,” said Sean Burgess.
The Technology Paradox
Ironically, while technology creates these dangerous distractions, it also offers potential solutions. Gen Z is the most tech-forward generation, with 56% using car-specific settings like Drive Mode, CarPlay, and Android Auto – tools designed specifically to reduce distracted driving. Additionally, 41% of Gen Z drivers utilize technology to secure better car insurance rates, indicating some awareness of responsible driving benefits. Younger generations are also more likely to use hands-free options for calls and texts, suggesting a partial recognition of safer tech practices.
“We found that while young drivers recognise the advantages of using smartphone features like GPS, they also understand the heightened risk of accidents associated with distracted driving,” stated Dr. Rebecca Robbins.
Practical Solutions to Combat Distracted Driving
Experts recommend several practical strategies to reduce distracted driving among young motorists. Activating “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving can eliminate the temptation to check notifications. Keeping phones physically out of reach during commutes prevents impulsive grabbing when alerts sound. Ensuring adequate sleep before driving helps maintain focus and reduces the need for stimulation from devices. Parents and educators are encouraged to develop campaigns that debunk the myth that phone use while driving is productive or necessary.
“We all get tempted by distractions, but it’s clear younger drivers who were raised with technology at their fingertips are navigating that with growing awareness,” said Sean Burgess.
The Path Forward: Education Over Restriction
The data suggests that simply banning phone use through legislation isn’t sufficient. Only 30% of Gen Z believe their generation has safer drivers compared to much higher percentages among older generations, indicating a self-awareness that could be leveraged for change. Educational campaigns that focus on the concrete consequences of distracted driving, paired with practical technological solutions, offer the most promising path forward. The emphasis should be on developing internal motivation for safe driving rather than relying solely on external restrictions.
“Younger drivers are redefining what it means to be responsible on the road,” said Sean Burgess.
