Detroit: No. 3 for Worst Drivers in America

3Photo byAleksandr PopovonUnsplash

Have you ever found yourself muttering under your breath as a reckless driver cuts you off or weaves between lanes? Well, if you're in Detroit, you might have more reasons to grumble than you think. According to a recent study, the Motor City has clinched the unenviable title of the third-worst city for drivers in the United States.

Forbes Advisor, in its analysis, delved into various metrics to determine which cities across America are plagued by the most hazardous driving conditions. Detroit's placement near the top of this list underscores a troubling reality for its residents.

The study considered five key factors:

Number of fatal car accidents per 100,000 city residents

Number of fatal car accidents involving a drunken driver per 100,000 city residents

Number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver per 100,000 city residents

Number of fatal car accidents involving speeding per 100,000 city residents

Number of people killed in fatal crashes per 100,000 city residents

These metrics, which spanned a five-year period from 2017 to 2021 and drew upon data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau, painted a grim picture for Detroit. With a cumulative score of 94.97 out of 100, the city's drivers face significant challenges on the road.

Detroit's troubling statistics include:

A high rate of fatal car accidents (19.76 per 100,000 city residents)

A significant number of fatal car accidents involving drunken drivers (6.54 per 100,000 city residents)

A notable prevalence of fatal car accidents involving speeding (6.8 per 100,000 city residents)

A concerning number of fatalities in crashes (21.47 per 100,000 city residents)

Interestingly, despite these alarming figures, Detroit's rate of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers ranked relatively lower, at No. 22, which helped prevent the city from securing the top spot on the list.

However, the unfortunate reality remains: Detroit sits among the cities with the most perilous roadways, with its drivers facing substantial risks every time they hit the streets.

At the pinnacle of the list sits Albuquerque, New Mexico, boasting a perfect score of 100 out of 100 for the worst drivers in the nation, followed closely by Memphis, Tennessee, with a score of 98.51.

Surprisingly, some cities fared better than expected. Columbus, Ohio, for instance, ranked significantly lower than Detroit, claiming the 33rd spot with a score of 34.64.

Top 10 Cities with the Worst Drivers, According to Forbes Advisor:

1. Albuquerque, New Mexico

2. Memphis, Tennessee

3. Detroit, Michigan

4. Tucson, Arizona

5. Kansas City, Missouri

6. Dallas, Texas

7. Louisville, Kentucky

8. Phoenix, Arizona

9. Fort Worth, Texas

10. Tampa, Florida

While this ranking may not come as a shock to many Detroit residents who navigate the city's roads daily, it serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures and driver education initiatives. Until then, motorists in Detroit may need to exercise extra caution to navigate their way through the urban jungle safely.