What age group causes the most car accidents in the UK?
Young drivers aged 17–24 are involved in more car accidents than any other age group in the UK.
Despite having fewer full licence holders, they account for a disproportionately high number of road collisions—especially those resulting in serious injury or death.
According to government data, this age group has the highest accident rate per mile driven. Inexperience behind the wheel, overconfidence, and a greater likelihood of risk-taking behaviours—such as speeding or distractions—are all contributing factors. The first year after passing a driving test is particularly high-risk.
At the other end of the spectrum, drivers aged 80 and over are also increasingly involved in crashes, largely due to slower reaction times or health-related impairments. However, overall numbers are much lower than those involving younger drivers.
Next, we’ll explore the reasons younger drivers are more susceptible to accidents, and how age influences behaviour and risk behind the wheel.
Why are young drivers more likely to cause accidents?
Young drivers aged 17 to 24 are statistically the most dangerous on UK roads due to inexperience, risk-taking, and driving at high-risk times.
They’re four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than those aged 25 and over, despite making up just 7% of licence holders.
Their overrepresentation in crash data is striking: this group is involved in 16% of all fatal or serious accidents. The most at-risk segment? Young men. Between 2019 and 2023, males aged 17–24 accounted for a third of all killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties in collisions involving a younger driver. Female drivers in the same age range represented around 17%—less than half.
The reasons go beyond age. Many drive at night, after social events, or when tired. They’re also more likely to be distracted, speed, or overestimate their skills, particularly in the first year of passing their test. This combination of overconfidence and inexperience creates a perfect storm.
If you’re comparing insurance as a new driver—or even considering short-term cover before buying a car—our young driver insurance and temporary car insurance guides can help reduce risk while keeping costs manageable.
Looking to compare car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhich other age groups are most commonly involved in accidents?
After young drivers, the 25–34 age group ranks next for accident frequency, followed closely by those aged 35 to 59.
While less risky than the 17–24 demographic, these groups still contribute significantly to road collisions—especially in urban areas and during commuting hours.
Here’s how the patterns break down:
- 25–34: Still prone to risk-taking, this group sees high accident rates, particularly among males. Many are transitioning to family life or more frequent motorway use.
- 30–39 and 50–59: Often involved in accidents due to volume of driving. These drivers are typically more experienced, but exposure raises likelihood of minor collisions.
- Over 70s: This group is less likely to engage in reckless behaviour, but more prone to accidents caused by slower reaction times or misjudgements at junctions. Worryingly, the fatality rate is five times higher due to frailty.
Younger adults might crash more, but older drivers face greater consequences when they do. These patterns also influence the types of car insurance people seek at different life stages—such as multicar policies for families or temporary cover during vehicle handovers.
Do men or women cause more car accidents?
Men are consistently more likely to be involved in serious car accidents than women across all age groups.
In fact, they account for 78% of all road fatalities and 62% of injuries—a disparity driven by both behavioural and situational factors.
This trend is especially stark among young male drivers:
- Males aged 17–24 are involved in one-third of all serious or fatal collisions linked to younger drivers.
- Millennial men (28–43) are statistically responsible for more crashes than any other demographic.
Why the gap?
- Risk-taking behaviour: Speeding, overconfidence, and distraction remain dominant factors among male drivers.
- Vehicle choice: Men are more likely to drive powerful cars, increasing collision severity.
- Driving frequency: On average, men cover more miles per year, exposing them to higher risk.
By contrast, young and elderly female drivers are among the most cautious, according to accident data. This behavioural difference is one reason premiums often skew lower for women—especially when paired with limited mileage or telematics policies.
Final thoughts
Young drivers—particularly males aged 17 to 24—are the most likely to cause or be involved in car accidents in the UK.
Despite making up just 7% of licence holders, they’re involved in 16% of all serious or fatal collisions.
This heightened risk is driven by inexperience, risk-taking, and a tendency to drive at high-risk times. However, age isn’t the only factor—gender, driving frequency, and even the type of car all play a role.
Understanding how age and risk interact doesn’t just help insurers set fair premiums—it can help drivers of all ages make smarter choices behind the wheel.
If you’re looking to protect yourself or someone in a higher-risk group, consider exploring:
Driving habits evolve, but safety starts with awareness—and that doesn’t come with an age limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Drivers aged 17–24 are most at risk, especially young males. They’re four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared to older drivers.
Not typically. While drivers over 70 are less likely to engage in reckless behaviour, they’re more vulnerable to injury or death if a crash occurs due to physical frailty.
Yes. Men are significantly more likely to be involved in serious crashes than women. They account for around 78% of UK road fatalities.
Insurance is priced based on risk. Young drivers are statistically more likely to have accidents, which means higher premiums—especially for males under 25.
They can. Temporary insurance providers assess age and driving history. Younger drivers, especially under 25, often pay more due to elevated risk.
Yes. Accident risk peaks at ages 17–19 and gradually declines with age. Inexperience and risk-taking behaviours are more common among teenagers than those in their early 20s.
While you can start at 17, safety improves with experience. Statistically, drivers aged 35–50 are involved in fewer accidents and typically pay less for insurance.
Avoid speeding, drive during daylight hours, and avoid distractions like mobile phones. Completing a Pass Plus course can also help develop safer driving habits early on.