A new survey reveals that while Gen Z drivers are leading the way in using in-car technology like Apple CarPlay, hands-free calling, and telematics-based insurance, they’re also more likely than older generations to engage in legal but risky behaviors — like eating behind the wheel, driving while tired, or letting a pet ride shotgun.
The research, commissioned by digital insurer Lemonade and conducted by Talker Research, surveyed 2,000 American drivers across all age groups. It found that 54% of Gen Z admitted to eating while driving, more than any other generation. One-third also confessed to driving while tired, more than double the rate of baby boomers.
While only 30% of Gen Z respondents think their peers are the safest drivers, they’re significantly more likely to enable safety-focused tech features and use telematics to save on insurance. In fact, 41% said they actively use tech tools to get better rates, compared to just 13% of boomers.
“Younger drivers are redefining what it means to be responsible on the road,” said Sean Burgess, Chief Claims Officer at Lemonade. “From connected apps to safer driving modes, Gen Z expects modern solutions — and they’re using them.”
Gen Z Drives Tired, and Distracted, More Than Older Generations
Conducted in April 2025 for Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the study found that 32% of Gen Z respondents admitted to driving while tired. That’s higher than 28% of millennials, 22% of Gen X, and just 15% of baby boomers.
Gen Z and millennials were also more likely to experience emotional or physical distractions behind the wheel: 15% of both groups admitted to arguing with someone in the car while driving, and 17% of Gen Z drivers admitted to arguing with someone over the phone while driving.
Thirteen percent of Gen Z drivers also admitted to letting a pet sit on their lap while driving, a higher percentage than any other generation.
Not surprisingly, Gen Z had the least confidence in their own driving generation. Only 30% of respondents said Gen Z drivers were the safest, compared to 43% of millennials, 60% of Gen X, and 63% of baby boomers who believed their own generation was the safest.
“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,” Burgess said. “We all get tempted by distractions, but it’s clear younger drivers raised with technology at their fingertips are navigating that with growing awareness.”
Gen Z Leads in Using Driving Tech — and Insurance Telematics
Despite some risky behaviors, Gen Z is far more likely to use technology in ways that promote safer driving. According to the study:
- Approximately 56% of Gen Z drivers typically enable features like Drive Mode, CarPlay, or Android Auto while driving — a higher percentage than any other age group.
- 64% use their phones to play music while driving, and 54% use them for directions — again, leading all generations.
While many drivers keep their phones within reach, younger generations are far more likely to use them hands-free, including making calls, dictating text messages, and having messages read aloud.
They’re also embracing tech when it comes to saving on insurance. Forty-one percent of Gen Z drivers report using location-based apps or plug-in devices that track driving behavior or mileage to help lower their insurance rates. That’s compared to 35% of millennials, 28% of Gen X, and just 13% of baby boomers.
“Younger drivers aren’t just open to tech-enabled insurance — they expect it,” Burgess added. “From using telematics to unlock better rates to embracing connected features that promote safer driving, Gen Z is showing that modern insurance should meet them where they are: mobile, mindful, and data-driven.”
Survey Methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 licensed U.S. drivers, evenly split across Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers. The survey was conducted online between March 18 and March 25, 2025.