When it comes to driving, some states have a reputation for having more challenging road conditions and riskier behaviors. Let’s take a look at the states with the worst drivers based on various metrics:
Texas: Texas tops the list of worst drivers by state. It scores 100 out of 100 in the analysis. Notably, Texas ranks second worst in the nation for fatal car accidents involving drowsy drivers and wrong-way driving. It also reports a high number of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes and distracted driving incidents.
Louisiana: Louisiana comes in second, with a score of 89.32 out of 100. It has the third-highest number of fatal car accidents involving distracted drivers and ranks eighth in drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes. Additionally, Louisiana reports fatal accidents involving drowsy drivers.
Kansas: Kansas ranks third, scoring 84.79 out of 100. It has the second-highest number of fatal car accidents involving distracted drivers and the third-highest number of accidents where drivers disobeyed traffic signs or signals. These factors contribute to its position on the list.
Interestingly, Connecticut stands out as home to the best drivers in the nation. Other states with good driving records include Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island.
How is Texas in Comparison to Other States?
| State | Score (out of 100) | Fatal Accidents Involving Drowsy Drivers (per 100,000 licensed drivers) | Fatal Accidents Involving Wrong-Way Driving (per 100,000 licensed drivers) | Drunk Drivers in Fatal Crashes (per 100,000 licensed drivers) | Fatal Accidents Involving Distracted Drivers (per 100,000 licensed drivers) |
| Texas | 100 | 1.35 | 1.53 | 17.24 | 1.92 |
| Louisiana | 89.32 | 0.9 | N/A | 13.44 | 3.74 |
| Kansas | 84.79 | N/A | 1.47 | N/A | 4.46 |
Texas
- Second worst in the nation for fatal car accidents involving drowsy drivers and wrong-way driving.
- The third highest number of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes.
- The ninth-highest number of fatal car accidents involving distracted drivers.
Louisiana:
- The third highest number of fatal car accidents involving distracted drivers.
- The eighth-highest number of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes.
- The tenth-highest number of fatal car accidents involving drowsy drivers.
Kansas
- The second highest number of fatal car accidents involving distracted drivers.
- The third highest number of fatal car accidents involving drivers disobeying traffic signs or signals.
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Reasons Behind High Rate of Worst Drivers
Drowsy Driving: Texas leads the nation in fatal accidents involving drowsy drivers. The vast open spaces and long highways in Texas can lead to monotonous driving conditions, increasing the likelihood of driver fatigue. Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time, making it a significant risk factor on the roads.
Additionally, Texas’s extensive oil and gas industry often requires workers to travel long distances, contributing to the prevalence of drowsy driving incidents.
Wrong-Way Driving: Texas also has the highest number of fatal accidents related to drivers going the wrong way on roads. Factors contributing to wrong-way driving incidents include impaired or intoxicated drivers, confusing road layouts, and inadequate signage. These incidents pose a severe threat to public safety and often result in catastrophic collisions.
Drunk Driving: Approximately 17.24 out of every 100,000 drivers in Texas are involved in drunk-driving-related fatal accidents, ranking it third highest in the country. Widespread availability of alcohol and cultural attitudes towards drinking contribute to the prevalence of drunk driving incidents.
Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio divert attention away from the road and increase the risk of collisions. Despite laws prohibiting texting while driving, many motorists continue to engage in distracting behaviors, contributing to the state’s poor driving record.
Speeding and Lane Control: Speeding is a common issue on Texas roads, exacerbated by long stretches of highway with high-speed limits. Additionally, inadequate lane control and aggressive driving behaviors further contribute to the state’s high accident rates.
Population Growth and Construction: The Dallas area, in particular, faces challenges due to rapid population growth and extensive construction projects. Urban sprawl and increased development lead to congestion and stress on the roads, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
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Initiatives Taken to Control the Issue
Traffic Safety Campaigns:
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) runs several public awareness campaigns to promote safe driving. These campaigns cover topics such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and pedestrian safety. Examples include:
- Talk. Text. Crash.: Focused on discouraging distracted driving.
- Be Safe. Drive Smart.: An umbrella campaign emphasizing safe driving practices in various contexts, including energy sectors and work zones.
Also, Read: State with the 2nd Highest Obesity Rate in the US
Infrastructure Improvements:
Texas is slated to receive approximately $35 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These funds will be used to enhance the state’s roads, bridges, and highways, addressing issues related to aging infrastructure and poor road conditions.
Bridge Maintenance and Repair:
Despite having a high percentage of non-acceptable roads, Texas benefits from relatively better bridges. Only 1% of its bridges fall into the poor condition category. Regular maintenance and repair efforts contribute to keeping bridges in better shape.
Public Awareness and Education:
Continued education campaigns on safe driving practices, seat belt usage, and avoiding risky behaviors contribute to improving driver behavior.
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Conclusion
Despite Texas’s reputation for having some of the worst drivers in the nation, initiatives such as traffic safety campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness efforts aim to address the root causes of road accidents. While challenges like drowsy driving and drunk driving persist, ongoing efforts seek to mitigate risks and promote safer roads for all motorists.
SOURCE: usnews.com, autoinsurance.org