It often seems as if every time you log onto the Internet that you are bombarded with news items discussing some seemingly random set of rankings or ratings. From electronics and cars to restaurants and universities, there is virtually no topic that is immune to this level of scrutiny.
Indeed, several groups have recently released reports ranking the individual states in terms of which has the worst drivers:
- In 2010, the Daily Beast determined that the worst drivers in the U.S. could be found in North Dakota, Montana, Kentucky and Louisiana. It arrived at this conclusion after examining federal crash data and isolating those fatal car accidents in which driver error was a contributing factor.
- In 2011, National General Insurance (formerly GMAC Insurance) determined that the worst drivers in the U.S. could be found in Washington, D.C. It arrived at this conclusion after determining that only 71 percent of residents in our nation’s capital could likely pass the written driving examination.
- In recent developments, the website CarInsuranceComparison.com recently released its own report ranking the ten states with the worst drivers. As always, the results are nothing less than surprising.
After gathering data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Motorists Association, the researchers proceeded to compare and contrast which states had the highest rates of traffic fatalities per 100 million miles driven, DUI arrests, and speeding/careless driving citations. It also looked at which states had seat belt laws and the highest rates of tickets for failure to obey traffic signals.
How did Tennessee fare in the rankings?
Fortunately, the Volunteer State did not crack the top ten. However, many of the usual suspects are front and center:
- Louisiana
- South Carolina
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Alabama
- Florida
- Missouri (tie)/North Carolina (tie)
- Montana
- North Dakota
Remember, if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident caused by the negligence of another, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced and dedicated attorney.
Source: USA Today, “Which state has the worst drivers,” Larry Copeland, Dec. 16, 2013
