New Study: What Cities Have the Worst Drivers in 2024?

• 

  Written by Jaime Dunaway-Seale

Cities With the Worst Drivers, Ranked | 15 Cities With the Worst Drivers | 10 Cities With the Best Drivers | Rankings by Category | Methodology

For as much time as Americans spend in the car every year, you’d think they’d be better drivers. But reckless driving is happening everywhere across the U.S.

In theory, Americans say, “Oh, cell no” to texting, speeding, and drinking alcohol while behind the wheel of a vehicle, but many drivers actually practice the very behaviors they fear from others.

Although 74% of Americans say current speed limits are fair, 50% say they’ve gotten a speeding ticket and 67% say they get irritated when stuck behind a slow driver, according to a new survey from Real Estate Witch.

The results of this “do as I say, not as I do” mentality have led to disastrous consequences. Despite Americans driving fewer miles on the road since the pandemic, fatal traffic collisions have increased almost 19% nationwide from 2019 to 2022 — the last year for which full data is available.

Long-suffering Americans like to gripe that their city has the worst drivers, but we hate to brake it to you, not all of them actually do. 

To fuel the debate about which cities have the worst drivers, we analyzed the 50 most-populous U.S. metros based on the following weighted metrics:

• 4x: Average annual traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents 
• 3x: Average annual alcohol-related traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents
• 2x: Bicyclist fatalities by motorists per 100,000 residents
• 2x: Percentage of uninsured drivers in the state
• 1x: Average annual vehicle insurance premiums in the state 
• 1x: Days of precipitation per year
• 1x: Allstate’s best drivers rank 
• 1x: Google Trends for “DUI,” “drunk driving,” “speeding,” “traffic ticket,” and “car accident”
• 1x: Number of dangerous roads

Find out if drivers in your city pass inspection.

Cities With the Worst Drivers, Ranked

15 Cities With the Worst Drivers

1. Jacksonville, FL

Despite being named the worst drivers in 2023, Jacksonville motorists have not been sufficiently shamed into driving more responsibly. Their driving has actually gotten worse.

Jacksonville has the highest number of alcohol-related fatalities for the second year in a row. In 2023, the city recorded 3.8 drunk driving deaths per 100,000 residents — a preventable increase from 2.9 the previous year. 

As home to one of America’s most dangerous highways in Interstate 95, it’s not surprising that Jacksonville also has 68% more annual driving deaths than the average city, with 14.5 per 100,000 residents. That’s the most in Florida and the fourth-most among all cities studied.

Driving in these dangerous conditions is costly, and Jacksonville residents pay $2,745 in annual auto insurance premiums — about 40% more than the average price ($1,960).

2. Tampa, FL

With two of the most dangerous U.S. highways running through Tampa, the city’s roadways have earned the nickname “malfunction junction” for a reason. Confusing roads combined with increased traffic from Tampa’s growing population exacerbates the likelihood of collisions. 

Tampa has the fifth-most annual driving deaths, with 13.8 per 100,000 residents — about 60% more than the average city (8.6). Add 3.2 drunk driving deaths per 100,000 residents each year — 33% more than the average city (2.4) — and Tampa is one of the deadliest cities for drivers in the U.S. 

Tampa’s high-risk drivers are consequently forced to pay annual insurance premiums of $2,328 — nearly 19% more than the average rate of $1,960. Yet many drivers can’t afford the expense, and 20% of drivers go without insurance. 

3. Memphis, TN

Stubbornly high traffic fatalities are only getting worse in Memphis, with the number increasing from 13.3 in 2022. Likewise, the number of fatal alcohol-related collisions rose from 2.4 to 3.5 per 100,000 residents over the previous year.

When a motorist severely injured a cyclist earlier this year, the city’s reckless driving crisis came into the (head)light. Memphis has an above-average number of fatal collisions between drivers and cyclists, with 0.4 per 100,000 residents — 58% more than the average city (0.24). That has contributed to Memphis’ reputation as the worst bike city in America.

Such dangerous driving conditions caused Memphis to jump from No. 6 in 2023 to No. 3 on this year’s worst drivers list. 

Unfortunately for those involved in a collision in Memphis, the city has the second-highest rate of uninsured drivers. About 1 in 4 motorists (24%) are uninsured, despite paying below-average insurance premiums of $1,954.

4. Riverside, CA

California is home to several notoriously bad cities for drivers, but the worst isn’t Los Angeles or San Francisco. It’s Riverside.

Riverside residents need to do more thinking and less drinking before getting behind the wheel. The city ranks No. 3 for fatal drunk driving accidents per year, with 3.7 per 100,000 residents. That’s 53% more than the average city (2.4).

It’s no surprise, then, that Riverside residents search the web for “DUI” at the sixth-highest rate among all cities studied.

Riverside is also the fifth-worst city for commuters, with residents spending 46 hours a year sitting in traffic. Impatient drivers who put the pedal to the metal inevitably get caught and end up searching the web for “traffic ticket” at the fifth-highest rate among all cities studied.

5. Orlando, FL

There are plenty of exhilarating roller coasters in Orlando, but the wildest ride may be on the roads — especially when it rains. The city gets 130 days of precipitation a year — about 10% more than the average city — which creates conditions ripe for collisions. 

Drivers will want to keep their hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Still, Orlando records 12.1 annual traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents — 40% more than the average city (8.6).

Drivers on Orlando’s roads are a mix of locals, tourists, snowbirds, and retirees — all with different driving habits that can cause trouble when inhabiting a shared space. Cyclists often pay the price, with 0.7 fatal collisions between drivers and cyclists in Orlando each year. That’s nearly 3x more than the average city (0.24).

6. Louisville, KY

Too many Louisville drivers see the road through whiskey-colored glasses. The city has the second-most drunk driving deaths per year, with 3.74 per 100,000 residents — 56% more than the average city (2.4).

Louisville also has the third-most traffic-related fatalities, with 14.8 per 100,000 residents each year. That’s 72% more driving deaths than the average city (8.6).

Although Louisville motorists made our worst drivers list for the second consecutive year, they have made some progress — shifting out of the No. 2 spot in 2023.

7. Miami, FL

One hundred and forty-one days of precipitation a year don’t make Miami roads any easier to navigate. The large chunk of car accidents occur during wet weather, and unfortunately, Miami has about 28% more days of rain than the average city (109).

It’s no wonder Miami records 11.6 annual driving deaths per 100,000 residents — about 34% more than the average city (8.6). Miami motorists also cause 0.8 fatal collisions with cyclists, which is the second-highest rate in the U.S. behind only Tampa.

These high-risk drivers have contributed to the most expensive auto insurance premiums in the state and the third-most expensive in the U.S. At $3,938 a year, Miami drivers pay double the national average ($1,960).

8. Nashville, TN

Nashville is where hits happen onstage — and on the road. Music City records 12.6 driving deaths per 100,000 residents annually — about 46% more than the average city (8.6).

The metro area is home to two of the most deadly national thoroughfares in Interstate 40 and Highway 41, but local roads can pose just as much of a challenge. Drivers cruising down Honky Tonk Highway will face congestion, party tractors, and inebriated pedestrians.

The vibrant nightlife scene has led to an increase in drunk driving. Nashville has 3 alcohol-related driving deaths per 100,000 residents each year, compared to 2.4 across all cities studied. It’s no surprise, then, that Nashville residents rank No. 10 in online search volume for the keyword “DUI.”

Despite an above-average number of deadly collisions, 24% of Tennesseans have no coverage against vehicle-related injuries or damages. That’s the second-highest uninsured rate among all 50 cities studied, even though Nashville residents pay just $1,546 annually for auto insurance — about 21% less than the average price ($1,960).

9. Sacramento, CA

If online searches for unsafe driving terms are any indication of the trouble Sacramento drivers cause on the road, motorists will need to buckle up. California’s capital city ranks No. 2 in overall search volume for unsafe driving terms, including No. 4 for “car accident” and No. 9 for “traffic ticket.”

Sacramento’s dangerous network of roads doesn’t make traveling across the city any easier. Interstate 5 and Interstate 80 are two of the most deadly thoroughfares in the U.S. Consequently, Sacramento has 17% more driving deaths per year than the average city — 10.1 per 100,000 residents, compared to 8.6.

With so many fatal crashes, it’s unsurprising that Sacramento fell to the bottom of Allstate’s best drivers report. Out of 200 cities, Sacramento ranked No. 163.

10. Oklahoma City, OK

Motorists in Oklahoma City are literally driving people crazy with their careless behavior. Drivers need to get their heads out of their apps and focus on the road — especially on Interstates 35 and 40, two of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Drunk driving is also a sobering problem in the state capital, where there are 3.3 alcohol-related traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents every year — 36% more than the average city (2.4). Consequently, Oklahoma City residents rank No. 10 in online search volume for the term “drunk driving.”

Unfortunately, cyclists often bear the brunt of drunk and distracted driving. Oklahoma City has 0.3 fatal collisions between bikers and drivers per 100,000 residents each year — 47% more than the average city (0.24).

11. St. Louis, MO

We were routing for St. Louis to stay off the worst drivers list again this year, but an increase in drunk driving deaths drove this city into the top 15. Last year, St. Louis had just 2.2 alcohol-related traffic fatalities per 10,000 residents. That figure jumped to 3.7 this year — the fourth-highest rate among all cities studied.

In addition, St. Louis records 12 annual driving deaths per 100,000 residents — 39% more than the average city (8.6).

St. Louis residents’ propensity for reckless driving is evident in their online search history. They Googled the keyword “car accident” at the second-highest rate.

Unfortunately for motorists who have had a collision, 16% of Missouri drivers are uninsured — 25% more than the average state (13%).

12. Birmingham, AL

With local residents ranking No. 6 in online search volume for “speeding,” it’s no wonder Birmingham has one of the highest traffic fatality rates among all cities studied.

Add 2.9 alcohol-related driving deaths per 100,000 residents each year — 22% more than the average city (2.4) — and it’s clear Birmingham has a major road safety problem.

Despite the prevalence of collisions in Birmingham, 20% of residents are uninsured — even though they pay just $1,296 for car insurance annually. That’s the fourth-lowest price among all cities studied.

13. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans drivers pay more than double the national average for car insurance ($1,960) because state lawyers strongly encourage lawsuits for even minor collisions — of which there are many.

The Big Easy ranks No. 3 in fatal vehicle-bicycle collisions, with 0.71 per 100,000 residents annually. That’s 3x more than the average city (0.24). New Orleans also records above-average rates of annual traffic fatalities (8.8) and drunk driving deaths (2.6).

It’s easy to see why New Orleans residents search the web for unsafe driving terms 12% more often than residents in other cities. In fact, New Orleans residents rank No. 6 in search volume for “traffic ticket” and No. 8 for “speeding.”

14. Richmond, VA

There’s no shortage of high-speed thrills at the Richmond Raceway, but they’re not always confined to the track. With local motorists thinking they’re NASCAR drivers behind the wheel, the results can be deadly — especially on Interstate 95, one of the deadlines roads in the U.S.

Richmond records 10.6 annual driving deaths per 100,000 residents — 23% more than the average city (8.6) and 29% more than nearby Virginia Beach (8.2). The state capital also records 3.2 drunk driving deaths per 100,000 residents each year. That’s 33% more than the average city (2.4) and 28% more than Virginia Beach (2.5).

Richmond (0.30) does have about 9% fewer fatal bicycle-vehicle collisions than Virginia Beach (0.33). Richmond motorists, however, will need to hit the brakes on other bad driving behavior if they want to improve next year.

Richmond drivers ranked as the 16th-worst city last year but downshifted into the 14th-worst spot this year.

15. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City motorists may not be the worst in Missouri, but they’re still exhausting to share the road with. Kansas City records 11 annual driving deaths per 100,000 residents. Although that figure is 8% lower than in-state neighbor St. Louis (12), it’s still 27% higher than the average city (8.6).

Similarly, Kansas City (3.3) has fewer drunk driving deaths than St. Louis (3.7) but 38% more than the average city (2.4).

Although Kansas City drivers have one of the easiest commutes in the country — losing just 17 hours annually because of traffic — their route can be perilous. Two of the most deadly roads — Interstate 70 and Interstate 35 — pass through the Kansas City metro.

10 Cities With the Best Drivers

Drivers everywhere can be terrible, but some are going the extra mile to stay safe on the roads. Motorists in these cities are steering clear of trouble:

1. New York, NY
2. Boston, MA
3. Minneapolis, MN
4. Salt Lake City, UT
5. Buffalo, NY
6. Hartford, CT
7. San Francisco, CA
8. Raleigh, NC
9. Portland, OR
10. Washington, D.C.

New York City may seem like a surprising victor, but motorists who survive the crucible of frenzied cab drivers, swerving cyclists, and imperious pedestrians turn out to be some of the safest and most unflappable drivers in the U.S.

Data shows New York City records the fewest annual traffic fatalities, with 4.1 per 100,000 residents — 2x fewer than the average city (8.6). 

With so many ride-sharing and public transportation options, New York City also has the fewest drunk driving deaths, with 0.8 per 100,000 residents annually. That’s 3x fewer than the average city (2.4).

Overall, New York is one of six cities along the East Coast that have an abundance of good drivers — despite their reputation for being rude and aggressive. 

These cities tend to have well-developed public transportation networks that can result in fewer traffic deaths. Not to mention, these small, densely designed states take less time to navigate, leading to less time in the car and the potential for fewer collisions.

Rankings by Category

Methodology

Real Estate Witch compared the 50 largest U.S. metro areas across the metrics listed below. Each metric was normalized and graded on a 100-point scale. The combined weighted average of each score determined the overall “worst city for driving.”

• Five-year driving deaths average per 100,000 residents (25%)
• Five-year alcohol-related driving deaths average per 100,000 residents (18.75%)
• Percentage of uninsured motorists in the state (12.5%) 
• Bicyclist fatalities by motorists per 100,000 residents (12.5%)
• Number of “dangerous roads” in the metro area (6.25%) 
• Google Trends data for driving-related keywords (6.25%) 
• Annual days of precipitation (6.25%) 
• Annual auto insurance premiums by metro. State data was used when metro data was unavailable (6.25%) 
• Allstate’s 2019 Best Drivers Report (6.25%)

Sources for this study include the U.S. Census, the Insurance Research Council, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Centers for Environmental Information, the National Bureau of Economic Research, Google Trends, Allstate, The Zebra, and CountyHealthRankings.org.

About Real Estate Witch

You shouldn’t need a crystal ball or magical powers to understand real estate. Since 2016, Real Estate Witch has demystified real estate through in-depth guides, honest company reviews, and data-driven research. In 2020, Real Estate Witch was acquired by Clever Real Estate, a free agent-matching service that has helped consumers save more than $160 million on realtor fees. Real Estate Witch’s research has been featured in CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, Chicago Tribune, Black Enterprise, and more.

More Research From Real Estate Witch

We Found the Best Weed Cities in America: Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, but many of the best cities for stoners have plenty of walking trails instead. Discover if your city was left high and dry.

The True Cost of Homeownership: Just like vehicles, homes need regular maintenance. Find out how much homeowners spend each year.

2024 Millennial Home Buyer Report: Millennials are packing up their cars and moving into homes. Learn the sacrifices they’re making to become homeowners.

Articles You May Like

How to Find a Real Estate Agent in 2024: To find an agent who fits your needs, use an agent-matching service, ask for referrals from people you trust, or research options online. Learn the pros and cons of each.

Top 6 Low-Commission Realtors + Companies: Match with top-rated discount agents in your area to save money on your home sale.

Most Accurate Home Value Estimator of 2024: We evaluated the most popular home value estimators to learn which had the most accurate results. See our findings.

FAQs