Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
A 2024 study by The Barnes Firm analyzed all 50 states to determine the ones with the most reckless drivers. The number of fatal crashes caused by distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol involvement was considered to rank the states. DUI arrests per 100K people, road rage prevalence, and the rate of uninsured drivers were also examined. These factors were normalized and weighted to reflect their impact on driving safety, resulting in a final composite score to rank each state.
US States |
Total Number of Licensed Drivers |
Number of Fatal Crashes Caused by Distracted Drivers, 2022 |
Number of Fatal Crashes Speeding Involved, 2022 |
Number of Fatal Crashes Alcohol Involved, 2022 |
DUI Arrests per 100K People |
Percentage of Drivers with Road Rage |
Rate of Uninsured Drivers |
Composite Score |
| California | 27,112,595 | 142 | 1,285 | 2,385 | 311 | 63.4 | 16.60% | 9.1 |
| Texas | 18,297,900 | 447 | 1,393 | 3,143 | 228.9 | 82.23 | 8.30% | 9.1 |
| Arizona | 5,795,216 | 63 | 376 | 737 | 344.8 | 100 | 11.80% | 8 |
| Florida | 16,144,302 | 250 | 341 | 1,580 | 156 | 59.52 | 20.40% | 7.1 |
| Colorado | 4,411,587 | 64 | 260 | 432 | 422 | 61.28 | 16.30% | 6.8 |
| Missouri | 4,275,228 | 80 | 329 | 494 | 303.7 | 59.47 | 16.40% | 6.8 |
| Ohio | 8,283,546 | 55 | 272 | 874 | 128.9 | 77.82 | 13.00% | 6.4 |
| New York | 11,879,057 | 120 | 373 | 605 | 136.7 | 65.32 | 4.10% | 6.3 |
| New Mexico | 1,477,213 | 173 | 160 | 255 | 198.7 | 23.35 | 21.80% | 6.2 |
| Alabama | 4,061,837 | 45 | 219 | 443 | 147.6 | 96.12 | 19.50% | 6.1 |
Ranks 1st for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 9.1. The state leads in fatal crashes involving speeding, totaling 1,285, and alcohol-related incidents, with 2,385 fatalities. Additionally, DUI arrests are relatively high at 311 per 100K people, contributing to California’s hazardous driving conditions. California also leads in the number of licensed drivers, totaling more than 27,112,000.
It is 2nd with a composite score of 9.1. This high score is largely due to the state’s alarming number of alcohol-related fatal crashes, totaling 3,143—the highest in the nation. Additionally, Texas faces significant issues with road rage, impacting overall driving safety. The state also leads in fatal crashes caused by distracted drivers, with 447 incidents in 2022.
Ranks 3rd for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 8.0. The state experiences a high number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 376 and alcohol-involved crashes at 737. Arizona also has the highest percentage of drivers having road rage, further increasing the risk on its roads.
Comes 4th with a composite score of 7.1. The state has a significant number of fatal crashes caused by distracted drivers, totaling 250, and a high rate of uninsured drivers at 20.4%. These factors, combined with a notable level of road rage incidents, make Florida one of the states with the most dangerous drivers.
Ranks 5th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.8. The state experiences a high number of DUI arrests at 422 per 100K people and a significant number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 260. Colorado also has a notable issue with alcohol-involved crashes, totaling 432.
Ranks 6th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.8. The state has a high number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 329 and alcohol-involved crashes at 494. Missouri also faces issues with a significant percentage of uninsured drivers at 16.4%.
It is the 7th state with the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.4. The state faces substantial issues with fatal crashes involving alcohol, which number 874, and a high prevalence of road rage. Ohio’s rate of uninsured drivers is 13%, contributing to its high composite score. Although Ohio’s alcohol-involved crashes are significantly lower than those in Texas and California, they are twice the national average.
Ranks 8th with a composite score of 6.3. The state has a significant number of fatal crashes involving speeding, totaling 373, and alcohol-related incidents, with 605 fatalities. New York also experiences a high prevalence of road rage, impacting overall road safety. The rate of uninsured drivers is the second lowest in the nation at 4.10%, coming only after Massachusetts.
Ranks 9th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.2. The state experiences a high number of distracted driving crashes at 173 and a significant rate of uninsured drivers at 21.8%, the highest among the top 10 states. New Mexico also faces challenges with alcohol-related crashes, totaling 255.
It is 10th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.1. The state has a high number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 219 and alcohol-involved crashes at 443. Alabama also faces issues with a significant percentage of uninsured drivers at 19.5%.
“As lawyers, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact reckless driving can have on individuals and families. Critical issues we’ve been addressing for years, particularly in states like Texas and California where the rates of fatal crashes and DUI incidents are exceptionally high. One point that stands out is the alarming prevalence of road rage in Arizona, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. These insights underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better driver education to enhance road safety across the nation.”
Brett Manske – Personal Injury Lawyer in Rochester, NY
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