Discover the 10 States with the Worst Drivers

Everyone thinks their state has terrible drivers, just like everyone claims their state has the most unpredictable weather. But which states are actually plagued by the worst drivers in America? As fatal accidents surge nationwide, it’s more important than ever to take caution when behind the wheel. We’ve looked past just fatal crashes and taken into account DUI rates, safe driving habits, and uninsured driver rates to give a clearer picture of which states really have the most dangerous drivers.

1. Mississippi

Buckle up because navigating Mississippi’s roads can be a wild ride. With the highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country, you’re playing a risky game every time you hit the road. And if that wasn’t alarming enough, seatbelt compliance ranks among the lowest, as Mississippi is the third worst state for seatbelt usage. With a staggering 26.6 deaths per 100,000 people, the state comes in 1st place for bad drivers. Mississippi also takes the lead in distracted driving, with a shocking 8% of drive time spent on phones.

2. Montana

Montana’s roads are among the most treacherous in the nation. The state ranks disappointingly low for safe driving habits, making it a challenging place to navigate. With a startling 21.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Montana comes in 2nd for worst drivers. A staggering 70% of all fatalities are single-vehicle crashes, due largely to drunk driving. 47% of fatal crashes involve intoxicated drivers. So, if you find yourself driving through Montana, exercise caution, stay alert, and always designate a sober driver.

3. New Mexico

With one of the lowest scores for safe driving habits in the nation, New Mexico roads demand extra caution. Making matters worse is the high number of uninsured drivers, as the 4th worst state. With 22.7 deaths per 100,000 people, New Mexico is the 3rd worst state for driving. What’s particularly troubling is the prevalence of alcohol-related fatalities, with 36% of fatal crashes involving intoxicated drivers. So, if you find yourself behind the wheel in New Mexico, stay vigilant and buckle up.

4. South Carolina

South Carolina faces some tough road challenges, with the lowest score for safe driving choices. With a concerning rate of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 people, it is the 4th worst state for drivers. Adding to the danger, in 38% of fatal crashes, the driver was drunk. On top of this, South Carolina is known for having some of the worst roads in the country.

5. Louisiana

Louisiana finds itself among the worst states for drivers, with a concerning rate of 21 deaths per 100,000 people. Adding to the risk, a staggering 33% of fatal crashes involve drunk drivers. Moreover, with a majority of fatal crashes occurring in urban areas, navigating Louisiana’s bustling cities poses additional challenges for motorists. With such alarming statistics, it’s clear that Louisiana’s roads require defensive driving and heightened vigilance.

6. South Dakota

South Dakota is the 6th worst state for drivers, with 16.5 deaths per 100,000 people and the highest DUI arrest rate in the nation. There is a DUI for every 162,000 miles traveled. Similar to Montana, most fatal crashes involve only one car due to drunk driving. In 37% of fatal crashes, the driver was intoxicated. With such concerning statistics, it’s evident that navigating South Dakota’s roads demands caution and vigilance.

7. Texas

Texas stands as the 7th most perilous state for drivers, with 15.2 deaths per 100,000 people and over 4,000 fatal crashes a year. The majority of these tragic accidents occur in rural areas, highlighting the dangers of speeding and tired driving in Texas’ countryside. Texas reported the most crashes from driving on the wrong side of the road and the wrong way down one-way streets. Safe travel in the Lone Star State demands heightened caution and awareness on both urban and rural roads.

8. Arkansas

Arkansas makes the list as the 8th worst state for drivers, with a staggering rate of 22.9 deaths per 100,000 people. With high DUI rates, 26% of all fatal crashes involve a drunk driver. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, increased speeding and drunk driving resulted in a 24.9% increase in fatal accidents from 2019 to 2020. Exercise caution when navigating Arkansas roads.

9. Idaho

Idaho ranks 9th among the worst states for drivers. While scoring lower on fatal crashes, with a rate of 11.5 deaths per 100,000 people, it is the 5th worst state for DUIs. Idaho’s highways pose significant dangers, particularly with the prevalence of impaired driving.

10. Oklahoma

Oklahoma comes in 10th for worst drivers, with a high rate of fatal accidents at 19.1 deaths per 100,000 people. A troubling 23% of fatal crashes involve a drunk driver, with the state ranking 10th in the US for DUI arrests. It’s clear that Oklahoma faces significant challenges in curbing dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.

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