Driving habits vary across the United States, but some states are consistently ranked as the worst for drivers. From distracted behaviors to aggressive speeding, these states face serious challenges when it comes to road safety.
Here’s a closer look at 15 states that have earned their unfortunate spot on this list.
Mississippi
Driving in Mississippi comes with unique risks that make it one of the most dangerous states for motorists. The state consistently records some of the highest fatality rates per mile driven, with speeding and alcohol-related incidents playing a significant role.
Seatbelt use is another issue, as many drivers fail to buckle up, which worsens injuries during crashes. Efforts to improve road safety have been made, but risky driving habits and infrastructure issues remain a persistent problem.
Texas
Navigating the roads in Texas can be a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. Fatal crashes are a frequent occurrence, especially in bustling cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, where congestion leads to aggressive driving.
Distracted driving also continues to be a major concern, with texting and phone use behind the wheel contributing to thousands of accidents each year.
California
Los Angeles and San Francisco are notorious for gridlock, where drivers frequently engage in risky behaviors like weaving through traffic or speeding during brief openings. Phone use remains one of the leading causes of accidents in the state, and on highways like the 101 or I-5, reckless lane changes and tailgating are all too common, adding to the stress of commuting.
Missouri
Nearly one in five traffic fatalities in Missouri involves speeding, highlighting the widespread danger on the state’s roads. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating and excessive speeding are especially common in urban areas such as St. Louis and Kansas City. In rural regions, sharp curves and poor visibility add to the risks, while distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes.
Florida
Taking a drive in Florida often feels like navigating an obstacle course. Studies consistently highlight high rates of bad driving, particularly in tourist-heavy cities like Orlando and Miami. Aggressive behaviors such as speeding and road rage contribute to frequent crashes, while the state’s aging infrastructure makes conditions worse.
Insurance claims in Florida are among the highest in the nation, reflecting the risks drivers face every day.
South Carolina
South Carolina faces an uphill battle when it comes to road safety. The state has one of the highest fatality rates in the country, with speeding and alcohol use among the top contributing factors.
Rural areas are particularly dangerous, as narrow roads without proper safety features lead to severe accidents. Furthermore, many South Carolina drivers fail to wear seatbelts, which only adds to the risks.
Louisiana
Traffic in this state often feels unpredictable and risky, with a mix of challenges making the roads dangerous. Drunk driving incidents are especially concerning, contributing to a significant number of accidents statewide.
In cities like New Orleans, heavy congestion often leads to impatient and aggressive driving, increasing the chances of collisions. Adding to the problem, many of the state’s roads are in poor condition, with potholes and outdated infrastructure creating further hazards.
Alabama
Traffic fatalities in Alabama are alarmingly high, particularly in rural areas where law enforcement is limited. Speeding and drunk driving are common, with reckless behavior contributing to the state’s poor safety record. As in other states, many drivers also engage in distracted driving, often using their phones while on the road.
Georgia
Despite recent efforts to improve road safety laws in Georgia, many of these issues remain deeply ingrained in the state’s driving culture.
Georgia’s roads can be difficult to navigate, especially in the busy metro areas. Also, Atlanta’s notorious traffic jams often bring out aggressive driving behaviors, from tailgating to weaving through lanes without signaling.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, nearly half of all fatal crashes occur on rural roads, where narrow lanes and a lack of proper safety features create dangerous conditions. Speeding on these roads only makes the problem worse.
Additionally, the state’s seatbelt usage is below the national average, resulting in more severe injuries when accidents happen. Combined, these factors contribute to Arkansas’s troubling road safety statistics.
Kentucky
Kentucky has a lot of winding rural roads, so speeding and drunk driving are significant issues, with many accidents occurring in areas where visibility is limited.
The state’s traffic fatality rate is one of the highest in the region, reflecting a combination of dangerous driving habits and challenging road conditions.
Public safety initiatives have tried to raise awareness, but many drivers continue to engage in behaviors that put themselves and others at risk.
Nevada
Road safety in Nevada takes a hit due to the mix of local drivers and out-of-state tourists. Las Vegas sees a particularly high number of accidents, often caused by distracted drivers unfamiliar with the area.
Speeding is another major concern, especially on highways leading out of the city where drivers push their limits. Drunk driving remains a persistent problem, with the state ranking poorly in alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
Oklahoma
Drunk driving incidents are a major concern in Oklahoma, contributing to a significant number of fatal accidents each year. Phone use also remains a problem despite efforts to enforce stricter laws. It’s also worth noting that getting around in Oklahoma can be tricky, especially on rural roads where maintenance is often lacking and drivers often ignore posted speed limits and put others at risk.
Montana
Driving in Montana might seem straightforward, but the state’s open roads hide significant risks. Speeding is a common issue, with many drivers treating the state’s highways as racetracks. Drunk driving incidents are alarmingly frequent, and seatbelt use is among the lowest in the country.
Rural areas often lack adequate law enforcement, allowing bad driving habits to go unchecked. While Montana’s scenic routes are stunning, the state’s safety issues make driving a potentially dangerous experience.
New Mexico
Driving in New Mexico can be pretty risky, and it’s not hard to see why. Distracted driving, like texting or just not paying attention, causes a lot of accidents. On top of that, speeding and drunk driving are big problems, leading to far too many fatal crashes. If you’re heading out into rural areas, the poorly maintained roads can make things even worse.
Even though there’s been work to fix up the roads and crack down on unsafe driving, getting around in New Mexico still comes with plenty of challenges.