Reckless driving is a problem that has plagued all of us at one point or another. In determining the states with the least favorable driving records, the analysis encompassed a comprehensive examination of all 50 states. We used data from SmartAsset, World Population Review to employ a systematic evaluation across four key indicators:
- The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, utilizing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Incidences of driving under the influence (DUI) arrests per 1,000 drivers, drawing data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The statistics on the number of drivers were obtained from the Department of Transportation.
- Percentage of insured drivers, with the most recent data available from the Insurance Research Council as reported by Forbes.
- Google Trends analysis on driving-related tickets, specifically the frequency of residents in each state searching for terms such as “speeding ticket” and “traffic ticket.”
Upon collecting data for each state across these metrics, individual rankings were assigned within each category. These average rankings were then employed to generate final “Index” scores for the states, with a score of 100 given to the state with the highest average ranking and a score of 0 for the state with the lowest average ranking.
Starting from the states with the best drivers and finishing with the worst drivers, here are the rankings.
1. Massachusetts
Earning the top position in our analysis of states with the best drivers, Massachusetts boasts a stellar driving record. A remarkable 96.5% of drivers in the state are insured, signifying a high level of compliance with insurance regulations. Additionally, Massachusetts maintains a low incidence of DUI arrests, with only 1.90 arrests per 1,000 drivers.
The state further distinguishes itself by recording a minimal number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at a commendable 0.51. As a result, Massachusetts achieves an exemplary index score of 0.00, reflecting its outstanding performance across all analyzed metrics.
2. Pennsylvania
Securing the second position, Pennsylvania demonstrates commendable driving practices. A solid 94.0% of drivers in the state carry insurance coverage, contributing to a sense of financial responsibility on the roads.
The state exhibits a relatively low number of DUI arrests, registering 1.39 arrests per 1,000 drivers. Although the number of fatalities is slightly higher at 1.03, Pennsylvania still performs well in comparison with an overall index score of 13.04.
3. New Hampshire
With an index score of 18.84, New Hampshire secures its position as one of the states with consistently responsible and secure driving practices. A substantial 93.9% of drivers in the state are insured, contributing to a sense of financial security in the event of accidents.
While New Hampshire records a higher number of DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers, standing at 4.28, the state demonstrates a commitment to enforcing safety regulations. Notably, the number of fatalities is a commendable 0.73, indicating a relatively safe driving environment.
4. Utah
In the fourth position for states with commendable driving records, Utah exhibits a robust commitment to road safety. A substantial 93.5% of drivers in the state are insured, reflecting a solid adherence to insurance regulations. With 2.40 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers, Utah maintains a vigilant stance against impaired driving.
Additionally, the state records a commendable 0.75 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, indicating a relatively safe driving environment. Utah achieves an index score of 22.46, solidifying its position as a state with responsible and secure driving practices.
5. New Jersey
Securing the fifth position in our ranking, New Jersey stands out for its exemplary driving habits. An impressive 96.9% of drivers in the state are insured, underscoring a high level of financial responsibility on the roads. The state maintains a proactive approach to DUI enforcement, with 3.31 arrests per 1,000 drivers.
New Jersey’s commitment to road safety is further evident in its low number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 0.71. With an index score of 24.64, New Jersey establishes itself as a state with consistently responsible and secure driving practices.
6. Vermont
Claiming the sixth spot for states with commendable driving habits, Vermont maintains a positive record across critical metrics. While the percentage of insured drivers is slightly lower at 91.2%, the state demonstrates a commitment to financial security in the event of accidents.
Vermont records 4.74 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers, indicating a proactive stance against impaired driving. Notably, the number of fatalities driven is commendable at 0.64, reflecting a relatively safe driving environment. With an index score of 25.36, Vermont secures its position as one of the states with consistently responsible and secure driving practices.
7. Connecticut
Tying with Vermont, Connecticut showcases commendable driving practices. A substantial 93.7% of drivers in the state are insured, contributing to a sense of financial responsibility on the roads. The state maintains a vigilant stance against impaired driving, recording 2.91 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers.
Additionally, Connecticut records 0.79 fatalities, reflecting a relatively safe driving environment. With an index score of 25.36, Connecticut establishes itself as a state with responsible and secure driving practices.
8. New York
Securing the eighth position, New York exhibits commendable driving practices. A solid 95.9% of drivers in the state carry insurance coverage, contributing to a sense of financial responsibility on the roads. The state maintains a proactive approach to DUI enforcement, with 2.05 per 1,000 drivers.
New York’s commitment to road safety is further evident in its low number of fatalities, standing at 0.75. With an overall index score of 35.51, New York establishes itself as a state with consistently responsible and secure driving practices.
9. Maine
Claiming the ninth spot for states with commendable driving habits, Maine maintains a positive record across crucial metrics. A substantial 95.1% of drivers in the state are insured, contributing to a sense of financial security in the event of accidents. Maine records a higher number of DUI arrests at 5.20 per 1,000 drivers, indicating a proactive stance against impaired driving.
Notably, the number of fatalities is slightly higher at 1.06, yet Maine still reflects a relatively safe driving environment. With an index score of 36.23, Maine secures its position as one of the states with consistently responsible and secure driving practices.
10. West Virginia
In the tenth position for states with commendable driving records, West Virginia demonstrates a commitment to road safety. A solid 90.8% of drivers in the state carry insurance coverage, contributing to a sense of financial responsibility on the roads.
West Virginia maintains a proactive approach to DUI enforcement, recording 2.11 arrests per 1,000 drivers. With an overall index score of 39.86, West Virginia establishes itself as a state with consistently responsible and secure driving practices.
11. Illinois
Securing the 11th position, Illinois showcases responsible driving practices with an index score of 39.86. The state ensures a high level of financial security, with 90.8% of drivers insured. Illinois maintains a proactive approach to DUI enforcement, recording 2.11 arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a relatively lower number of fatalities, standing at 1.36.
12. Delaware
Tying with Illinois, Delaware exhibits responsible driving practices, sharing an index score of 39.86 with Illinois. The state ensures a high level of financial security, with 90.8% of drivers insured.
Delaware also maintains a proactive approach to DUI enforcement, recording 2.11 arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.36.
13. Ohio
Claiming the 13th spot, Ohio demonstrates a satisfactory overall performance with an index score of 43.48. The state ensures financial security, with 87.0% of drivers insured. Ohio maintains a low incidence of DUI arrests, recording 1.53 arrests per 1,000 drivers. The number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven is moderately low at 1.01.
14. North Carolina
Securing the 14th position, North Carolina achieved an index score of 46.38, reflecting a moderate level of driving responsibility. With 92.6% of drivers insured, the state ensures a substantial level of financial security on the roads.
North Carolina maintains a low incidence of DUI arrests, recording 1.53 per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.12.
15. Minnesota
In the 15th position, Minnesota has an index score of 50. The state ensures financial security, with 91.7% of drivers insured. Minnesota maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 3.6 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.25.
16. Kansas
Like Minnesota, Kansas achieves an index score of 50, reflecting a balanced overall performance. With 89.1% of drivers insured, the state ensures financial security on the roads. Kansas maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 2.63 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities, standing at 1.29.
17. Indiana
Tying with Kansas and Minnesota at 50, Indiana demonstrates a balanced performance. With 84.2% of drivers insured, the state ensures a satisfactory level of financial security. Indiana maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 1.86 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities, standing at 0.98.
18. Virginia
In the 18th position, Virginia showcases a balanced performance with an index score of 50.72. The state ensures financial security, with 89.5% of drivers insured. Virginia maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 3.46 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities at 0.97.
19. South Dakota
Claiming the 19th spot, South Dakota achieves an index score of 52.9, indicating a moderate level of driving responsibility. With 92.6% of drivers insured, the state ensures a substantial level of financial security. South Dakota maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 8.65 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities, standing at 1.03.
20. Iowa
Iowa ties with South Dakota, registering an index score of 52.9. Notably, 88.7% of drivers in Iowa carry insurance coverage, contributing to financial security on the roads. With 4.25 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers, Iowa maintains vigilance against impaired driving. However, the state records a relatively higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.
21. Nebraska
Nebraska maintains a vigilant stance against impaired driving, with 3.97 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. A significant 90.7% of drivers in the state are insured, demonstrating a solid commitment to financial responsibility on the roads. While the number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven is slightly higher at 1.17, Nebraska exhibits responsible driving practices with an index score of 53.62.
22. Wisconsin
Claiming the 22nd spot, Wisconsin records an index score of 56.52, indicating a satisfactory overall performance. With 91.5% of drivers insured, the state showcases a high level of financial responsibility.
Wisconsin maintains a proactive approach to DUI enforcement, recording 4.53 arrests per 1,000 drivers. The number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven is slightly higher at 1.43, reflecting a balanced but cautious driving environment.
23. Montana
Tying with Wisconsin, Montana achieves an index score of 56.52, highlighting a moderate level of driving responsibility. While 86.7% of drivers in the state are insured, Montana confronts a higher incidence of DUI arrests, with 5.57 per 1,000 drivers. However, the state maintains a commendable low number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 0.85.
24. Michigan
In the 24th position, Michigan demonstrates a need for improvement in driving practices, recording an index score of 57.97. The state faces challenges with insurance coverage, as only 74.5% of drivers are insured. Michigan maintains a proactive stance against impaired driving, recording 3.58 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a notably higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 10.96.
25. Rhode Island
Claiming the 25th spot, Rhode Island achieves an index score of 59.42, reflecting a moderate level of driving responsibility. With 83.5% of drivers insured, the state ensures a substantial level of financial security on the roads. Rhode Island maintains a low incidence of DUI arrests, recording 3.26 per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 0.75.
26. Texas
Securing the 26th position, Texas exhibits a need for improvement in driving practices with an index score of 60.87. The state showcases a solid commitment to insurance coverage, with 91.7% of drivers insured. Texas maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 3.6 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.25.
27. Hawaii
In the 27th position, Hawaii achieves an index score of 61.59, indicating a moderate level of driving responsibility. With 90.7% of drivers insured, the state ensures a substantial level of financial security on the roads. Hawaii maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 4.29 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. The state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 0.98.
28. Oregon
Claiming the 28th spot, Oregon showcases a need for improvement in driving practices with an index score of 62.32. The state ensures financial security, with 89.3% of drivers insured. Oregon maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 4.25 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.37.
29. Georgia
Tying with Oregon, Georgia demonstrates responsible driving practices with an index score of 62.32. The state ensures a substantial level of financial security, with 87.6% of drivers insured. Georgia maintains an impressive low incidence of DUI arrests, recording 0.77 per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.12.
30. Maryland
In the 30th position, Maryland showcases responsible driving practices with an index score of 65.22. While the percentage of insured drivers is slightly lower at 85.9%, Maryland maintains a vigilant stance against impaired driving, recording 4.07 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 0.87.
31. Washington
Securing the 31st position, Washington exhibits a need for improvement in driving practices with an index score of 66.67. The state faces challenges with insurance coverage, as only 78.3% of drivers are insured. Washington maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 4.84 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 0.83.
32. Louisiana
In the 32nd position, Louisiana demonstrates responsible driving practices with an index score of 67.39. The state ensures financial security, with 88.3% of drivers insured. Louisiana maintains a low incidence of DUI arrests, recording 1.60 arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.42.
33. Idaho
Claiming the 33rd spot, Idaho achieves an index score of 68.12, reflecting a moderate level of driving responsibility. With 86.8% of drivers insured, the state ensures a substantial level of financial security. Idaho maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 6.30 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.24.
34. New Mexico
Securing the 34th position, New Mexico achieved an index score of 68.84, indicating a moderate level of driving responsibility. While 78.2% of drivers in the state are insured, New Mexico confronts a higher incidence of DUI arrests, with 5.39 per 1,000 drivers. However, the state maintains a commendable low number of fatalities, standing at 1.14.
35. Alaska
Like New Mexico, Alaska exhibits responsible driving practices with an index score of 68.84. The state ensures financial security, with 78.2% of drivers insured. Alaska maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 2.89 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.53.
36. Colorado
Claiming the 36th spot, Colorado achieves an index score of 70.29, indicating a balanced overall performance. With 83.7% of drivers insured, the state ensures financial security on the roads. Colorado maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 4.64 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers. However, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.09.
37. South Carolina
Securing the 37th position, South Carolina showcases responsible driving practices with an index score of 71.01. The state ensures a substantial level of financial security, with 89.1% of drivers insured.
South Carolina maintains a low incidence of DUI arrests, recording 2.01 per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.73.
38. Wyoming
In the 38th position, Wyoming exhibits a need for improvement in driving practices, with an index score of 71.74. The state showcases a high level of financial responsibility, with 94.2% of drivers insured.
Wyoming, however, confronts a higher incidence of DUI arrests, with 7.50 per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.44.
39. Alabama
Claiming the 39th spot, Alabama demonstrates responsible driving practices with an index score of 73.91. The state ensures financial security, with 80.5% of drivers insured. Alabama maintains an impressive low incidence of DUI arrests, recording 0.01 per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, the state records a commendable number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, standing at 1.30.
40. Arkansas
Securing the 40th position, Arkansas achieves an index score of 74.64, indicating a moderate level of driving responsibility. Additionally, the state records a slightly higher number of fatalities, standing at 1.36.
With 80.7% of drivers insured, the state ensures a substantial level of financial security. Arkansas maintains vigilance against impaired driving, recording 2.84 DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers.
41. Missouri
Missouri secured the penultimate position in the ranking of states with suboptimal driving records. The state exhibits the eleventh-lowest percentage of insured drivers, with only 83.6% of Missouri drivers carrying insurance. Moreover, both the incidence of DUI arrests and road fatalities in Missouri fall within the midrange when compared to other states.
42. Kentucky
Kentucky, neighboring Tennessee, claims the ninth position among states with less-than-ideal driving behaviors. The state records the tenth-highest number of DUI arrests, registering 5.14 per 1,000 drivers. Additionally, only 86.1% of drivers in Kentucky have insurance coverage.
43. Arizona
Occupying the forty-third spot, Arizona demonstrates relatively subpar driving habits. With a fatalities-per-mile rate of 1.4, Arizona ranks higher than some states in this regard. Although the percentage of insured drivers in Arizona stands at 88.2%, it still places the state in the lower echelons among its counterparts.
44. Tennessee
Tennessee claims the forty-fourth position, securing the seventh spot for less-than-ideal driving practices. A mere 76.3% of Tennessee drivers are insured, marking the third-lowest rate in the nation. The state has made a slight improvement in DUI arrests, decreasing from 3.63 in 2019 to about 3.50 per 1,000 drivers.
45. Oklahoma
Tying with Tennessee, Oklahoma reveals a mix of driving challenges. Only 86.6% of drivers in the state are insured, while it also boasts the sixth-highest rate of road fatalities and a DUI arrest rate of 3.60 per 1,000 drivers, positioning it among the lower-performing states.
46. Nevada
Nevada emerges as the state with the second-worst drivers in the U.S., securing the forty-sixth position. The state grapples with a high DUI arrest rate of 5.44 per 1,000 drivers and holds the unenviable distinction of having the highest online searches related to traffic ticket topics.
47. Florida
As the fourth-worst state for driving, Florida claims the forty-seventh spot. The state ranks fifth-lowest in the percentage of insured drivers at 79.6%, signifying a significant portion of motorists without insurance. Additionally, Florida records the ninth-highest fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, reaching 1.41.
48. California
Securing the forty-eighth position, California stands as the third-worst state for drivers. The state records the fifteenth-highest DUI arrest rate at 4.42 per 1,000 drivers, marking a decrease from the previous year. Moreover, California boasts a relatively low percentage of uninsured drivers at 83.4%.
49. North Dakota
Taking the forty-ninth spot, North Dakota contends with the title of second-worst state for drivers. While the percentage of insured drivers falls in the midrange at 87.0%, North Dakota has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest annual rate of DUI arrests, totaling 8.68 per 1,000 drivers.
50. Mississippi
Securing the unenviable top position for the third consecutive year, Mississippi is crowned the state with the worst drivers in the nation. With the lowest rate of insured drivers at 70.6%, Mississippi also records the second-highest number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, reaching 1.56.
