A study by Consumer Affairs has brought to light some behavioural patterns regarding driving across different generations. It reveals that Gen Yers are involved in over 50% of aggressive driving incidents, while Gen Xers and Baby Boomers exhibit lower rates. Notably, when Gen Y and Z drivers use their mobile phones while behind the wheel, they tend to display more aggressive and impulsive behaviours. Tailgating and verbal outbursts are among the common aggressive behaviours observed, with individuals aged 25 to 39 accounting for nearly 67% of tailgating incidents. In contrast, Baby Boomers are implicated in only 4.2% of crashes stemming from reckless behaviour.

Despite the buzz surrounding AI and its potential impact on road safety, recent incidents involving driverless cars have also raised concerns. In September 2023, 20 self-driving taxis caused a roadblock in Austin, Texas, while a Waymo self-driving taxi was involved in a collision with a cyclist in San Francisco in early 2024. However, amidst these discussions, the findings from Consumer Affairs highlight another pressing issue: the heightened stress levels experienced by young drivers.

With younger generations reporting increased anxiety compared to older cohorts, there's a clear opportunity for automakers, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders to address stressful driving conditions for these demographics. In a bid to enhance road safety, Waze has introduced an innovative AI-powered feature. This feature analyzes the crash history of roads and identifies potential hazards, thereby assisting drivers in navigating safer routes.