Many people assume older drivers are involved in the most crashes. Wisconsin’s most current 2024 crash data says otherwise. Drivers ages 15-24 were involved in more crashes than any other age group, even though they make up only about 12% of licensed drivers in the age groups below.
This post breaks down Wisconsin crash data by age, the driver behaviors most often tied to crashes, and what drivers can do to stay safer.
Age Groups Involved in the Most Wisconsin Car Crashes
| Age Group | Number of Licensed Drivers | Total Number of Drivers in a Crash |
| 15-24 | 513,511 | 41,597 |
| 25-34 | 702,470 | 35,652 |
| 35-44 | 726,214 | 31,119 |
| 45-54 | 649,106 | 23,951 |
| 55-64 | 740,149 | 23,171 |
| 65-74 | 675,185 | 16,221 |
| 75-84 | 357,871 | 8,212 |
Why Are Younger Drivers Involved in More Crashes?
Newly licensed drivers are still learning how to handle the unexpected. Common factors in young driver crashes include:
- Speeding, which leaves less time to react to hazards
- Distracted driving, which pulls attention off the road
- Failing to yield, a frequent cause of intersection crashes
- Limited experience in rain, snow, and ice
- Nighttime driving, when visibility is reduced
What Top Driver Behaviors in Wisconsin Crashes
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) also tracks driver-related circumstances in crashes. The most common in 2024 were:
| Driver-Related Circumstance | Total Number of Car Crashes |
| Failure to Control | 18,035 |
| Failed to Yield to Right-of-Way | 16,381 |
| Looked But Did Not See | 11,081 |
| Following Too Close | 10,138 |
| Operated Motor Vehicle In Inattentive, Careless or Erratic Manner | 9,934 |
| Speed Too Fast for Conditions | 8,836 |
How Young Drivers Can Lower Their Crash Risk
No driver can eliminate every risk, but good habits built early last a lifetime. Young drivers can:
- Put the phone away while driving
- Obey posted speed limits
- Leave extra following distance
- Limit nighttime driving
- Always wear a seatbelt
Frequently Asked Questions
Which age group has the most car accidents in Wisconsin?
Drivers age 15-24. They were involved in 41,597 crashes in 2024, more than any other age group.
What is the most common cause of car crashes in Wisconsin?
Failure to control the vehicle was the most common driver-related circumstance in 2024, followed by failure to yield the right-of-way.
Why do teens crash more often?
Limited experience, speeding, distraction, and nighttime driving all play a role.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers ages 15-24 had the most crashes in 2024 and the highest crash rate of any age group.
- Failure to control, failure to yield, and following too closely were among the most common crash factors.
- Distraction-free, patient driving helps reduce risk at every age.
Works Cited
“2024 Wisconsin Traffic Crash Facts Wisconsin Department of Transportation.” Wisconsin Department of Transportation, wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/crash-data/2024-wisconsin-crash-facts.pdf.
Bates, Lyndel J., et al. “Factors Contributing to Crashes among Young Drivers.” Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, vol. 14, no. 3, 2014, p. e297, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4117653/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
“Factors That Increase the Risk of Crashes | Youth.Gov.” Youth.Gov, 2025, https://youth.gov/youth-topics/driver-safety/risk-factors. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
“Teen Drivers – Data Details.” Injury Facts, https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/teen-drivers/data-details/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.