Have you ever wondered which U.S. cities have the most reckless drivers? A recent study by Forbes Advisor analyzed the 50 most populated cities to determine where drivers engage in the most hazardous behavior, and the results may surprise you.1
1. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque tops the list with the worst drivers in America. The city has a high number of deadly car crashes, drunk drivers, and distracted drivers. Albuquerque recorded the most fatal distracted-driving accidents in the study.
2. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has the highest rate of fatal accidents involving drunk drivers. The city also leads in the total number of fatal crashes and the number of people killed in accidents. However, Memphis drivers are less likely to speed compared to other cities on the list.
3. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit ranks third for the worst drivers, scoring high in most categories except for distracted driving. The city has the second-highest number of fatal accidents overall and the second-most people killed in crashes. Detroit also has a high percentage of uninsured drivers and expensive auto insurance premiums.
4. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is the fourth-worst city for drivers, with a significant number of fatal accidents. The city’s dangerous roads and high rates of drunk and distracted driving contribute to its ranking.
5. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri, has the highest number of fatal accidents involving speeding drivers. The city’s dangerous roads and high rates of fatal crashes make it one of the worst places to drive in the U.S.
6. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is another Texas city with a high number of dangerous drivers. The city’s roads are known for their high rates of fatal accidents, with many involving drunk, distracted, or speeding drivers.
7. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville’s drivers are among the worst in the country, with high rates of fatal crashes and a significant number of people killed in accidents. The city’s roads and driving conditions contribute to its ranking as one of the worst places to drive.
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix secures its place as the second Arizona city on the list, plagued by a high number of fatal accidents and hazardous driving conditions. Its roads are well-known for the elevated frequency of fatal collisions.
9. Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth emerges as yet another Texas city confronting a substantial number of dangerous drivers. Its roads are renowned for the high incidence of fatal collisions, with many involving impaired, distracted, or reckless individuals behind the wheel.
10. Tampa, Florida
Tampa rounds out the top 10 list of cities with the worst drivers. The city has a high number of fatal accidents involving cyclists, with 1.3 per 100,000 residents, which is five times the average. Tampa also has a high rate of drunk driving deaths and overall fatal crashes.
These cities represent some of the most dangerous places to drive in the U.S., with high rates of fatal accidents, drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding. Drivers in these areas should exercise extra caution and follow all traffic laws to stay safe on the roads.
How to Identify a Bad Driver
While the cities mentioned above have the worst drivers in the country, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a bad driver on the road.
- Going slow in the left lane
- Passing on the right
- Constantly brake-checking other drivers
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Not using turn signals
- Driving without headlights in bad weather
- Distracted driving, such as talking on the phone or texting
- Lack of anticipation and reacting instead of anticipating situations
- Expressing anger and using the car to display it
- Never admitting to making mistakes while driving
Drivers in the areas mentioned should exercise extra caution and follow all traffic laws to stay safe on the roads. But through being aware of the signs of a bad driver and practicing defensive driving techniques, we can all help make the roads safer for everyone.
Source:
1. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/worst-drivers-by-city/
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
