Worst Drivers by State: California Nudges Out of Top Spot
Introduction
LendingTree, an online loan marketplace, has released its annual Best and Worst Drivers by State report, which analyzes millions of insurance inquiries. The report reveals the top 10 states with the worst drivers, with California narrowly missing the top spot.
The Top 10 States with the Worst Drivers
According to the report, the top 3 states with the worst drivers are:
- Massachusetts (61.1 driving incidents per 1,000 drivers)
- Rhode Island (60.6 driving incidents per 1,000 drivers)
- California (55.0 driving incidents per 1,000 drivers)
The report also provides a breakdown of the key factors that determine the worst drivers, including crashes, DUIs, speeding-related incidents, and general citations.
Driving Incidents per 1,000 Drivers
| Rank | State | Driving Incidents per 1,000 Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 61.1 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 60.6 |
| 3 | California | 55.0 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 54.6 |
| 5 | New Jersey | 45.8 |
| 6 | North Carolina | 39.6 |
| 7 | Washington | 37.4 |
| 8 | Maryland | 34.9 |
| 9 | North Dakota | 34.7 |
| 10 | Utah | 32.1 |
California’s Performance
While California missed the top spot, it took the crown for DUIs, with a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents, the second-highest in the nation. California also ranked high in accident rates, with 39.7 accidents per 1,000 drivers.
Speeding-Related Incidents
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and California fared better in terms of speeding-related incidents, ranking 28th, 46th, and 48th, respectively.
Best Drivers by State
On the other hand, the states with the lowest number of driving incidents per 1,000 drivers are:
- Arkansas
- Michigan
- Vermont
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
Conclusion
The report highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the impact it can have on insurance rates. According to LendingTree, living in a state with bad drivers can increase insurance rates. It is essential to prioritize adequate insurance coverage, opt for higher deductibles, and periodically shop for better rates.
FAQs
Q: What factors determine the worst drivers by state?
A: The report considers crashes, DUIs, speeding-related incidents, and general citations.
Q: Which state has the worst drivers?
A: Massachusetts tops the list, followed by Rhode Island and California.
Q: How does California perform in the report?
A: California ranks 3rd, with a driving incidents per 1,000 drivers rate of 55.0. It also leads the nation in DUIs and ranks high in accident rates.
Q: What can I do to reduce my insurance rates?
A: Prioritize adequate insurance coverage, opt for higher deductibles, and periodically shop for better rates.
