Hawaii, Oregon and New Mexico Top List of States with Worst Driving Behaviors

Hawaii, Oregon and New Mexico Top List of States with Worst Driving Behaviors

With traffic in the U.S. up by 2.1% since 2022 – being aware of where the worst driving behaviors occur is as important as ever. To shed light on these issues, Forbes Advisor Car Insurance recently polled 5,000 U.S. drivers to uncover their worst self admitted driving behaviors – and the results might surprise you.

Even though 94% of drivers rate themselves as “good drivers”, their self-reported actions tell a different story. Speeding, eating while driving, and rushing toward yellow lights are among the most common poor behaviors highlighted in the survey.

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, Oregon, or New Mexico, take extra caution – these states top the list for the worst driving behaviors in the country.

Some key findings from the survey include:

• Hawaii leads as the state with the worst driving habits, followed closely by Oregon and New Mexico.

• Tennessee, Ohio, and Pennsylvania rank as the states with the best driving behaviors.

• Speeding (less than 10 mph over the speed limit) is the most common bad habit, with 39% of drivers admitting to it in the last month.

• Eating while driving is the second most common issue, with 29% of drivers engaging in this behavior recently. The third most common bad habit is speeding up to a yellow light.

• Chevrolet drivers are reported to have the worst habits, followed by GMC and Buick drivers.

• Despite these findings, 94% of respondents still consider themselves good drivers, with a slight gender difference (96% of men vs. 94% of women).

• Half of Americans believe driving has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, while only 14% think it has improved.

For the full ranking of states with the worst driving behaviors and methodology: Forbes Advisor States With The Worst Driving Behaviors

To help ensure a safe and smooth journey, Jason Metz, lead editor at Forbes Advisor Car Insurance provided the below tips. Jason Metz is also available for media interviews and further comments upon request.

1. Plan your route in advance

Before hitting the road, take time to plan your route. Utilize navigation apps to get real-time updates on traffic and road conditions. This will help you to avoid unexpected delays and heavy congestion. It’s also a good idea to plan for rest stops, meals, and refueling along the way, especially if you’re traveling long distances.

2. Avoid peak travel times

Try to avoid peak hours. Leaving early in the morning or later in the evening can help you bypass the worst of the traffic. Typically, the heaviest traffic occurs on Friday afternoon and Monday evening as people head out and return from their trips.

3. Stay calm in traffic

Traffic jams are almost inevitable, but it’s important to stay calm and patient. Road rage and aggressive driving only increase the risk of accidents and make the experience more stressful for everyone. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you by using the “two-second rule”; this ensures you have enough time to react if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.

4. Keep kids and pets safe

If you’re traveling with children or pets, make sure they are safe and secure throughout the journey. Children should be in the appropriate car seats or seat belts, depending on their age and size. Pets should be properly restrained or in carriers to prevent distractions and keep them safe. Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car, even for a short period, as the interior can heat up quickly and become dangerous.

5. Review your car insurance coverage

Before setting off, take a moment to review your car insurance policy. Ensure that you have adequate coverage, especially if you’ll be driving in unfamiliar areas or across state lines. Check if your policy includes roadside assistance, which can be a lifesaver in case of a breakdown or accident far from home. Additionally, verify that your insurance information is up to date and easily accessible in case you need to file a claim while on the road.

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Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]