Trucking News

States with Worst Drivers

By David A. Kolman

In my previous blog, I shared some findings about from the sixth annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test. The test, developed from actual written Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tests, found that some 38 million licensed drivers lack basic driving knowledge.

The study also ranked states by worst drivers. You may want to change your driving habits in certain states.
After dropping to fourth place for the state with the best drivers last year, Kansas regained its 2008 number 1 ranking this year. New York drivers ranked last (worst) for the third time in the survey’s six year history.
Kansas, Oregon, South Dakota and Minnesota are the top four ranked states with highest scores. Washington, DC; California; New York; and New Jersey ranked in the bottom four this year.

Both New York and New Jersey have ranked in the bottom four for the last five years.

Wisconsin, which tied with Idaho for the best score last year, dropped to number 12 this year.

The Northeast had the lowest average test scores and had the highest failure rate. The Midwest region had the highest average test scores and the lowest failure rates.

Here is the top ten, in order of worst drivers by state to best drivers by state. (Complete list here)
Be sure to adjust your safe driving habits accordingly:

1. New York – 70.0 (test score)
2. New Jersey – 70.5
3. Dist. of Columbia – 71.9
4. California – 73.3
5. Rhode Island – 73.8
6. Louisiana – 74.1
7. West Virginia – 74.8
7. Hawaii – 74.8
9. New Hampshire – 74.9
9. Kentucky – 74.9