Top 10 U.S. States with the Worst Drivers

Picture this: You're minding your business while you're turning in somewhere, when the driver behind you decides to honk at you and pass because of their previously built-up rage... or perhaps the car in front of you is swerving and driving way slower than normal. Every state has drivers that make you pound your steering wheel in frustration, but some places have reputations that stretch far beyond their borders.

From rural highways clogged with tailgaters to city streets filled with honking for no reason, each state has its own brand of road mayhem. So, what are the U.S. states with the worst drivers? This list is about a mix of habits that range from mildly irritating to genuinely dangerous.

1. Florida

   

   How is this not #1?

2. Arkansas

   

   While there are varying reports on Arkansas drivers, some studies indicate that Arkansas has a higher rate of accidents and fatalities compared to other states.

   For example, some research suggests Arkansas ranks among the top five most dangerous states for drivers. However, other reports suggest Arkansas has a relatively low rate of accidents and speeding tickets.

   Driver error is the leading cause of crashes in Arkansas. This includes distracted driving, driving under the influence (DUI), and disobeying traffic rules.

3. Massachusetts

   

4. Colorado

   

5. Georgia

   

6. Arizona

   

   Arizona has been ranked high in lists of states with the worst drivers due to factors like high rates of fatal crashes, drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding.

   Specifically, studies show that cities like Tucson and Phoenix have high numbers of deadly crashes and incidents involving distracted or drunk drivers.

   Arizona drivers are often considered bad due to a high prevalence of road rage, aggressive driving behaviors, and a large number of complaints about improper lane changes, speeding, and not using turn signals.

   These issues are often attributed to heavy traffic, hot weather, and a large influx of seasonal drivers (snowbirds) contributing to stress on the roads. Studies have even ranked Arizona as having the worst road rage in the nation.

7. Louisiana

   

   Louisiana is consistently ranked among states with the worst drivers, often placing in the top 10, due to a combination of factors like high rates of fatal accidents, drunk driving, and distracted driving.

   While there isn't one single reason, the state's rankings highlight a concerning pattern of dangerous driving behaviors.

   Louisiana drivers were ranked worst in the US for fatal accidents involving traffic signals, not wearing seat belts, and invalid driver's licenses.

   Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or talking to a passenger, is a significant contributor to fatal crashes in Louisiana.

8. Michigan

   

9. New York

   

10. Ohio

    
The Newcomers
11. ?

    West Virginia

    
12. ?

    Connecticut

    
The Contenders

13. Illinois

    

14. New Mexico

    

15. Montana

    

    Montana has a high rate of traffic fatalities, partly due to factors like extensive rural roads, higher speeds, and limited enforcement, which contribute to more severe crashes.

    Additionally, drinking and driving is a significant problem in Montana, with alcohol-impaired driving contributing to a high percentage of traffic fatalities.

    Montana has the highest number of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes in the country (9.22 per 100,000 licensed drivers).

    The state ranks fifth highest in the number of fatal car accidents involving a driver who was driving too fast for conditions, speeding, or racing (7.77 per 100,000 licensed drivers).

16. Pennsylvania

    

    According to several reports, Pennsylvania is often considered to have bad drivers due to a combination of factors, including frequent aggressive driving behaviors like speeding, cutting people off, not yielding, distracted driving, and poor road conditions with potholes and construction zones.

    There is also a perception of general road rage, particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. However, some studies have ranked Pennsylvania drivers as being relatively average compared to other states.

    While Pennsylvania drivers are often perceived as having poor driving habits, some studies suggest they are not among the worst in the country.

    Some factors contribute to this perception, including aggressive driving, failing road infrastructure, and potential survey bias.

17. Tennessee

    

    Studies suggest Tennessee has poor driving habits, particularly in some cities, due to factors like high rates of fatal crashes, DUI arrests, and uninsured drivers.

    Specifically, Memphis and Knoxville have been identified as cities with some of the worst driving habits in Tennessee. Factors contributing to these poor driving habits include infrastructure issues, traffic volume, and potentially higher rates of distracted or aggressive driving.

    According to several studies, Tennessee is often cited as having some of the worst drivers in the country due to a combination of factors, including high rates of accidents, DUIs, speeding violations, a large number of uninsured drivers, and potentially less stringent enforcement of traffic laws.

    This is particularly evident in rural areas, where such enforcement issues may contribute to more aggressive driving habits.

18. Virginia

    

19. New Jersey

    

    Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are the terrible trio of worst drivers in the country.

    The only reason why New York got on this list is because of New Jersey drivers. NJ drivers are just beyond horrible.

20. North Carolina

    

    North Carolina has been cited in studies as having some of the worst drivers in the US, particularly due to factors like high DUI rates and a significant number of traffic collisions.

    These findings are supported by data on traffic fatalities, drunk driving incidents, and speeding violations, according to a report from LendingTree.

    North Carolina has a DUI rate higher than 3.00 per 1,000 drivers, which is higher than many other states.

    In 2012, drunk driving accounted for 31% of all traffic fatalities in North Carolina.

21. South Carolina

    

22. Oklahoma

    

    Oklahoma is sometimes ranked among the states with the worst drivers due to factors like higher rates of road rage incidents, distracted driving, and drunk driving-related accidents.

    A recent Forbes Advisor study found that Oklahoma had higher than average percentages of drivers experiencing rude gestures, honking, and attempted blocking of their vehicles.

    According to recent studies, Oklahoma is often considered to have some of the worst drivers in the United States due to a high rate of aggressive driving, including tailgating and road rage.

    The state also has a higher than average number of fatal accidents involving distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic signs, as reported by Forbes Advisor.

23. Maryland

    

24. Hawaii

    

25. Delaware

    

26. Wyoming

    

27. Wisconsin